How to Make Cauliflower Fried Rice (2024)

If you’re looking for a low carb dinner idea, you’re going to love this guide on how to make cauliflower fried rice! Ready in just 15 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients, this keto rice has become a favorite in our house (and our community loves it too, see comments!)

I resisted hopping on the cauliflower bandwagon for a while. But with so many friends (and the general internet) going keto crazy, I thought I’d give the cauliflower faux recipes a try. And let me tell you, they do not disappoint.

The Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” were fluffy and creamy. The Cauliflower Pizza Crust held up to my critical pizza test. And don’t get me started on the Cauliflower Smoothie(not even joking, friends).

And so today I’m sharing one of the easiestlow carb recipe swaps, Cauliflower Fried Rice!

Ingredients for Cauliflower Fried Rice

• Cauliflower: Cauliflower is the low carb foundation of this fried rice. Pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor or grate them with a box grater to create “rice”! You could also try adding in a bit of broccoli rice for a pop of color!
• Flavor Foundation: Onion and garlic bring instant Asian flavor. Feel free to throw in fresh ginger if you have it!
• Veggies: As if there isn’t already enough vegetable deliciousness here, we’ll add chopped carrots and frozen peas to spice things up and add some color.
• Eggs: Eggs help to make this recipe to be even more filling. To make a vegan cauliflower stir fry, swap out the eggs for scrambled tofu.
• Finish it off: Drizzle with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil at the end for a final punch of smoky, umami flavor. (Gluten-free? Here are some soy sauce replacements!)

How to make cauliflower Rice

Making this Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe might even be easier than traditional fried rice, because there’s no boiling involved! First, you’ll turn yourcauliflowerinto rice. There are three ways of doing this:

1. Food processor (my preferred method)
2. Box grater
3. By hand with a knife

Here’s our guide to making cauliflower rice using all of these methods (the recipe card below includes instructions for using your food processor!)

How do you keep cauliflower rice from getting mushy?

There are a few causes for mushy cauliflower rice, so when cooking your Cauliflower Fried Rice, avoid these pitfalls:

1. Don’t overcook the rice! It should be cooked briefly, just until tender
2. Make it homemade. I’ve found that while store bought cauliflower rice is convenient, it’s often much more wet than when you make your own cauliflower rice.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your cauliflower rice doesn’t have a large surface area for steam to escape, it can become soggy. Use the largest skillet or wok you have, and avoid using a pot, which could trap the moisture.

Ok but…does cauliflower rice taste good?

Short answer: yes. Long answer: yesssssss. The taste of cauliflower is enhanced by the flavor combination of garlic, onion, and veggies, along with toasted sesame oil and soy sauce. The result is a low carb fried rice that’s packed with flavor (but way less carbs).

How to store cauliflower fried rice

Cauliflower Fried Rice will last 4 to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. You can also freeze it in a freezer safe container for a few months! When ready to eat, just let it thaw then saute until hot and fluffy.

Serving Ideas

I use this in a Cauliflower Rice Meal Prep (complete with crispy tofu and sriracha mayo). Lunch just got real tasty. It would also be great served alongside these low carb PF Changs Lettuce Wraps!