Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp Healthy Flavor Boost

by Harper on July 8, 2025

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal, try Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp! This dish swaps out regular rice for cauliflower, cutting carbs without losing flavor. With fresh shrimp and vibrant veggies, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. I’ll show you how to whip it up step by step. Get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s easy to make and full of taste!

$- 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated into rice-like pieces - 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 eggs, lightly beaten Cauliflower is the star of this dish. Grating it gives the texture of rice. Shrimp adds protein and a nice flavor. Eggs bring richness and help bind everything together. - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated Soy sauce or tamari adds umami and depth. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Ginger brings freshness and a zing to the dish. - 3 green onions, sliced (separating white and green parts) - 1 carrot, diced - 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen) Green onions add crunch and brightness. Carrots bring sweetness and color. Peas add a pop of green and a touch of sweetness. These vegetables create a balanced and colorful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to turn the cauliflower into rice. The best way to do this is by grating it. You can use a box grater or a food processor. If you have a food processor, it’s faster. Just break the cauliflower into smaller pieces, then pulse until it looks like rice. If you don’t have these tools, you can also chop the cauliflower very finely. It might take longer, but it works well. The key is to make sure the pieces are small enough to cook evenly. Cooking shrimp is simple. First, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3 to 4 minutes. To check if shrimp are done, look for their color. They should be bright pink and opaque. If they still look gray, keep cooking them a little longer. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside. Now, let’s sauté the veggies. In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of sesame oil. Start with the white parts of the green onions, garlic, ginger, and diced carrot. Cook these for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the carrot to soften and the mixture to smell great. Next, add the grated cauliflower and peas. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the cauliflower. It should be tender but still have a bit of crunch. It’s time to put everything together. Push the cauliflower mix to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked. Then, mix everything together. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and stir well. Make sure everything heats through. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal! To keep your cauliflower fried rice crispy, avoid overcooking the cauliflower. Cook it until it's tender but still has some bite. This gives your dish a nice texture. The key to a great flavor balance lies in using fresh garlic and ginger. They add depth and warmth to the dish. If you want to switch up the protein, try chicken or tofu. Both options work well with the other flavors. For a seafood twist, consider scallops or crab. If you're looking for soy sauce alternatives, tamari is a great gluten-free option. Coconut aminos also provide a sweet and savory flavor. For sides, consider a crisp salad or steamed broccoli. These pair well and add freshness to your meal. When serving, use bowls and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Add fresh cilantro to give a pop of color and flavor. This makes your dish look and taste even better! Pro Tips Prep Your Cauliflower: Ensure the cauliflower is grated to a uniform size for even cooking. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Don't overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and slightly firm to the touch. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot and fresh to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it like the shrimp. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Press it to remove water, then cube it. Sauté until golden for a nice texture. If you want more seafood, try adding scallops or crab. These options boost the dish's flavor and keep it exciting. Spice it up with extra flavors! Adding spices like chili flakes or curry powder can give your dish a kick. You can also use different sauces, like teriyaki or oyster sauce, for a unique twist. Don't forget about vegetables. You can mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or even mushrooms. Each veggie adds its own taste and texture, making each bite enjoyable. Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Just skip the shrimp and eggs. You can use tempeh or more tofu instead. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This simple swap keeps the dish flavorful. Always check labels on sauces and ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary needs. Making these adjustments helps everyone enjoy this tasty meal! To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. This way, it stays fresh. You can enjoy it for up to three days. If you wait longer, it may not taste good. Freezing is a great option for this dish. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out extra air to avoid freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to help it heat evenly. Stir until hot. Enjoy your tasty meal! Cauliflower fried rice is a healthy twist on traditional fried rice. Instead of using grains, we use grated cauliflower. This dish is low in carbs, making it a great choice for many diets. It packs in veggies like peas and carrots, and it's full of flavor thanks to garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Plus, the shrimp adds protein, making it a balanced meal. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice. It saves time and is easy to find. Just thaw it and drain any excess water before cooking. This helps prevent a soggy dish. Add it to your skillet just like fresh cauliflower. It will cook quickly and still taste great in your fried rice. To add some heat, try these tips: - Mix in red pepper flakes or chili paste while sautéing. - Use spicy soy sauce or add a dash of sriracha for extra kick. - Top with sliced fresh chili peppers for a fresh taste. These options bring a nice zing to the dish! Cauliflower fried rice is a tasty, healthy meal. We covered key ingredients, from shrimp to ginger, and shared step-by-step cooking tips. I offered ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. You can mix in your favorite proteins and spices to suit your taste. This dish is versatile and fun to make. Experiment with flavors and enjoy a meal that can be healthy and satisfying. By following these steps, you’ll impress your family and friends with a delicious dish!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Healthy Alternative: This cauliflower shrimp fried rice is a great way to enjoy a classic dish while keeping it low-carb and packed with veggies.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger adds an incredible depth of flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this fried rice with your favorite vegetables or proteins for endless variations.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated into rice-like pieces

– 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Cauliflower is the star of this dish. Grating it gives the texture of rice. Shrimp adds protein and a nice flavor. Eggs bring richness and help bind everything together.

Flavor Enhancers

– 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

– 2 tablespoons sesame oil

– 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated

Soy sauce or tamari adds umami and depth. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Ginger brings freshness and a zing to the dish.

