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Cauliflower Fried Rice is an easy low-carb version of traditional fried rice made with cauliflower, carrots, onions, eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Ready in less than 30-minutes, the whole family will love this delicious Chinese-inspired Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe.

skillet filled with cooked cauliflower fried rice and garnished with lime wedges and chopped green onions.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

As I’ve mentioned previously, I really love cauliflower and I really love cauliflower rice. Making cauliflower fried rice simply makes sense.

This veggie PACKED meal tastes just the real deal and takes less than 30 minutes to put together! To keep things on the lighter side, I opted to leave out meat; however, if you’re itchin’ for a more “substantial” dinner (or you have teens to feed), beef, chicken or shrimp would taste great tossed in.

If you’re unsure about having only cauliflower rice and no real rice, you can try half cauliflower rice and half white or brown rice.

The first time I prepared this recipe I started with half cauliflower rice and half white rice – my husband didn’t notice the difference (or the cauliflower!) I tried all cauliflower the second time, and still, no notice!

Ingredients used in cauiflower fried rice.

How to make cauliflower rice

The easiest way to make cauliflower rice is by using a large food processor.

Start by preparing the cauliflower. No matter how you choose to rice your cauliflower, you’ll first need to wash, thoroughly dry, and remove all the greens from your cauliflower. Next, chop the cauliflower into small 1 to 2-inch florets. You don’t want huge chunks of cauliflower because they will not process evenly. You may use the chopping blade or the grating blade.

  1. Chopping blade. This is usually the blade that I use because it’s usually most readily available. Fill your food processor only 1/2 – 2/3 of the way full (you will probably need to process your cauliflower in 2 batches). Pulse the cauliflower in 1-second pulses until cauliflower is approximately the size of rice or couscous. You may need to remove some of the larger florets from the top that have not been processed, remove the processed rice to a separate bowl, and return the larger pieces to the food processor to finish processing.
  2. Grating blade. This is the blade that would be used to grate a ton of cheese really quickly. Here you’re feeding the cauliflower through your food processor so rather than being chopped over and over, it’s just being grated super quickly.

Ziplock bag filled with leftover cauliflower rice.

Ingredients in Cauliflower Fried Rice

The ingredients in this cauliflower fried rice recipe are simple,

  • Cauliflower – Well yes. Of course! you are going to need some cauliflower rice. Fortunately, cauliflower is a low fat, low-calorie, low-carb veggie filled with protein and fiber.
  • Olive oil (and butter) – I added both olive oil and butter. The butter is optional. Feel free to substitute with olive oil, if preferred, or to keep dairy-free.
  • Eggs – Traditional fried rice recipes include scrambled eggs. You can cook the eggs either before or while the cauliflower rice is being cooked. In this case, I chose to cook the eggs before and add them back to the skillet after the liquid from the vegetables boiled off.
  • Vegetables – Fortunately, when it comes to picking which vegetables to include in cauliflower fried rice, just about anything goes. I chose carrots, bell pepper, and peas. Feel free to add your favorites.
  • Garlic – Must have garlic.
  • Ginger – Ah, ginger. I’m a big fan. While it’s somewhat annoying to grate, I find that a Microplane zester is super helpful.
  • Green onions – Green onions are a must in just about all Asian cooking. They add fantastic flavor without overwhelming the entire dish.
  • Soy sauce – Yes, please. Add more or less to suit your preference. For a gluten-free option use Tamari instead.
  • Sesame oil – Sesame oil can have a really strong flavor. I strongly recommend starting with less and adding more, if desired.

Scrambled eggs in a large heavy bottomed cast iron skillet.

How to Make Cauliflower Fried Rice

The most time-consuming part of this recipe is preparing and chopping the ingredients. Save time by purchasing pre-riced cauliflower and frozen vegetables.

