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Flavorful Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp

cauliflower fried rice with shrimp - featured image

A quick, tasty, and healthier take on fried rice using cauliflower as a low-carb substitute, combined with succulent shrimp and simple pantry staples for a flavorful meal ready in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups)
  • 12 oz (340 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or grapeseed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rice the cauliflower by cutting into florets and pulsing in a food processor until it resembles rice grains. Alternatively, finely chop or grate. Set aside. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. (2 minutes)
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from pan and set aside. (5 minutes)
  4. In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Pour in beaten eggs, stirring gently until just cooked but still soft. Transfer eggs to a plate. (3 minutes)
  5. Add remaining oil, then garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid burning. (1 minute)
  6. Toss in peas, carrots, and green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through but still vibrant. (3 minutes)
  7. Add the riced cauliflower to the pan. Stir well to mix with veggies and aromatics. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until cauliflower softens slightly but isn’t mushy. (5 minutes)
  8. Return shrimp and eggs to the pan. Pour in soy sauce and drizzle sesame oil. Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. (2 minutes)
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle additional sliced green onions on top if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If cauliflower releases too much water, raise the heat slightly and keep stirring to evaporate moisture for fluffy rice texture. Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and steaming. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. For vegan or vegetarian options, skip shrimp and eggs and add extra veggies or tofu. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free soy sauce alternatives.

Nutrition

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