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Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Skip the takeout and try this paleo-friendly cauliflower shrimp “fried rice” recipe! You won’t believe how easy and flavorful homemade Chinese food tastes.

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice in a bowl

If there’s one dish I know my toddlers will always devour, it’s Chinese fried rice. With my oldest on a major shrimp kick, I have been coming up with healthy versions of his favorite foods like Shrimp Pad Thai, Shrimp Wonton Soup and Shrimp Stir-Fry. Toddler palettes can be fickle so I’m riding this shrimp wave for as long as possible.

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice - a healthy Chinese dinner recipe

Our latest favorite is a paleo-friendly version of the classic Chinese shrimp fried rice. Instead of using traditional white or brown rice, we grate fresh cauliflower turning it into a grain-free rice. Beyond being packed with fiber and antioxidants, cauliflower has a number of health benefits and is a great way to get your entire family to eat more cruciferous veggies.

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice - a fast and easy dinner recipe

Of course, cauliflower can be a little bland on it’s own so I like to use high-flavor, low calorie ingredients like fresh ginger, Rice Vinegar, fresh scallions and toasted sesame oil to bring the dish together. Nakano’s rice vinegars come in a large variety of flavors (like mango or citrus), all free of artificial ingredients, flavors and preservatives. I used Nakano Natural Rice Vinegar because the clean acidity perfectly balances the bold ingredients throughout the dish.

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice - a paleo dinner recipe

Packed with plump, juicy shrimp, bright vegetables and fresh herbs, I happen to think it tastes even better than the restaurant version. But I’ll let you be the judge.

Your chop sticks are waiting.

Not a fan of shrimp? Take a look at these other cauliflower fried rice versions:

If you’re looking to make some substitutes, frozen riced cauliflower can be used in lieu of fresh cauliflower. Don’t feel obligated to add shrimp either. Any protein like chicken can be added instead.

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice -a healthy dinner recipe

Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice

4.25 stars average
Skip the takeout and try this paleo-friendly cauliflower shrimp “fried rice” recipe! You won’t believe how easy and flavorful homemade Chinese food can be.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serves4
CourseMain Dish
Calories262

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 head cauliflower – grated or riced see video
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 5 scallions diced whites and greens separated
  • 2 cup medium carrots diced or 1 frozen
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons Nakano Natural Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • sriracha optional

Instructions
 

  1. Heat a large, deep pan or wok over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Season shrimp with ¾ teaspoon of the salt and the pepper before adding to the hot pan.
  2. Cook shrimp in an even layer, turning once, until pink (about 90 seconds per side.) Remove cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside.
  3. While shrimp is cooking, rice the cauliflower using a food processor, blender or a cheese grater; set aside.
  4. Whisk together eggs and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Spray pan with more cooking spray then reduce heat to medium. Pour eggs into the pan and cook, stirring frequently, 1-2 minutes. Remove cooked eggs and place in the bowl with reserved shrimp; set aside.
  5. Add diced onion, scallion whites, carrots, peas, garlic, and ginger to the pan and cook until soft and tender, stirring frequently. This should take 4-5 minutes.
  6. When veggies are cooked through, add cauliflower, soy sauce and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir well to combine then walk away for a few minutes so that the cauliflower can start to cook and create a nice crust. Come back, stir it around then walk away again. The flavor comes from letting the cauliflower brown a bit and become crispy. This process may take up to 10 minutes. It’s worth the wait!
  7. Add cooked shrimp and egg back to the pan and cook until warmed through. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and garnish with scallion greens and Sriracha to serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 262kcalCarbohydrates: 19.3gProtein: 30.9gFat: 6.9gSaturated Fat: 0.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.1gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 856mgFiber: 7.1gSugar: 7.2g

Have you tried this?

Let us know how it was!

4.25 from 36 votes (32 ratings without comment)

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32 responses to “Cauliflower Shrimp Fried Rice”

  1. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    Made this dish tonight it was excellent. I will definitely make this again and share you recipe with friends and family.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Karen!

  2. Lori Thomas Avatar
    Lori Thomas

    Hi there,
    I am wondering what is the single serving size for this meal?
    Thanks you,
    Lori

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      One cup!

  3. Yolanda T. Pursley Avatar
    Yolanda T. Pursley

    Fried rice is terrific stuff, and your recipe looks excellent.

  4. Alex Avatar
    Alex

    Is it possible to use a bag of frozen riced cauliflower instead?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      YES!! Great idea!

    2. Mts Avatar
      Mts

      Did you thaw & drain the frozen cauliflower rice before you made this dish?

      1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
        Liz DellaCroce

        I usually make my own cauliflower rice, so I have less experience with using frozen, but I would recommend thawing it!

  5. Yolanda Avatar
    Yolanda

    Made this dish tonight. I have been hearing so much about this dish. I’m always up for an healthy alternative that actually taste good. I also have to try and incorporate vegetables that my son would never , ever eat otherwise. This was that dish. Thank you so much for the recipe. I will definitely be putting thus one in the “keep box”.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh I’m so happy! My boys love this (they are 3 and 5) and always ask for it. Let me know if you try any other recipes!

      1. Laurel Avatar
        Laurel

        I just made this and it was delicious! I added some leftover broccoli and some slivered almonds. Followed everything else as written. Thanks for a great recipe. I searched several and this one looked the best and it was!!!

        1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
          Liz DellaCroce

          I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!! Thanks Laurel!