Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice is a healthier, low-carb twist on the classic fried rice, using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Packed with juicy shrimp, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this dish is both flavorful and satisfying, making it a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a light meal. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and veggies, and can be customized to suit your tastes.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp (peeled and deveined)
cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
carrots (diced)
green peas (frozen or fresh)
yellow onion (diced)
garlic (minced)
soy sauce or coconut aminos
sesame oil
eggs
green onions (for garnish)
salt and pepper
sesame seeds (optional)
directions
- If using fresh cauliflower rice, pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-sized pieces. Set aside. If using frozen cauliflower rice, simply thaw and drain excess moisture.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is tender and lightly browned.
- Push the cauliflower rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet. In the empty side, crack the eggs and scramble them until fully cooked, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, and add the peas, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), and additional sesame oil. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
- Substitute the shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef for a different protein option.
- Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make the dish gluten-free.
storage/reheating
Store Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use regular rice instead of cauliflower rice?
Yes, you can substitute cauliflower rice with regular rice if you prefer, though it will no longer be low-carb.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I add more seasonings to this dish?
Definitely! You can add a splash of rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, or a pinch of ginger for additional flavor.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to eat.
Conclusion
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice is a delicious and nutritious meal that brings the savory flavors of fried rice to a healthier, low-carb option. With the perfect combination of shrimp, veggies, and cauliflower rice, it’s a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Whether you’re looking to cut carbs or just enjoy a lighter meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!
PrintShrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice is a low-carb, healthy alternative to traditional fried rice. It’s made with cauliflower rice, shrimp, and vegetables, all stir-fried together in a savory sauce for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced (or 4 cups cauliflower rice)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower rice by grating the florets with a box grater or using a food processor to pulse until it resembles rice grains.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are opaque and fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining sesame oil. Sauté the garlic, onion, and carrots for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the cauliflower rice and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes tender and slightly golden, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Push the cauliflower rice mixture to one side of the skillet. On the empty side, pour the beaten eggs and scramble them for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
- Combine the eggs with the cauliflower rice, then add the peas, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), black pepper, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Serve hot as a main dish or side dish.
Notes
- This recipe can be made with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the shrimp with tofu or more vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce to your taste preferences, especially if you prefer a saltier or milder dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
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