If you love fried rice but want to cut the carbs, Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp is the perfect solution. This dish replaces traditional rice with nutrient-packed cauliflower “rice” and pairs it with succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings.
It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free meal that’s quick to prepare, light, and satisfying. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb & keto-friendly
- Gluten-free & grain-free
- High in protein
- Packed with fiber and vitamins
- Quick & easy to prepare
- Perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners
This recipe gives you all the flavors of classic fried rice — soy sauce, garlic, and shrimp — without the heaviness or carbs of traditional rice.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
- 250–300g (8–10 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers), finely diced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2–3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or powdered
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: red chili flakes for heat
Instructions
1. Prepare the cauliflower rice
- Wash and chop the cauliflower into florets.
- Pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice grains.
- Set aside.
2. Cook the shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook until slightly tender.
4. Add cauliflower rice
- Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Push the rice to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until cooked, then mix with the rice.
5. Combine shrimp and seasonings
- Return shrimp to the pan.
- Add soy sauce or tamari and mix everything together.
- Stir in green onions and optional chili flakes.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve
- Serve hot as a main dish or a side. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Benefits
🥦 Cauliflower
Low in calories and carbs, high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
🍤 Shrimp
High-quality protein, low in fat, and packed with selenium and iodine.
🥕 Vegetables
Add fiber, vitamins, and minerals while keeping the dish colorful and nutrient-dense.
🥚 Eggs
Provide protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like choline.
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250–320
- Net carbs: 6–8g
- Protein: 25–28g
- Fat: 12–15g
(Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.)
Tips for the Best Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Use fresh cauliflower for the best texture.
- Do not overcook the cauliflower rice — it should stay slightly firm.
- Use sesame oil for authentic flavor.
- Add extra vegetables like broccoli or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Meal prep tip: store shrimp and cauliflower rice separately to keep them fresh.
Perfect For
- Keto & Low-Carb Diets
- Gluten-Free Meals
- Quick Weeknight Dinners
- High-Protein Meals
- Weight Loss & Meal Prep
Final Thoughts
Cauliflower Fried Rice with Shrimp is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice. It’s flavorful, protein-packed, and loaded with nutrients — a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal without the carbs.
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