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Cauliflower Fried Rice with Crispy Shrimp

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A healthy, veggie-forward twist on classic fried rice featuring garlicky cauliflower rice and golden, crispy shrimp. Quick to make, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (avocado or canola)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1 1/2 lbs), cut into florets
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed (or fresh diced veggies)
  • 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2–3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Cut cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor (or grate) until it resembles rice grains. Set aside.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss shrimp with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Push leftover oil to one side. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set, about 1 minute. Remove eggs to a plate.
  5. Add more oil if needed. Add white/light green parts of green onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add cauliflower rice and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until tender but not mushy.
  7. Add peas and carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
  8. Return scrambled eggs to the pan. Add soy sauce, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine.
  9. Top with crispy shrimp. Drizzle toasted sesame oil over everything and toss gently.
  10. Sprinkle with green onion tops, cilantro or parsley, and sesame seeds. Squeeze fresh lime over the top before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh cauliflower and pat shrimp dry before coating. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying shrimp. Soy sauce can be swapped for tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free. Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins. Store leftovers separately to keep shrimp crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower fried rice, crispy shrimp, healthy dinner, gluten-free, low-carb, meal prep, Asian, stir fry, easy recipe

Find it online: https://avabake.com/cauliflower-fried-rice-with-crispy-shrimp-easy-healthy-dinner-recipe/