Try this Vegan Cauliflower Fried rice for a quick and healthy meal on busy weeknights! Made with nutritious ingredients like cauliflower, carrots, onions, and garlic, it’s a flavourful and satisfying alternative to traditional fried rice. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal.
About this Vegan Cauliflower fried rice
I absolutely love cauliflower rice, and after making them for a while, I’ve finally come up with my family’s favourite – Vegan Cauliflower Fried Rice! I took inspiration from my Vegetable Fried Rice recipe and made some tweaks to make it perfect.
Eating rice and noodles regularly always makes me feel weighed down, so I’ve swapped them out for riced cauliflower. Not only is it healthier, but it’s also bursting with flavour. And the best part? This delicious meal is ready in minutes.
How to rice Cauliflower?
Are you concerned about making cauliflower rice? Don’t worry – it’s easy! There are three techniques you can choose from.
Food processor: Start by washing the cauliflower and patting it dry. Remove the leaves, trim the edges, and cut the cauliflower into large florets. Add them to the food processor and pulse a few times until the cauliflower resembles a rice-like texture or couscous. Be careful not to over-blend or blitz it, as this will cause it to become mushy when cooked.
Grater: Use the coarse side of the grater and grate the cauliflower until it looks like rice or couscous. Avoid using a Microplane zester or the fine side of the grater, as this will make the cauliflower too fine.
Knife: Use a knife to finely chop the cauliflower. Keep in mind that this method can be time-consuming, so make sure to chop it really fine. It’s okay if there are a few chunky bits here and there.
How I make Cauliflower fried rice?
First, I heat up oil in a wok, and then I add garlic and ginger. I saute them for just a few seconds until they’re fragrant.
Next, I add the white part of some chopped spring onions, red onions and saute for a couple of minutes until they’re slightly softened. Then, I toss in some mixed vegetables and green peas and saute them on high heat for a couple of minutes until they’re still crunchy.
Once the veggies are tender, I add in the cauliflower rice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chilli powder, pepper, and salt to taste. I give it a good stir and taste it, adding more seasoning as needed.
I stir fry the cauliflower fried rice for 3-4 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender. Then I turn off the heat, add the scallions, and serve it immediately.
Can I freeze Cauliflower Rice?
Store the riced cauliflower in an air tight container or freezer safe bags with a date on it for up to 1 month. Cook them a minute or two extra than the fresh cauliflower rice!
Tips for Preparing Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Use a food processor or a grater to rice the cauliflower evenly and quickly.
- Make sure to pat the cauliflower dry before using it, as excess moisture can make the dish soggy.
- Saute the vegetables over high heat for just a few minutes to ensure they are cooked but still crunchy.
- Don’t overcook the cauliflower rice, as it can become mushy and lose its texture.
- Feel free to add eggs or other vegetables, such as broccoli or colorful peppers, to customize the dish to your liking.
- Keep an eye on the cauliflower rice while cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft or soggy.
How good is Cauliflower Rice for you?
Cauliflower Rice has only 25 calories per cup Vs 191 calories for a cup of Cooked Basmati Rice!! I guess that say’s it all.
It is a healthy option as it is high in fibre, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It is also a good source of choline, which is important for brain function and healthy metabolism.
If you love this recipe, you will also love these
- Indian spiced Cauliflower rice
- Vegetable Biryani
- Paneer Biryani
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Soya Biryani
- Tomato Rice
- Pulav Rice
Quick & Easy Vegan Cauliflower fried rice recipe below
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Cauliflower Rice
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp Ginger grated
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 1 Yellow Pepper diced
- 1 Carrot peeled, diced
- 1/2 Cup frozen peas
- 1/4 Cup Spring Onions chopped
- 2 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 Tsp Rice Vinegar
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 Tsp Red Chilli Powder { Optional }
Instructions
- To prepare Cauliflower Rice, add the cauliflower florets to the food processor and pulse it for 15-20 seconds, until it resembles rice. Do not over do it as the cauliflower rice will become mushy.
- Chop the Carrots, Green and Red Peppers to the size of Green Peas.Finely chop Spring onions separating the white and green and set it aside.
- Heat oil in a wok. Once heated, add garlic & ginger. Saute for just a few seconds. Add the white of Spring Onions, chopped red onions and saute for 2 minutes or so.
- Stir in Mixed vegetables, and green peas. Saute in high flame, tossing for a couple of minutes, just enough to leave them crunchy.
- Add the Cauliflower Rice, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Chilli Powder, Pepper and Salt as needed. Taste and add more if needed.
- Stir fry the cauliflower fried rice for 3-4 minutes until cauliflower is tender. Switch off the flame, add the green of Spring Onions and serve immediately.
Bella Hardy @ Healthnerdy.com says
Absolutely love your creative idea with cauliflower fried rice! As you know I made it a short while ago and it was lovely! Thx, Sandhya for sharing!
Sandhya Hariharan says
Thank you very much Bella. Cauli rice is a great low-carb option and still guilt-free.
Tricia says
Is soy sauce acceptable on paleo or whole 30? Or even sesame oil? Not sure here. Thanks.
Sandhya Hariharan says
Tamari sauce can be used as an alternative for Soy Sauce.
Sesame Oil in moderation is allowed in Paleo.