There’s something oddly satisfying about turning a humble vegetable into a dish that feels like a treat. Cauliflower fried rice is my go-to when I’m craving a quick, light meal. The way the cauliflower soaks up the flavors, almost like it’s been waiting its whole life for this moment, is just pure culinary magic.
Steps
- Grate the cauliflower using a food processor or a large-holed grater, unless using pre-packaged cauliflower rice.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt, scramble until cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Clean the skillet, then add 3 tablespoons of oil. Sauté the light parts of the scallions, along with garlic and ginger, for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the grated cauliflower, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, and salt. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes.
- Add the peas and carrots, cooking until the cauliflower becomes tender-crisp and vegetables are heated through.
- Mix in rice vinegar, sesame oil, the dark green parts of the scallions, nuts if using, and scrambled eggs. Adjust the seasoning and serve hot.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt
- 1 cup chopped scallions, separated into light and green parts (approximately 5-6 scallions)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger (from a 1-inch piece)
- One 2-lb head of cauliflower or 2 pounds of “ready to cook” cauliflower rice, thawed if frozen
- 4-5 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free if required)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup chopped cashews or peanuts (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1092 | Fat: 68 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Carbohydrates: 88 g | Sugar: 32 g | Fiber: 28 g | Protein: 48 g | Sodium: 6868 mg | Cholesterol: 372 mg
FAQ
- What is cauliflower rice and how does it compare to regular rice?
- Cauliflower rice is simply cauliflower that has been grated into small, rice-like pieces. While it is not exactly the same as traditional rice, it mimics rice by absorbing flavors well and providing a similar texture.
- Is it possible to make cauliflower rice at home, and what tools do I need?
- Yes, you can easily make cauliflower rice at home using a food processor with a grating disc or a hand grater. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-grated cauliflower rice from most supermarkets.
- Can I use frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe?
- Yes, frozen cauliflower rice can be used in this recipe. Just ensure it is thawed before cooking to achieve the best texture.
- Is this cauliflower fried rice recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
- The recipe can be adapted for a gluten-free diet by using gluten-free soy sauce and checking all other ingredients to ensure they do not contain hidden gluten. Always verify ingredient labels if you are following a strict gluten-free diet.
- What are some variations or additional ingredients I can add to this dish?
- You can customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms. For added protein, consider incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Nuts like cashews or peanuts can also be included for extra texture and flavor.
Tips
- Prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking, as this dish is a quick stir-fry and requires everything to be ready for smooth execution.
- If you can’t find pre-packaged cauliflower rice, make your own by grating fresh cauliflower with a food processor or a hand grater.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences after cooking, especially the soy sauce, to ensure the dish is seasoned perfectly for your liking.
- For a gluten-free version, make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and verify all other ingredients are also free from gluten.
Equipment
- Food Processor with Grating Disc – Useful for grating cauliflower into rice-like bits if you don’t buy pre-grated cauliflower rice.
- Large Nonstick Skillet (10 or 12-inch) – For cooking the ingredients without them sticking to the pan.
- Box or Hand-held Grater – An alternative to the food processor for grating cauliflower manually.
