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Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

Let me share with you one of my favorite healthy twists on a classic comfort dish: the Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe. It’s everything you love about fried rice — the savory flavors, the satisfying texture — but made vibrant and light with cauliflower rice and earthy mushrooms. I love this recipe because it’s super quick to whip up and feels guilt-free, perfect for weeknights when you want a cozy meal without the heavy carbs.

You’ll find this Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a veggie-packed side or a main course, it fits the bill brilliantly. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying bold, comforting flavors. Trust me, once you try it, cauliflower rice might just become a freezer staple!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Low-Carb & Nutrient-Packed: Using cauliflower rice lets you indulge in the texture of fried rice without the carb overload.
  • Umami Boost from Mushrooms: The mushrooms add a meaty depth that makes this recipe satisfying even for non-vegetarians.
  • Quick & Simple Preparation: With minimal ingredients and fast cooking time, this is perfect for busy days.
  • Flavor Balance: The combination of soy sauce, sriracha, and vinegar hits sweet, spicy, and tangy notes keeping every bite interesting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe plays a key role, balancing texture and flavor. I always aim to use fresh veggies and good-quality sauces to make sure the dish comes out vibrant and satisfying every time.

  • Sesame oil: Adds that classic nutty aroma essential for authentic fried rice flavor.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant base that wakes up the entire dish.
  • Green onion (white and green parts): The white bits cook into the dish adding sweetness, while the green tops are perfect for fresh garnish.
  • Red bell pepper: Offers a mild sweetness and a pop of color to brighten things up.
  • White mushrooms: These soak up the sauces beautifully and provide a juicy umami punch.
  • Soy sauce: The salty backbone that ties in all the flavors.
  • Sriracha: A touch of heat that you can adjust to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that keeps the dish lively and fresh.
  • Cauliflower rice: The star substitute for traditional rice with a much lower carb count.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe is wonderfully customizable. I often adjust it based on what I have in the fridge or my mood — so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

  • Vegetable swaps: I’ve tried adding diced carrots or snap peas for extra crunch and color, which works beautifully.
  • Proteins: If you want to bulk it up, adding scrambled eggs or some sautéed tofu can turn it into a full meal.
  • Less spicy: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce or skip the sriracha, or swap in a sweet chili sauce instead.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos as a gluten-free soy sauce substitute without losing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the chopped garlic and stir-fry for about a minute until it starts turning golden and releases that mouthwatering aroma—just be careful not to burn it. This early step sets the flavor tone for the whole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Veggies

Add the white parts of the green onion, chopped red pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry on high heat for roughly 3 minutes. Watch as the mushrooms release moisture and then start browning—that caramelized edge adds fantastic depth. Make sure you spread the veggies out so they cook evenly and don’t steam too much.

Step 3: Add Sauces and Mix

Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Give it a thorough mix so the mushrooms and peppers soak up all those delicious tangy and spicy notes. This combo brings the savory and zingy balance that makes this Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe so addictive.

Step 4: Stir in the Cauliflower Rice

Reduce the heat to low-medium, then stir in the cauliflower rice along with salt and black pepper. Gently fold everything together, making sure the cauliflower is evenly coated with the sauce. This gentle step prevents the cauliflower from turning mushy while allowing it to soak up the flavors.

Step 5: Finish Cooking on Higher Heat

Now, increase the heat back to medium-high. Keep stirring often for 5 to 6 minutes until the cauliflower rice loses its raw smell and becomes tender but still separate — not soggy. This part takes a little attention but is key to nailing the perfect texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the green parts of the chopped green onion over the top for a fresh crunch and pop of color. Serve it hot and enjoy the satisfying mix of flavors and textures you just created.

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Pro Tips for Making Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

  • High Heat is Essential: Using medium-high heat helps caramelize the mushrooms and peppers and keeps the cauliflower rice from getting mushy.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your veggies room to sauté properly; crowded pans steam ingredients instead of browning them.
  • Choose Fresh Cauliflower Rice: Fresh or high-quality store-bought cauliflower rice cooks better — frozen ones can sometimes get soggy, so drain excess moisture if needed.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust soy sauce, sriracha, salt and pepper gradually — it’s easier to add more later than fix an overly salty or spicy dish.

