Hi, friends!
Today, we’ve cooked up something extra special in our gluten-free kitchen. Nicole has been craving fried rice these past several days, so we decided to make a version of this recipe with a healthy twist. This cauliflower dish tastes just like fried rice except that it isn’t stir-fried and doesn’t contain rice. It’s just 100% amazingly delicious and nutritious.
When we first heard that cauliflower makes a fantastic substitute for rice, we were a bit skeptical. But after tasting that first spoonful, we both agreed that cauliflower rice is now one of our new favorite foods.
Since rice is one of the few safe grains on the gluten-free diet, we tend to serve it up a lot as a side dish at dinner. Unfortunately, however, white rice does not contain many nutrients and is rather high in starchy carbs. Cauliflower, on the other hand, is considered a superfood as it is rich in nutrients, vitamins (especially Vitamin C), minerals, and antioxidants. It is said to help prevent cancer and boost heart health and brain health. More here. If you’re following a paleo diet where rice is off-limits, cauliflower is the perfect replacement (and a much healthier choice too).
Nicole suggested adding bacon to enhance the flavors of the dish. We love using Applegate No Nitrate bacon and cooked up several strips in a skillet, then reserved it for later in the recipe. However, the bacon grease immediately went to work as we used it for sautéing the onion, garlic and scallions. This took just three minutes. Next, we added the chopped cauliflower and stirred until the ingredients were combined. We covered the pot and cooked on medium heat for about eight more minutes until the cauliflower was tender. Finally, we chopped up the reserved strips of bacon and tossed them into the rice.
And voila! It is ready to serve, warm from the stove and seasoned with a little salt and pepper to taste. This cauliflower rice is so quick and easy to make: just ten minutes to prepare and fifteen minutes to cook. And if you are feeling creative, the possibilities are endless. You could toss in cooked chicken or shrimp or mixed vegetables.
Have you ever had cauliflower rice before? What ingredients would you add? Enjoy!
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- ¾ pound cauliflower florets
- 8 ounces Applegate no nitrate bacon
- ½ cup onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 scallions, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- Pulse a few florets at a time in your food processor until the cauliflower pieces are the size of rice. Transfer to a dish and set aside.
- Mince the onion and the garlic and chop up the scallions.
- Cook bacon in a skillet and transfer to paper towels on a plate.
- Sauté onion, garlic and scallions in the bacon grease (3-4 tablespoons), about 3 minutes. Then add cauliflower rice and stir until combined.
- Cover and cook on medium heat for about 8 more minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Finally, chop cooled bacon and toss with mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gluten Free Cauliflower Flatbreads - February 15, 2015
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) with Bolognese Sauce - February 7, 2015
- Seasoned Cauliflower Rice with Bacon - February 3, 2015
Mary Burris says
oh! I love Cauliflower! What time did you say dinner is? I’m on my way!
Nicole says
Haha, Mary 🙂 There’s always room for another cauliflower fan at the table!
Francene Stanley says
I’ve heard of cauliflower rice but never knew how to make it. Your instructions make it very simple. I’ll definatealy be trying this.
Nicole says
Thanks, Francene! Would love to know how it turns out when you make it.
Francene Stanley says
Just a further note. I can’t spell very well. I put that down to mild dyslexia. I wouldn’t have even spelled that correctly without the spell-check. Let me try definately again. Ah. No red line. It’s good to go.
Nicole says
No problem at all! 🙂
Kim says
Cauliflower rice has become one of the major staples in our home as we move away from refined and processed grains. Seasoned well – The add such flavor and nutrients to any dish!
Nicole says
So true, Kim! It is a wonderful substitute.
vegetarianmamma (Cindy) says
Thanks for linking up at our Gluten Free Fridays Party! I have tweeted and pinned your entry to our Gluten Free Fridays board on Pinterest! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what you share next time!
-Cindy
Leigh says
This sounds savory and delicious, but if it actually tastes like fried rice then I’ll be in hog heaven! Thanks for sharing at the Healthy Living Link Party.
Blessings, Leigh
Anne says
cauliflower rice is amazing, isn’t it?
Life Loving says
I love the idea of this recipe. What you could add into it is endless. We substitute some potato in our mash to cauliflower as it bulks out the mash but lowers the calories. I’d be very keen to try this.
Sally @ Life Loving
#LifeLovingLinkie
Anne says
I love cauliflower rice, I’m going to have to try this! Thanks for sharing.
Denise C says
I made this tonight. I used green onions instead of scallions and tossed them in with the bacon. I prefer them not well cooked. Also added a small amount of fresh grated Romano cheese. So delicious! 5 stars in my book!