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Grain-Free Fried Rice Recipe made out of Grated Cauliflower

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Seriously, is that fried rice without a grain of rice??  The amazing cauliflower strikes again!  Really, what can’t you do with cauliflower?  Recently I have ran across recipes utilizing this humble plant in all kinds of uncommon ways, such as pizza crust and taco tortillas to name just a few.  Maybe I will have to do an entire series on innovative uses of cauliflower.  I am intrigued.

This fried “rice” experience is so fast and easy to prepare, it will likely go onto your list for weekday dinner meals.  This meal will satisfy even a hearty desire for savory spice without lots of meat.  I have also made this without shrimp and its 93% as good.  Just add all of the spices to the onions and carrots to make a pure veggie version.

This was one of first times putting ancho chiles to work.  The fragrance and color take this dish to the next level.  I picked up some that were already ground up at the Spice House in Old Town.  As I was testing this recipe, one attempt got so spicy that I nearly made my girlfriend cry… and we are not talking about my spicy dance moves either.  So be sure to measure out the peppers in this one or cut them back a bit if are feeling a little less adventurous.

To top off this recipe, don’t forget the squeeze of lime right at the very end.  The touch of acid brightens the flavor and finishes it so nicely.

My favorite thing about this recipe: It’s cauliflower, eat as much as you want.

Let’s Cook!

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Cauliflower Fried Rice Step by Step Recipe

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Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound – shrimp (thawed, rinsed, shelled, deveined)
• ½ tablespoon – olive oil
• ½ tablespoon – sesame oil
• ½ inch piece – ginger (minced or shredded)
• 2 cloves – garlic (pressed or minced)
• ¼ teaspoon – cayenne pepper powder
• ½ teaspoon – ancho chile powder
• ½ teaspoon – ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon – salt

For the “Rice”

• 1 head – cauliflower
• 3 – carrots (diced)
• 1 cup – peas (fresh or frozen)
• ½ tablespoon – olive oil
• ½ tablespoon – sesame oil
• ½ inch piece – ginger (minced or shredded)
• 2 cloves – garlic (pressed or minced)
• ¼ teaspoon – cayenne pepper powder
• ½ teaspoon – ancho chile powder
• ½ teaspoon – ground white pepper
• ½ teaspoon – salt
• 1 – lime (juiced)
• 2 eggs

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Create the Rice out of Cauliflower

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1. Rinse the cauliflower.  Chop the head in half and cut out the tough stem core.  Cut into pieces small enough to fit down the chute of your food processor, roughly 2 inch chunks.[/column]
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2. Shred the cauliflower in a food processor with the medium-grating blade.  This can also be done with a cheese grater if you are without a food processor.  Voila, “rice”!

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3.  Add cauliflower to a steamer basket.  Add 1-2 inches of water to pot and bring to a boil.  Cover and steam for 5 minutes.  Alternatively, you can microwave the cauliflower in covered with plastic wrap (vented by folding back one corner).

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Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe

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4. Prepare the carrots, garlic, ginger and spices.

5. Heat a large wok or deep fry pan over medium heat.  Add ½ each of the olive and sesame oil to the pan.  Allow to heat until a drip of water sizzles (wet hand, and flick a drip in to test).  Add shrimp, and garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper powder, ancho chile powder, white pepper powder, and salt from shrimp ingredients.

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6. Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the shrimp turns pink.  This will go pretty quick, finishing in 3-5 minutes.  Once done, remove from pan and set aside on a plate.

7. Return the pan to the heat, and add remaining olive and sesame oil.  Saute the carrots and peas for 3 minutes.  Add garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper powder, ancho chile powder, white pepper powder, and salt from “rice” ingredients.  Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until carrots begin to soften.

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8. Add the steamed cauliflower to the vegetables and stir gently to incorporate.  Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes until the cauliflower begins to fry.  The “rice” will begin to take on a wonderful golden hue.

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9. Using the back of a spatula or spoon, arrange the ingredients into a donut shape with a hole in the middle.  Crack the eggs into this spot and stir to scramble.  Allow eggs to cook before incorporating into the rest of the ingredients.  According to an Asian friend, this the proper way to make fried rice!

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10. Once eggs are cooked, stir together with the “rice.” Add the shrimp back to the pan and cook for just a few minutes to warm the shrimp.

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11.  Serve in a bowl or on a plate if you are real hungry!

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Let’s Eat!