To make cauliflower fried rice-

  1. Prepare the cauliflower rice– Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower. Remove all the greens. Chop your cauliflower into small florets. Transfer to a large food processor, filling only 1/2-2/3 of the way full (you may need to process your cauliflower in 2 batches). Pulse the cauliflower in 1-second pulses until cauliflower is approximately the size of rice or couscous.
  2. Cook the eggs – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and pour in the eggs. Cook the eggs, using a spatula to scramble them as they cook. Once cooked, remove from the skillet to a clean plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables – Return skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil followed by the carrots, red bell pepper, and peas. Cook the vegetables, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Mix in the aromatics – Add the butter, garlic, fresh ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
  5. Add the cauliflower rice – Stir in the cauliflower rice and mix well to combine with the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, before adding the soy sauce and sesame oil. Increase heat to high and cook the cauliflower fried rice until most of the liquid from the vegetables has evaporated, stirring as needed.
  6. Return the eggs – Return the eggs to the skillet and mix well to combine. Drizzle with a couple of teaspoons of sesame oil, mixing well.
  7. Season to taste – Season with additional soy sauce or salt and pepper, to taste.
  8. Serve – Serve garnished with the green parts of the green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges, and hot sauce, if desired.

Diced carrot and red bell pepper with peas cooking in a large heavy-bottomed skillet.

Sauteed diced carrots, bell pepper, and peas, mixed with raw cauliflower rice.

Variations

There are so many fun and delicious variations for this cauliflower fried rice recipe. From simple to super complex, the sky is the limit!

  • Mix in the protein – This would be my first choice. Add some leftover cooked chicken, steak, pork, ground chicken, or shrimp.
  • Vegetables – Add all the vegetables. Cabbage, bok choy, tomatoes (although less traditional), go for it!
  • Add some plant-based goodness – Tofu, tempeh, and all those other plant-based meat substitutes.
  • Spice it up – I love spicy foods, but everyone doesn’t. If you’re a heat lover, add a couple of tablespoons of Sriracha or a teaspoon of red chili flakes.
  • Add some sweetness – I’m a huge sucker for fried rice mixed with both spicy Sriracha and sweet hoisin sauce or Thai chili sauce.

Scrambled eggs being added to cooked cauliflower fried rice.

What to serve with Cauliflower Fried Rice

This cauliflower fried rice recipe is a healthy and delicious low-carb alternative for anyone trying to eat more vegetables. Several go-to recipes that I love to serve with this include Kung Pao ChickenMoo Goo Gai Pan, and this Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Bok Choy.

Keeping things vegetarian you may also enjoy this Bok Choy Recipe or this Tofu Stir Fry.

More Asian-inspired recipes,

Cauliflower fried rice cooking in a black skillet.

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5 from 3 votes

Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe


Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlightJessica Randhawa
Cauliflower Fried Rice is an easy low-carb version of traditional fried rice made with cauliflower, carrots, onions, eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Ready in less than 30-minutes, the whole family will love this delicious Chinese-inspired Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe. 
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 1 large cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 carrots, peeled, quartered, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoon butter, divided
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 5 green onions,

    white and green parts divided

  • 4 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions 

  • Prepare the cauliflower rice- Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower. Remove all the greens. If using a food processor, chop your cauliflower into small florets. Transfer to a large food processor, filling only 1/2-2/3 of the way full (you may need to process your cauliflower in 2 batches). Pulse the cauliflower in 1-second pulses until cauliflower is approximately the size of rice or couscous. If using a box grater, chop the cauliflower into large chunks and use the medium to large-sized holes to grate the cauliflower into "rice".
  • Cook the eggs - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and pour in the eggs. Cook the eggs, using a spatula to scramble them as they cook. Once cooked, remove from the skillet to a clean plate and set aside.
  • Sauté the vegetables - Return skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil followed by the carrots, red bell pepper, and peas. Cook the vegetables, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes.
  • Mix in the aromatics - Add the butter, garlic, fresh ginger, and white parts of the green onions. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
  • Add the cauliflower rice - Stir in the cauliflower rice and mix well to combine with the vegetables. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, before adding the soy sauce and sesame oil. Increase heat to high and cook the cauliflower fried rice until most of the liquid from the vegetables has evaporated, stirring as needed.
  • Return the eggs - Return the eggs to the skillet and mix well to combine. Drizzle with a couple of teaspoons of sesame oil, mixing well.
  • Season to taste - Season with additional soy sauce or salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve - Serve garnished with the green parts of the green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges, and hot sauce, if desired.

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 173mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 941mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2800IU | Vitamin C: 158mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Jessica Randhawa

Chef | Food Photographer

Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon, sharing 14 years of experience and over 1,200 original recipes, kitchen tips, and practical cooking advice. Inspired by her world travels, Jessica's approachable recipes have been featured in outlets like Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and CNET. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

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Recipe Rating




5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)