Cauliflower Fried Rice

I love cauliflower rice. Some folks are all like, "Ugh, it isn't rice. Cauliflower rice is the worst," but I just think it is a fantastic replacement, especially when you are talking about something saucy like curry or teriyaki chicken. It has a good texture and flavor.

One thing I'd never tried, though, was making fried rice with cauliflower. I enjoy fried rice thoroughly, but thanks to healthy choices, I generally wind up with white rice. Cue the Matrix's Morpheus meme here: What if I told you that you could still enjoy fried rice with cauliflower rice?

The best part about it is that the recipe is mighty simple. I used a frozen veggies for some of it to save myself time, in particular the cauliflower. I've made cauliflower rice from a cauliflower head as well, but it saved me some chopping and food processor usage to use the frozen variety. All you do normally though is chop the head into pieces, toss em into the food processor, and pulse until a rice texture shows up.

Before making the cauliflower rice, I cooked some tofu for my protein, though this is optional. I've been big on air frying tofu lately; it cooks fast and gets crispy edges. I love how it turns out. I used about half of a regular tofu block for this, chopping it into squares after air frying.

My frozen cauliflower had turned into one giant hunk, so I steamed it for a minute in the microwave to loosen it up. I then added some sesame oil, some frozen broccoli, peas, chopped onion, carrots, and garlic to a wok (though a large skillet will do). The veggies are totally swappable, but the onion and garlic I'd keep.

In a small bowl, I whisked the eggs. After the veggies cooked about 3-5 minutes, I spooned everything to the sides of the pan to create a well and dumped the eggs in the middle. I cooked the eggs for a few minutes, stirring frequently, to scrambled them.

Once the eggs were cooked, I tossed it all together and mixed in my tofu. Lastly, I added some soy sauce to finish it off.

And just like that, a full meal.

Simple, veggie loaded, and a perfect weeknight dinner.

AND it keeps well. Thanks, self, for prepping lunch for the week!

So, cauliflower fried rice is fantastical. Delightful. Delicious. Please try it. That's all I can really say.

Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 package frozen cauliflower rice (16 ounces) or 1 small head of cauliflower

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (or vegetables of choice - I used 1/4 cup peas, 1/4 cup chopped carrots, and 1/2 cup chopped broccoli)

2 green onions, sliced thin

1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)

1/2 teaspoon pepper

2 eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 cup cooked tofu slices or cooked protein as desired(about 1/2 of a package) (optional)

Instructions:

If using a head of cauliflower, chop cauliflower into piece and pulse in a food processor until the consistency of rice. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cauliflower, mixed vegetables, and green onions. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, until cauliflower begins to soften. Add garlic and pepper and continue cooking 1-2 more minutes. Create a well in the center of the rice and pour in the eggs and scramble. Once eggs are cooked, stir mixture together and pour soy sauce over the mixture. Stir in tofu and serve.

adapted from cauliflower fried rice