How to Serve Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

A close-up image shows a white bowl filled with fried rice mixed with mushrooms, red bell pepper pieces, and chopped green onions all over. The fried rice is light brown, with textures of soft cooked grains and tender vegetable chunks spread evenly throughout. A woman's hand is holding the bowl from the bottom while the other woman's hand is holding a fork digging into the rice on the top right side. The bowl sits on a dark surface with some green onion pieces scattered around, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe with fresh green onion tops because they add a lovely crisp texture and refreshing bite. Sometimes, I sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds or drizzle a tiny bit more sesame oil just before serving — it really elevates the aroma. If you like it spicy, a few extra sriracha drizzles never hurt!

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, I like pairing this fried rice with simple steamed or roasted veggies, a crispy cucumber salad, or even some baked tofu or grilled chicken. It also goes wonderfully with an easy egg drop soup or miso soup on the side if you want a comforting Asian-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe inside carved-out bell peppers or in individual lettuce cups for a fresh, fun twist. Another idea I love is plating it on a big platter topped with extra chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for that “family style” vibe that gets everyone digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After letting the Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice cool completely, I pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinner leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing this dish can be a bit tricky because cauliflower rice can become a little watery after freezing and thawing. But if I freeze it, I spread it thin on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This helps preserve texture better and lets me pull out just what I need.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a hot skillet over medium heat with a splash of sesame oil or water to freshen it up. Avoid microwaving too long as it can get soggy. Quick stir-frying helps bring back some of the original crispness and refreshes the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of store-bought cauliflower rice?

    Absolutely! To make your own cauliflower rice, pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble grains of rice, then cook the recipe as directed. Just be mindful to drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid sogginess.

  2. Is this Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe vegan?

    Yes, as written, it’s vegan! Just be sure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly, and you’re set. You can add scrambled tofu or a fried egg on top if you want to customize it otherwise.

  3. How spicy is this recipe?

    It has a nice gentle heat from the sriracha, but you can easily tone it down or amp it up depending on your preference. Start with less sriracha if you’re sensitive to spice.

  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Definitely. Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe has become my go-to when I crave something that’s both wholesome and comforting. I love how the mushrooms bring such depth without heaviness, and how easy it is to customize based on what I have on hand or my mood. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the fresh, vibrant twists on a classic dish that you can trust to satisfy both your taste buds and your health goals.

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Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 40 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

A flavorful and healthy Mushroom Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe that uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, combined with sautéed mushrooms, bell pepper, and a mix of savory seasonings for a quick and delicious low-carb meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Vegetables

  • 6-7 large garlic cloves chopped
  • 5 stalks green onion chopped, white and green parts separated
  • 1 large red pepper chopped
  • 8 oz white mushrooms sliced
  • 16 oz cauliflower rice (around 3.5 to 4 cups riced cauliflower)

Seasonings and Oils

  • 1.5 tablespoon sesame oil (22 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha or adjust to taste
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil: Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium-high heat until hot.
  2. Sauté garlic: Add chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until it starts to change color and becomes fragrant.
  3. Add vegetables: Add green onion whites, chopped red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook on high heat for about 3 minutes until mushrooms release water and turn golden brown.
  4. Add sauces: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha to coat the vegetables evenly.
  5. Add cauliflower rice: Lower the heat and add cauliflower rice along with salt and black pepper. Toss to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Cook cauliflower rice: Increase heat back to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes until the cauliflower rice loses its raw taste and smell but does not become mushy or soggy.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with the green parts of the spring onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh or store-bought cauliflower rice for convenience.
  • Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.
  • Maintain high heat when cooking cauliflower rice to avoid sogginess.
  • Feel free to swap mushrooms with other vegetables like zucchini or snap peas for variation.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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