Craving fried rice but want to cut back on the carbs? This chicken cauliflower fried rice is the perfect alternative for you, with low carb! Compared to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is richer in vitamins and fibers, meaning it’s easier for your stomach to digest.
The cooking kicks off with tender chicken breast being tossed in with diced onion, ginger, and garlic. As the oil sizzles, the chicken gets cooked to a juicy perfection while the kitchen is filled with the delicious aroma of caramelized onion and a warm, spicy note of sauteed ginger and garlic!
To add a pop of color and nutrients to the dish, crunchy peas and sweet carrots are mixed with the cooked chicken. Seasoned with chili flakes and soy sauce, the dish gets a flavorful kick that pairs perfectly with the fluffy cauliflower rice that follows.
To finish off the cauliflower recipe on a delicious note, scrambled eggs are stirred in for a protein boost and extra creaminess!
Customizing Your Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe
Don’t like a particular ingredient from this recipe?
No need to frown! The cauliflower fried rice with chicken is so versatile that it adapts to almost any swap you have in mind. From trying a different type of protein to adjusting the seasonings, you can customize this recipe to fit your taste and dietary preferences.
Here are some customization ideas that go smoothly with this recipe:
Protein
Although the recipe title does have the word ‘chicken’ in it, you don’t need to be stuck with it as your only option!
The beauty of cauliflower rice lies in its flexibility to adjust to other sources of protein, including tofu, shrimp, eggs, chickpeas, turkey, and beef. Each of these proteins brings their unique flavor and texture to enrich the cauliflower fried rice.
For instance, tofu is a mild-flavored food that easily absorbs all the seasonings you add to this dish, making it an ideal candidate for a flavorful experience. To get a nice texture on the tofu, saute until it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside before adding it to the rest of the dish.
On the other hand, Shrimp can’t be sauteed for more than 3 minutes per side as it turns chewy if it overcooks. The natural sweet flavor of the shrimp pairs well with the soy sauce in the recipe, and the soft, pink shrimp adds a delicate texture that goes well with the crunchy vegetables.
Vegetables
I have kept today’s recipe simple by adding only peas and carrots as vegetable options. However, when it comes to cauliflower chicken fried rice, most varieties of veggies go deliciously well together, so there’s no room for disappointment!
To add color and crunchiness to your cauliflower, fried rice, carrots, and bell peppers are excellent choices. They are also rich in vitamins and beta-carotene, so you get double health benefits while enjoying double the crunch!
If you are short on time and don’t want to spend much time cooking the vegetables, zucchini and spinach are better options as they cook pretty fast. Simply chop these veggies and add them to the end of cooking for a quick and delicious addition to your cauliflower fried rice.
Sauce and Seasonings
I love using soy sauce in fried rice as it adds that yummy savory and salty taste that makes the veggies and protein taste super delicious! However, if you aren’t a fan of the saltiness, you can swap it out with teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of caramelization!
Other sauces you can consider trying include hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, coconut aminos, sweet chili sauce and peanut sauce for a variety of flavors in your fried rice.
For seasonings, garlic and onion powder work like a charm alongside fresh garlic and onions. The powdered form helps deepen the flavor and add a nice aroma to the overall dish.
You can also use five-spice powder for a more complex flavor. Five-spice powder refers to a mixture that includes star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds- all of which are traditionally used in Chinese cuisine. Simply sprinkle a pinch of the spice powder towards the end of the cooking for a burst of delicious flavor in your cauliflower fried rice.
To finish the dish on a fresh and zesty note, garnish the cauliflower rice with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to bring a refreshing taste to the dish, making each bite even more flavorful!
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Cauliflower chicken rice is the perfect low-carb alternative that can help you lose weight while still enjoying a wholesome, tasty meal. Loaded with vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants, cauliflower chicken fried rice boosts your immunity system as well as supports bone health and smooth skin.
Light and satisfying, the whole dish gets ready in a mere 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening or whenever you want something delicious on short notice!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe. However, make sure to thaw and dry the cauliflowers properly before placing the florets into the food processor.
How To Make Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice Vegan-Friendly?
To make the dish vegan-friendly, substitute the chicken in the recipe with tofu, chickpeas, or any other plant-based protein option.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Food Processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a box grater to grate the cauliflower. Keep grating until you achieve that rice-like texture, and make sure the florets are cut into small pieces to get the best result.
What Can I Use Instead Of Cauliflower?
To experience a similar texture, you can use other grated veggies such as broccoli, carrots, zucchini, cabbages etc. You can also mix cauliflowers with brown rice or quinoa for extra texture and heartiness.
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