This Quick Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp is a tasty and healthy centerpiece. It’s filled with colorful veggies and juicy shrimp, all mixed together for a quick meal.
It’s so fast to make, you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar! I love serving it with a drizzle of soy sauce for extra flavor—so comforting! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the dish! You can use fresh cauliflower or pre-riced cauliflower for convenience. If you’re really short on time, frozen cauliflower rice works too! It’s super handy and cooks quickly.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp is just as good and often more convenient. If you’re allergic to seafood or want a veggie option, sauté some extra veggies like bell peppers or tofu!
Eggs: I love adding eggs for extra protein and flavor. If you’re vegan, try using scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water as a substitute.
Vegetables: The peas and carrots mixture is a quick option, but feel free to mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or any veggies you have on hand. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Cauliflower Rice Texture?
Getting the right texture for cauliflower rice is key—they should be tender yet slightly crispy. Here’s how to master it:
- If using fresh cauliflower, cut it into smaller florets before pulsing in the food processor. This helps achieve a more uniform texture.
- Be careful not to over-process! You want rice-sized pieces, not mush.
- When cooking, keep the heat high and stir it often. This helps the water evaporate quickly, avoiding soggy cauliflower rice.
By following these tips, you will have delicious, fluffy cauliflower fried rice every time! Enjoy cooking!
Quick Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (or 4 cups cauliflower rice)
For the Shrimp:
- 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil, divided
For the Extras:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Cauliflower Rice:
If you’re using fresh cauliflower, start by cutting it into small florets. Then, pulse it in a food processor until it has a rice-like texture. If you’re using store-bought cauliflower rice, you can skip this step. Just have it ready to go!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This will give your dish a lovely aroma!
4. Add Vegetables:
Next, add the frozen peas and carrots mix to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the veggies are softened.
5. Scramble the Eggs:
Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble them gently until fully cooked, then mix in with the veggies.
6. Stir in the Cauliflower Rice:
Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes. You want it to be tender but still a little crisp.
7. Finish with Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), and stir well to combine. Let it cook for another minute to heat everything through.
8. Season and Serve:
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, and enjoy your tasty and healthy Quick Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp!
Enjoy cooking and savor your dish! 🥢
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Rice Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower rice is a great time-saver and can be used directly without thawing. Just add it to the skillet and adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it heats through and is tender but still slightly crisp.
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute it with cooked chicken, tofu, or even more vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Just ensure that any meat is cooked through before adding to the dish.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the cauliflower rice and cook the shrimp in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just stir-fry them together with the veggies and sauce until everything is heated through!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil or water if needed to prevent sticking.
