Dietitian Spotlight: Cauliflower Fried Rice

Chinese Take-Out — one of the easiest ways to “prepare” dinner for your family and by prepare we mean finding the number, calling the restaurant, placing an order, and driving to pick it up. Although it is easy, this quick dinner often turns into a food coma full of regret for those trying to make healthy eating choices. So, if you’re craving stir-fry, we have the perfect and healthy solution for you.

Cauliflower has become one of the most popular alternatives to starchy products such as rice, pasta, potatoes and even pizza crusts. Finely chopped cauliflower acts just like rice without adding high calories and carb amounts to your dinner, making it a perfectly safe alternative for those who have diabetes. This recipe is also loaded with veggies which may help to stabilize your blood sugar. Not only is this recipe diabetes-friendly, it will also help you reach your daily goal of 3-5 servings of veggies.

This Cauliflower Fried Rice is the perfect way to satisfy that take-out meal craving, but with increased nutritional benefits and absolutely no feelings of guilt. And while it may not be as easy as calling in a to-go order, it’s still a quick and easy meal to prepare and enjoy.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Cauliflower crumbles

• 3/4 cup chopped onion

• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil, divided

• 1-2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp. light, low-sodium soy sauce, divided

• 1/2 cup chopped baby carrots

• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

• 4 green onions, chopped

• 2 cups bean sprouts, optional

• Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and stir fry until light brown, about 8 minutes. Remove from the wok and place in a bowl. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the egg (1 or 2, depending on how eggy you like your fried rice) and a few drops of sesame oil and soy sauce. Add a 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the wok and then quickly scramble the egg mixture in it. Remove the egg and add to the bowl with the onion.

3. Add the last 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the wok and add in the cauliflower, peas, carrots, green onions, and bean sprouts. Stir fry for 3 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-low, mix in the soy sauce, and cover for about 3 more minutes, or until cauliflower is cooked through. Add back in the egg and onion and cook together for one more minute. Season with salt to taste.

4. Garnish with additional chopped green onion.