Getting more protein into your diet can sometimes feel like a full time job. That’s why it’s vital to have easy, flavorful dishes like this Cauliflower Fried Rice in your tool kit. This has quickly become one my favorite low carb high protein recipes. It takes so little effort and yet results in a satisfying, flavorful meal.
This delicious recipe comes straight out of my new cookbook, The Protein Advantage, which hits bookstore shelves today. I’ve made it multiple times since writing the book and I thought it would be a good one to share with you. Chances are you will like it so much, you will want to purchase the book. Oh my sneaky ways!
I created this recipe to showcase how you can load up on lean protein and fresh vegetables without sacrificing flavor. With juicy shrimp and lightly scrambled eggs, it packs in 30 grams of protein per serving. Just like the other recipes in the book, it is satisfying, nutrient-dense, and absolutely crave-worthy!
Trust me, there is more where this came from. Order your copy of The Protein Advantage, if you haven’t already. You won’t regret it!
Why you will love this recipe
- So easy! This easy keto dinner recipe takes one pan and 24 minutes to make.
- Protein packed: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. And a little scrambled egg adds more protein, as well as flavor and authenticity.
- Deliciously seasoned: This keto shrimp fried rice has all the bold umami flavor of the takeout version.
- Nutrient dense: It’s heavy on the veggies, with plenty of cauliflower and bell peppers.
- Low in carbs: Cauliflower rice makes an excellent low carb replacement for regular rice, so this is a keto-friendly meal.
- Make ahead: The leftovers heat up nicely so it’s great for meal prep too!
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: I used medium-size peeled shrimp, but you can also use larger or smaller shrimp.
- Cauliflower rice: I used frozen cauliflower rice but you can use fresh as well.
- Bell pepper: Use orange or red bell pepper for an eye-catching presentation.
- Scallions: You will use both the white and green parts. Reserve the greener parts for garnish.
- Eggs: You can’t have fried rice without some eggs! It also adds extra protein.
- Flavorings: Fresh ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
- Sesame oil: You can use avocado oil or coconut oil as well.
- Tamari: You can also use soy sauce, but tamari is a bit stronger and is completely gluten-free.
- Toasted Sesame oil: Use this as a finishing oil, as it adds more flavor.
Overview: How to Make Fried Cauliflower Rice
- Sauté the shrimp: Season the shrimp and then sauté in hot oil until the shrimp are bright pink. Transfer to a bowl.
- Sauté the veggies: Sauté the bell pepper, scallions, garlic, and ginger in hot oil.
- Scramble the eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add the eggs to the other. Scramble and cook the eggs quickly.
- Add the rice: Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and stir-fry quickly to combine.
- Assemble: Return the shrimp to the skillet and mix in the tamari and toasted sesame oil. Sauté to warm through before serving.
Tips for Success
Make sure the shrimp is well thawed and drained, and patted dry. Otherwise it releases a lot of moisture in the pan and can become “stewed” rather than stir-fried. I recommend removing the tails of the shrimp prior to cooking, as it makes the final dish easier for everyone to eat.
If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using some thinly sliced chicken. You will need to sauté it for longer than the shrimp in Step 2, more like 7 to 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this easy adaptation of the takeout favorite is considered very healthy. It’s far lower in carbs and has more nutrient-dense vegetables, while preserving the same flavor profile. This Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp also packs in 30 grams of lean, healthy protein.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
This keto shrimp fried cauliflower rice recipe has 8.0g of carbs and 3.2g of fiber per serving. If you count net carbs, that comes to 4.8g per serving.
More great keto shrimp recipes
Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, or avocado oil
- 1 pound medium-size shrimp, peeled with tails removed
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 medium-size orange or red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 3 large eggs
- 16 oz frozen cauliflower rice, thawed
- 2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the sesame oil until it shimmers.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, flip, and cook for another minute until the shrimp are bright pink. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sesame oil to the pan along with the bell pepper, scallions, garlic, and ginger and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add the eggs to the open part of the skillet. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs quickly.
- Add the cauliflower rice to the pan and stir-fry quickly to combine. Cook for 3 minutes, then return the shrimp to the skillet and add the tamari and toasted sesame oil. Sauté for another minute to warm through. Garnish with the reserved scallion greens.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I am simply recounting and sharing my own experiences on this blog. Nothing I express here should be taken as medical advice and you should consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. I provide nutritional information for my recipes simply as a courtesy to my readers. It is calculated using MacGourmet software and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count, as it does not affect my own blood glucose levels. I do my best to be as accurate as possible but you should independently calculate nutritional information on your own before relying on them. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.
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This one’s in my rotation for Thursday night. Yum!😋
Thanks so much Carolyn for thus delicious recipe! I made your Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice for dinner tonight and it was a definite keeper. The flavor was amazing just following the recipe with no changes.
It’s just my husband and myself so we will enjoy the leftovers tomorrow. Thanks again for another winner Carolyn, as all the recipes of yours that I’ve tried have been.
Looks like a great dinner for when I’m too tired to get fancy. Keto is a lot more labor intensive than the way I used to eat. I love cooking, but sometimes I need a break. It’s what I love about Carolyn’s recipes. Besides always being delicious, you can choose according to your mood. Thanks Carolyn. You’re the best!
I love the great amount of protein and so few carbs and that it has vegetables, but my husband and I agreed that it needs more flavor. What would you suggest we add to spike it up a little bit not hot but more seasoning.
Great recipe! Cauliflower fried rice is one of my favorite meals! It is so versatile and works well with most left over bits of meat or seafood. Shrimp is our go to protein for this recipe but I have use leftover chicken, pork roast or just meatless. It is a winner!
Your directions are so clear and easy to follow
Everyone wanted seconds.
Delicious and SO EASY. Definitely will repeat this recipe.
Very nice recipe. I used chicken breast. Thank you
Love this recipe! Followed it exactly. I have been waiting for a fried “rice” !
Definitely will be making this a lot, Thanks so much!
Delicious with plenty for leftovers, which is always a plus. The taste and flavors were great without being overly salty with the soy sauce. I will definitely make again and recommend to friends doing low carb.
I just received your new book today 8/12/25, and yes this recipe and many other great ones are in the book. This may be the best protein cook book I have. Very well done,with a lot of good tips on how do. Thank you for your hard work putting the book together.
Delicious! And the directions were easy to follow. TY
what a coincidence I took out a bag of frozen prawns and then saw this recipe, I actually have frozen cauliflower so it’s all just perfect. I even cleaned my spice drawer and found several forms of ginger. BONUS!
My book should be waiting for me when I get home from work! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
I can’t wait to make this — it looks delicious and so simple. I’m so excited for my cookbook to arrive. Thank you for your incredible work! You have made Keto doable for me, and it has improved my life greatly!
I would like to know how big a serving is.
I haven’t made this yet, but it will probably be my dinner tonight.
It’s just 1/4 of the recipe, since it serves 4.