Cauliflower fried rice with vegetables, garnished with green onions, served in a bowl with chopsticks on the side.

Sautéed Cauliflower Fried Rice

Sautéed cauliflower fried rice is one of those dishes that came into my life and quickly became a staple. It’s one of those recipes that’s not only quick and easy, but it always hits the spot, any time you’re craving something savory or need a healthy alternative to takeout. The first time I made it, I was surprised at how similar it tasted to the traditional fried rice, with that satisfying mix of veggies, egg, and soy sauce, minus the heavy carbs. It’s been a go-to ever since, and I’m sure it will be in your kitchen too!

Cauliflower fried rice with vegetables, garnished with green onions, served in a bowl with chopsticks on the side.
Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

This recipe is not only a great way to use up cauliflower, but it’s also so versatile. You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or add extra protein if you’re looking for something more substantial. It’s the perfect meal for when you want something light yet filling, and it’s done in less than 30 minutes. Ready to give it a try?

A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal for Any Day

Even it’s for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch, this sautéed cauliflower fried rice is exactly what you need to satisfy your cravings without the extra calories. The crispy cauliflower, fragrant sesame oil, and savory soy sauce create a delightful base for this dish, and the eggs add just the right amount of richness. Plus, it’s so simple to make, and you can have it ready in no time. It’s perfect for those days when you want a light meal that still feels indulgent.

Ingredients

  • medium head cauliflower, riced
  • sesame oil
  • diced carrots
  • peas
  • garlic, minced
  • large eggs, beaten
  • soy sauce or tamari
  • green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper
Ingredients for cauliflower fried rice: carrots, peas, soy sauce, riced cauliflower, eggs, green onions, sesame oil, and garlic.
Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

How to Make Sautéed Cauliflower Fried Rice

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced carrots and peas. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. This step brings out their natural sweetness and gives them the perfect texture.

Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. The garlic will release a wonderful fragrance that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Now, push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating room for the eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them until they’re fully cooked. The eggs add that extra richness and help bind everything together.

A skillet with diced carrots and peas sautéing on medium heat, being stirred with a wooden spoon.
Heat sesame oil, cook carrots and peas for 5 minutes until tender.
Scrambled eggs added to the pan with sautéed carrots and peas for cauliflower fried rice.
Push vegetables aside, pour in beaten eggs, and scramble until fully cooked.

Once the eggs are scrambled, add the riced cauliflower to the skillet, along with the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir everything to combine, making sure the cauliflower gets nicely coated in the oil and mixes with the vegetables and eggs.

Pour the soy sauce over the entire mixture, stirring to ensure everything is well coated. Continue to cook for a few more minutes, letting the cauliflower soften slightly and absorb all the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp finish. Serve immediately for a light, yet satisfying meal.

A finished cauliflower fried rice in a skillet, garnished with vegetables.
Add cauliflower and sesame oil, stir in soy sauce, cook until softened. Season, garnish with green onions, and serve.

Serving Suggestions

This sautéed cauliflower fried rice is perfect on its own, but you can pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal. If you’re looking for something extra, serve it alongside a light salad or a side of steamed veggies for an even more wholesome meal.

Cauliflower fried rice in a bowl with chopsticks and soy sauce on the side.
Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dish also reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep! You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, just toss it in a skillet for a few minutes, and it’ll taste just as fresh as the first time.

Finished cauliflower fried rice in a skillet with vegetables and scrambled eggs.
Cauliflower Fried Rice. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of this cauliflower fried rice, you might also enjoy some other flavorful and satisfying dishes already on the site. Try the Baked Fried Rice, a simple one‑dish meal that combines vegetables and seasonings in the oven for minimal effort. For something warm and creamy, the Broccoli Cheddar Soup brings bright broccoli and melted cheese together in a bowl that feels just right on cooler evenings. If you’re craving a comfort classic with a twist, the Lasagna Soup transforms traditional lasagna into a cozy soup that is still quick to make. These recipes are easy to prepare and bring variety and flavor to your everyday meals.

Cauliflower fried rice with vegetables, garnished with green onions, served in a bowl with chopsticks on the side.

Sautéed Cauliflower Fried Rice

Mandy Applegate
This sautéed cauliflower fried rice is a light, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and packed with vegetables. It’s a perfect meal for busy nights when you need something satisfying but healthy.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 167 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower riced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add carrots and peas; cook until tender.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Push veggies aside and scramble the eggs in the empty space.
  • Add riced cauliflower and remaining sesame oil; stir to combine.
  • Pour in soy sauce and stir until well coated.
  • Season with salt and pepper, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, replace the eggs with scrambled tofu.
  • You can use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free option.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 167kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 846mgPotassium: 611mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3007IUVitamin C: 79mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cauliflower fried rice, Easy fried rice, Sautéed Cauliflower Fried Rice
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