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Low Carb Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

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Ready in 35 minutes, this Low Carb Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice combines tender shrimp, vegetables, and cauliflower rice in one quick skillet. It’s an easy, protein-packed dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or lighter comfort-food meals.

A skillet of keto fried cauliflower rice with shrimp and vegetables sits beside two bowls of the savory dish. A fork rests on one bowl, ready to dive in. A striped cloth is partially visible, adding a touch of style to this delightful meal scene.Pin

A Quick Look At The Recipe

  • ⏲️Ready In: 35 Minutes
  • 👪Serves: 4
  • 🍽 Calories: 254 kcals
  • 📋Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, vegetables, seasonings, shrimp, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  • 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and keto-friendly.
  • Why You’ll Love It: Better than takeout, this low-carb shrimp fried rice is quick, flavorful, and gives you the satisfying taste of fried rice without the heaviness.

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This shrimp fried cauliflower rice skillet is one of those easy dinners that works surprisingly well when you want something fast but still filling. Cooking the cauliflower rice over slightly higher heat helps keep it from getting watery, while the shrimp cook quickly enough to stay tender instead of rubbery. It has that savory takeout-style flavor without feeling overly heavy, kinda like these Greek chicken gyros with a marinade.

This dish rocks for meal prep too, as it also reheats really well for lunches, especially with lighter sides, like a low-carb, easy avocado cream soup.

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Why The Recipe Works💭

Classic taste but lightened up: Cauliflower rice keeps the dish light and low-carb while still giving it a classic fried rice texture.

Easy protein: Shrimp cook quickly, so you’re not wasting time on bigger proteins.

Easy cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup and fast homemade takeout-style flavor.

Items and Substitutions

Ingredients for a dish arranged on a table: raw shrimp, rice, green beans, eggs, chopped onions, red bell peppers, garlic, sauces, and seasonings in separate bowls. Striped cloth nearby hints at a delicious keto fried cauliflower rice with shrimp masterpiece waiting to be crafted.
  • Riced Cauliflower: Both frozen riced cauliflower or cauliflower that you grate or process yourself will work.
  • Sesame Seed Oil: This adds a classic takeout flavor to the dish. I personally like using toasted sesame even more.
  • Soy Sauce: Keep it gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. This is what I do for the creamy tomato basil chicken skillet, too.
  • Raw Shrimp: Fresh and frozen shrimp work well, just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp before you need them.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Tools you’ll need

Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Food processor or grater (optional)

Flavors To Try

Here are some easy ways to customize your shrimp fried cauliflower rice recipe and make it your own:

  • Swap the Protein: Substitute shrimp with chicken, beef, or air fryer steak tips for a different source of protein.
  • Add More Vegetables: Toss in other low-carb veggies like mushrooms, roasted zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli to stretch the meal further.
  • Crushed Red Pepper or Sriracha (optional): Adds optional heat for those who like a little spice, bringing an extra layer of flavor.
  • Top It Off: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, green onions, or basil for an extra freshness. For crunch, you can also add chopped nuts or seeds, like peanuts or sesame seeds.
  • Mix in Some Fruit: Add pineapple chunks or mango for a sweet and tangy contrast.

How To Make Low Carb Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

If you aren’t using pre-riced cauliflower, pulse fresh cauliflower in a food processor until it’s a rice-like consistency.

Keto-friendly egg mixture sizzling in a frying pan, complementing a savory bed of fried cauliflower rice with shrimp on the stove.Pin

Step 1: In a large, greased skillet, add the eggs and stir until cooked. Set them aside once cooked.

Raw shrimp, chopped green beans, bell peppers, carrots, and onions sizzle in a beige frying pan on a stovetop, perfect for creating keto fried cauliflower rice with shrimp.

Step 2: In the same skillet, add the oil, onion, garlic, mixed vegetables, and shrimp, and saute.

A pan filled with cooked shrimp, diced red and green bell peppers, and onions on a stovetop sizzles with keto fried cauliflower rice. A striped cloth is visible at the bottom.

Step 3: Cook it all until veggies and shrimp are fully cooked.

A skillet filled with shrimp, chopped vegetables, and topped with a mound of keto fried cauliflower rice.

Step 4: Add the low-carb cauliflower rice, soy sauce, black pepper, and ginger.

A pan filled with keto fried cauliflower rice features scrambled eggs, shrimp, and diced vegetables.

Step 5: Toss in the cooked eggs.

A skillet filled with keto fried cauliflower rice with shrimp, featuring succulent shrimp, fluffy scrambled eggs, crisp green beans, and vibrant diced red bell peppers.Pin

Step 6: Mix well and stir just until heated.

