This vibrant and healthy turmeric cauliflower fried rice is a fantastic alternative to traditional fried rice. Packed with flavors and nutrients, it's a perfect dish for those looking to enjoy a low-carb, gluten-free meal without compromising on taste.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Cauliflower is the star of the dish, and you'll need a medium head to grate into rice-sized pieces. Turmeric adds a beautiful color and earthy flavor, so make sure to grab some ground turmeric if you don't already have it. Frozen peas and carrots are convenient and add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.
Ingredients for Turmeric Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower: Grated into rice-sized pieces, this serves as the base of the dish, providing a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Onion: Diced small, it brings a sweet and savory flavor to the fried rice.
Garlic: Minced cloves add a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.
Turmeric: Ground turmeric gives the dish its vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor.
Frozen peas and carrots: These add color, texture, and a touch of sweetness to the fried rice.
Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
Green onions: Sliced and added at the end, they offer a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the other flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the cauliflower for this dish, ensure you grate it evenly to achieve a consistent rice-sized texture. This will help it cook uniformly and absorb the flavors better. Using a food processor with a grating attachment can save time and effort, but if you prefer a more hands-on approach, a box grater works just as well.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
grated cauliflower - Substitute with grated broccoli: Grated broccoli provides a similar texture and nutritional profile, making it a great low-carb alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor, complementing the turmeric.
diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch and provides a similar garlicky flavor without the need for fresh garlic.
ground turmeric - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder contains turmeric along with other spices, adding complexity and depth to the dish.
frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables often include peas and carrots along with other veggies, adding variety and color.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
sliced green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a mild onion flavor and a similar green color, making them a suitable garnish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How To Store / Freeze This Dish
- Allow the turmeric cauliflower fried rice to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled fried rice to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that is just the right size to minimize air exposure.
- If you plan to consume the dish within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
- For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the fried rice into individual servings using freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
- Label each container or bag with the date to keep track of how long it has been stored.
- When ready to eat, thaw the fried rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating.
- Reheat the fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to refresh the flavors.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent sticking. Add the leftover Turmeric Cauliflower Fried Rice and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain the texture and flavor of the cauliflower.
Microwave Method: Place the fried rice in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals if needed, until thoroughly warmed.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fried rice evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method is great if you're reheating a large batch.
Steamer Method: Place the fried rice in a heatproof dish that fits into your steamer. Steam over boiling water for about 5-7 minutes, or until hot. This method helps maintain the moisture and texture of the cauliflower.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the fried rice in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method can add a slight crispiness to the cauliflower.
Instant Pot Method: Use the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a small amount of olive oil or water, then add the fried rice. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method is quick and convenient if you already have your Instant Pot out.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Grater: Used to grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.
Large pan: Essential for cooking all the ingredients together.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pan.
Knife: Necessary for dicing the onion and slicing the green onions.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, turmeric, and soy sauce accurately.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly.
Spatula: Useful for mixing and folding the ingredients evenly.
Mixing bowl: Can be used to hold the grated cauliflower before adding it to the pan.
How to Save Time on Making This Dish
Pre-grate the cauliflower: Use a food processor to quickly grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.
Frozen veggies: Opt for frozen peas and carrots to skip the chopping and peeling.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of cauliflower rice and freeze portions for future meals.
Pre-chopped onions: Buy pre-diced onions to reduce prep time.
Turmeric Cauliflower Fried Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 green onions sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in turmeric and cook for another minute.
- Add grated cauliflower, frozen peas, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add sliced green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well and serve.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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