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Easy Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice with Crispy Shrimp

easy keto cauliflower fried rice - featured image

A quick and easy low-carb twist on classic fried rice featuring riced cauliflower and double-coated crispy shrimp. Perfect for keto and low-carb diets, this flavorful dish is a family favorite and ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups) or 4 cups store-bought riced cauliflower
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (diced carrots and peas; frozen works great)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on optional)
  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for dredging)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Avocado oil or other high-heat oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Rice the cauliflower by removing leaves and core, breaking into florets, and pulsing in a food processor until rice-sized grains form (about 8-10 pulses) or grate with a box grater. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the crispy shrimp coating by combining almond flour, grated Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Beat one large egg in a separate bowl.
  3. Dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then dredge in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Set coated shrimp aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry shrimp in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Keep warm.
  5. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  6. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but vibrant.
  7. Add riced cauliflower to the skillet, stir well to combine with veggies, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Push cauliflower mixture to one side of the pan. Pour beaten eggs into empty space and scramble quickly until just set. Stir eggs into cauliflower rice.
  9. Drizzle soy sauce evenly and stir to combine. Add toasted sesame oil if using.
  10. Transfer cauliflower fried rice to plates, top with crispy shrimp, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep heat medium-high to get a slight char on cauliflower rice for authentic flavor. Cook shrimp or cauliflower in batches if pan is crowded to maintain crispness. Use high-smoke point oils like avocado or peanut oil for frying shrimp. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and add extra almond flour and garlic powder. Store shrimp and cauliflower rice separately for best reheating results.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, cauliflower fried rice, crispy shrimp, low-carb, gluten-free, keto dinner, quick recipe, healthy, easy, weeknight meal