Note

The shrimp is often cooked separately in the beginning because it cooks very quickly and can get overcooked and rubbery while you’re stir-frying the other ingredients. Once the vegetables and cauliflower rice are done, you would simply stir in the shrimp to warm them through. This will ensure both the shrimp and cauliflower rice are perfectly cooked.

Helpful Hints

Pro tip: Prep Ingredients Ahead!

Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before starting. Shrimp and cauliflower rice cook quickly, so prepped veggies and seasonings make the process smoother and prevent overcooking.

Here are some helpful hints for making delicious keto cauliflower fried rice with shrimp:

  • Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: Cooking on high heat and uncovered helps achieve a fried, slightly crispy texture for the cauliflower rice.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large skillet or wok to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than frying. If needed, cook the cauliflower rice in batches to maintain its fried texture.
  • Season Well: Cauliflower rice can be mild, so be generous with seasonings. Taste test and adjust as needed.
  • Avoid Overcooking Cauliflower Rice: Cauliflower rice cooks in just a few minutes, so monitor it closely. Overcooking can make it soggy, so stir just until heated through and tender but still firm.
  • Storing it: Place it in an airtight container once cooled. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Use a skillet on medium heat with a small splash of oil or a few drops of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through. If reheating in the microwave, do it in intervals and stir between them.

How To Enjoy It

This quick shrimp and cauliflower rice dinner pairs well with fresh vegetables, simple soups, and easy takeout-style sides. Below are a few of our faves:

  • Serve it on its own for a quick protein-packed dinner or pair it with steamed vegetables and a crisp side salad like this strawberry spinach salad with lemon dressing.
  • Add more Asian-inspired flavor by serving it with cucumber salad, broth-based soups, or extra soy sauce and green onions on top.
  • For a bigger meal, pair it with seafood favorites like these air fryer pineapple chicken skewers.

Low Carb Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice FAQs

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Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for the recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp first, either by letting them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or by running them under cold water for a quick thaw. Once thawed, pat them dry before adding them to the dish to avoid excess moisture.

It’s best to cook the cauliflower rice before adding it to the pan. You can sauté it briefly in a pan or cook it in the microwave to soften it up and remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better texture and ensures it doesn’t become too watery when combined with other ingredients in your fried cauliflower rice.

Yes, you can freeze fried cauliflower rice, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, then reheat it in a skillet to help remove excess moisture.

A skillet brimming with keto fried cauliflower rice features shrimp, scrambled eggs, peas, and diced red peppers. A wooden spoon rests beside it on a blue and white striped cloth, ready to serve this delicious low-carb dish.

More Easy Low Carb Recipes

A skillet containing keto fried cauliflower rice with shrimp, featuring vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and green beans, rests on a striped cloth.Pin

Low Carb Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

Low carb shrimp fried cauliflower rice is a quick one pan dinner packed with tender shrimp, vegetables, and savory takeout-style flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 254 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower riced
  • 2 small baby carrots
  • ½ cup green beans sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
  • ½ medium white onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sesame seed oil
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • 4 large eggs beaten
  • 1 pound raw shrimp
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • crushed red pepper or sriracha (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it’s a rice-like consistency. (Don’t have a food processor? Most grocery stores now sell fresh and/or frozen cauliflower rice).
  • In a large skillet, spray pan with nonstick spray. Add the eggs and stir until cooked. Place cooked eggs into a small bowl and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add oil, onion, garlic, mixed vegetables, and shrimp. Cook until veggies and shrimp are fully cooked.
  • Add cauliflower rice, soy sauce, black pepper, ginger and eggs. Mix well.
  • Serve with crushed red pepper or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Notes

Be careful not to overcook the riced cauliflower, about 3 minutes is all it needs. Overcooking can result in a mushy, soggy texture.
Cooking cauliflower rice uncovered and over higher heat helps excess moisture evaporate for a better fried rice texture.
Shrimp cook quickly, so adding them at the right time keeps them tender instead of rubbery.
If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them first. You can do this quickly by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them for a few minutes, or by soaking them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
There’s no need to thaw frozen cauliflower rice. It can go straight from the freezer into the pan, although it may take a bit longer to cook.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 26gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 307mgSodium: 1257mgPotassium: 772mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2159IUVitamin C: 111mgCalcium: 135mgIron: 2mg

Equipment

  • Food processor if using fresh whole cauliflower
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Small bowl
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

One Comment

5 from 1 vote

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