Skeptical about trying cauliflower fried rice? I certainly was. I’ve tried spaghetti squash, which supposedly tastes just like real spaghetti, but I was left feeling rather confused – really, spaghetti? Well, I assumed cauliflower rice would follow in the same vain, but I am so happy to report that I was wrong – it’s amazing! The texture is shockingly similar to couscous or even short grain rice and truthfully, it’s easier for me than cooking actual rice!
How to Make Cauliflower Fried Rice – Ingredient List
For the rice:
1 head of cauliflower
1/2 cup frozen peas
For the dressing:
1 clove garlic {minced}
1 tsp peeled/chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp chopped green onion
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
The first step to making cauliflower fried rice is to cut the head of cauliflower, first into quarters then into small florets. I use a Vitamix blender to finely chop the cauliflower, so I cut the florets pretty small {smaller than in the photo above}. I pulse about 1/2 cup of cauliflower florets at a time to avoid clogging the blender since there is no liquid added; it’s normally done in about 4 batches. Also, I’ve found a fork to be the best tool for removing stubborn cauliflower from around the blade.
Once the cauliflower is completely pulsed, with a rice-like consistency, it’s time to make the dressing. After cleaning out the blender, I mince both the garlic and ginger, chop the green onion {on a cutting board} and throw everything except the olive oil back in. Next, blend all the ingredients while streaming in the olive oil.
Heat the “rice” in a deep sauté pan, on medium-high heat. Pour the dressing over the rice, add the frozen peas and stir occasionally until the cauliflower is light golden brown, approximately 10-12 minutes.
Bon appétit!
Anna
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tsp chopped ginger
- 1 tsp chopped green onion
- 1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- Clean and chop a head of cauliflower into small florets.
- Finely chop the cauliflower florets in small batches {approximately 1/2 cup} in either a food processor or high powered blender. Set the rice aside.
- Mince the garlic, peel and chop the ginger, and chop the green onion. Place the garlic, ginger, green onion, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey into the {clean} blender. Combine while streaming in the olive oil.
- While warming the cauliflower rice on medium-high heat, pour the dressing over the rice and add the frozen peas. Heat for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the rice is light golden brown. Enjoy!
Fried rice is my favorite! I do it it with quinoa a lot, but this is even lighter. Love it!
Thank you, Amy. It’s surprisingly tasty despite not actually being rice!
This sounds absolutely fantastic. I cannot wait to try it out. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you, Tedi!
I’m so glad I read this! I thought I was supposed to grate the cauliflower. Glad I can just use my blender.
Melissa, I’ve read people do grate the cauliflower as well, but that sounded like a big pain to me! 🙂
As a person with high blood pressure, I thank you for sharing this recipe. I love fried rice, but wasn’t sure of a healthy recipe.