Vegetables and Garnishes

– 3 green onions, sliced (separating white and green parts)

– 1 carrot, diced

– 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

Green onions add crunch and brightness. Carrots bring sweetness and color. Peas add a pop of green and a touch of sweetness. These vegetables create a balanced and colorful meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cauliflower

To start, you need to turn the cauliflower into rice. The best way to do this is by grating it. You can use a box grater or a food processor. If you have a food processor, it’s faster. Just break the cauliflower into smaller pieces, then pulse until it looks like rice.

If you don’t have these tools, you can also chop the cauliflower very finely. It might take longer, but it works well. The key is to make sure the pieces are small enough to cook evenly.

Cooking the Shrimp

Cooking shrimp is simple. First, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3 to 4 minutes.

To check if shrimp are done, look for their color. They should be bright pink and opaque. If they still look gray, keep cooking them a little longer. Once cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Frying the Vegetables

Now, let’s sauté the veggies. In the same skillet, add the other tablespoon of sesame oil. Start with the white parts of the green onions, garlic, ginger, and diced carrot. Cook these for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the carrot to soften and the mixture to smell great.

Next, add the grated cauliflower and peas. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the cauliflower. It should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.

Final Assembly

It’s time to put everything together. Push the cauliflower mix to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked. Then, mix everything together.

Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and stir well. Make sure everything heats through. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with the green parts of the green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To keep your cauliflower fried rice crispy, avoid overcooking the cauliflower. Cook it until it’s tender but still has some bite. This gives your dish a nice texture. The key to a great flavor balance lies in using fresh garlic and ginger. They add depth and warmth to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to switch up the protein, try chicken or tofu. Both options work well with the other flavors. For a seafood twist, consider scallops or crab. If you’re looking for soy sauce alternatives, tamari is a great gluten-free option. Coconut aminos also provide a sweet and savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For sides, consider a crisp salad or steamed broccoli. These pair well and add freshness to your meal. When serving, use bowls and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Add fresh cilantro to give a pop of color and flavor. This makes your dish look and taste even better!

Pro Tips

Prep Your Cauliflower: Ensure the cauliflower is grated to a uniform size for even cooking.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just pink and slightly firm to the touch.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serve Immediately: This dish is best served hot and fresh to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor.

Variations

Protein Variations

You can switch the shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it like the shrimp. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Press it to remove water, then cube it. Sauté until golden for a nice texture. If you want more seafood, try adding scallops or crab. These options boost the dish’s flavor and keep it exciting.

Flavor Enhancements

Spice it up with extra flavors! Adding spices like chili flakes or curry powder can give your dish a kick. You can also use different sauces, like teriyaki or oyster sauce, for a unique twist. Don’t forget about vegetables. You can mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or even mushrooms. Each veggie adds its own taste and texture, making each bite enjoyable.

Dietary Adjustments

Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Just skip the shrimp and eggs. You can use tempeh or more tofu instead. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This simple swap keeps the dish flavorful. Always check labels on sauces and ingredients to ensure they fit your dietary needs. Making these adjustments helps everyone enjoy this tasty meal!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. This way, it stays fresh. You can enjoy it for up to three days. If you wait longer, it may not taste good.

Freezing

Freezing is a great option for this dish. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out extra air to avoid freezer burn. You can store it for up to three months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to help it heat evenly. Stir until hot. Enjoy your tasty meal!

FAQs

What is cauliflower fried rice?

Cauliflower fried rice is a healthy twist on traditional fried rice. Instead of using grains, we use grated cauliflower. This dish is low in carbs, making it a great choice for many diets. It packs in veggies like peas and carrots, and it’s full of flavor thanks to garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Plus, the shrimp adds protein, making it a balanced meal.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower rice. It saves time and is easy to find. Just thaw it and drain any excess water before cooking. This helps prevent a soggy dish. Add it to your skillet just like fresh cauliflower. It will cook quickly and still taste great in your fried rice.

How to make it spicier?

To add some heat, try these tips:

– Mix in red pepper flakes or chili paste while sautéing.

– Use spicy soy sauce or add a dash of sriracha for extra kick.

– Top with sliced fresh chili peppers for a fresh taste.

These options bring a nice zing to the dish!

Cauliflower fried rice is a tasty, healthy meal. We covered key ingredients, from shrimp to ginger, and shared step-by-step cooking tips. I offered ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. You can mix in your favorite proteins and spices to suit your taste.

This dish is versatile and fun to make. Experiment with flavors and enjoy a meal that can be healthy and satisfying. By following these steps, you’ll impress your family and friends with a delicious dis

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice

A healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fried rice, made with cauliflower and shrimp.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, grated into rice-like pieces
1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 pieces green onions, sliced (separating white and green parts)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 piece carrot, diced
1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
2 pieces eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions

Begin by preparing the cauliflower: remove the leaves and stem, and grate the florets using a box grater or food processor until it resembles rice.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining sesame oil. Sauté the white parts of the green onions, garlic, ginger, and diced carrot for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the carrot starts to soften.
Add the grated cauliflower and peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for around 5 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to cook until tender yet slightly crispy.
Push the mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix everything together.
Return the shrimp to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. Fresh cilantro can be added for color.

Keyword cauliflower rice, gluten-free, healthy, shrimp