Cauliflower Fried Rice (One Pot)

Quick and easy cauliflower fried rice recipe, ready in less than 30 minutes on stovetop in one pot is an easy weeknight meal. It's packed with vegetables and Chinese flavors.

The first time I had cauliflower fried rice, I almost puked because I overcooked it and it became very soft and "mushy." Thankfully, I have learned from my mistakes because this is a healthy and delicious weeknight meal. In fact, I was on the Whole 30 diet last month and this low carb cauliflower fried rice helped curb my rice cravings a bit. Now, don't get me wrong, I still love regular rice and this would never be able to replace that, but it definitely does the trick for curbing those carb cravings when you're on a diet, such as keto. The same goes for these pasta alternatives of Zucchinni Noodles (Zoodles) and Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash.

Key ingredients

• Oil- You need both sesame and olive oil for the best flavor.
• Onions- Green onion as well as yellow or white onions will be used.
• Garlic- Really adds to the overall flavor profile.
• Mixed vegetables- You can use any of your favorite. Frozen makes things easier.
• Cauliflower- You will need approximately 4 cups.
• Salt and pepper- Adjust according to your preference.
• Soy sauce- Brings in flavor and color.
• Sriracha sauce- Gives the bland cauliflower a little kick.
• Eggs- This is optional, but gives more bulk and flavor.

Variations

• Make it in the microwave- This dish, as with other stir fry recipes, is typically cooked on the stovetop. However, you can also put it in the microwave or the oven.
• Add meat- Such as chicken, shrimp, or beef. In a nonstick pan, heat oil and stir fry desired protein choice until golden brown. Then, add onions, garlic, mixed vegetables, cauliflower rice, salt, pepper, soy sauce, sriracha. Mix everything together until rice is tender and serve.
• Add other vegetables- That are not already in your mix. Maybe that is a variety of bell peppers, peas, or shredded carrots, all of which you can get already cut and frozen. You can even use kimchi, if desired.
• Include tofu- For a more filling meal that is still vegetarian friendly.
• Make it a breakfast- By adding in the eggs and frying some bacon or sausage, too.

How to make cauliflower fried rice?

1. Heat oil to stir fry- Onions, garlic, mixed vegetables, and cauliflower rice.
2. Add seasonings- Of salt, pepper, soy sauce, and sriracha.
3. Mix everything together- Until rice is tender.

What Can I serve with Cauliflower Rice?

• Chicken- Such as Honey Sriracha Chicken (One Pot), Honey Sesame Chicken (One Pot), or Chinese Bourbon Chicken (One Pot).
• Beef- Like Garlic Butter Steak Bites (One Pot) or Pepper Steak Recipe (One Pot).
• Vegetables- Including Oven Roasted Vegetables (One Pan) or Oven Roasted Broccoli (One Pan)
• Sausage- Using recipes like my Oven Roasted Sausage and Vegetables (One Pan) or Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers.
• Ham- Including this Slow Cooker Ham (One Pot).

Tips and techniques

• Don't omit sesame oil- Because it adds a lot of flavor to the overall recipe.
• Fresh or frozen cauliflower rice- Can be used in this recipe.
• Don't overcook this rice- Because that will make the rice very "mushy" and inedible.
• Use a non-stick pan- To prevent any sticking and burning.
• Adjust the amount of spices- Based on your preference.
• Eggs are optional- If you are going for a vegan meal, just omit them.
• Use low sodium soy sauce- Otherwise your dish will get too salty.
• Use a food processor- To make the cauliflower into a rice-like consistency.
• No need for two pans- If you are adding eggs, simply move the rice to one side of the pan while you scramble eggs on the other side.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Refrigerate- Place in a sealed container for up to 2 days. 
• Freeze- This is not recommended, because it will get mushy when thawed due to the high water content.
• Make ahead- This is best fresh, but you can make it 2 days before serving if kept in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Reheat- This can be warmed in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Other Cauliflower Recipes:

• Whole Roasted Cauliflower (One Pan)
• Oven Roasted Cauliflower (One Pan)
• Roasted Cauliflower Steak (One Pan)
• Garlic Mashed Cauliflower (One Pot)
• Creamy Cauliflower Casserole (One Pot)
• Baked Cauliflower Wings (One Pan)

Recipe