Ok, so here’s another dish (besides these Zucchini Noodles) that I’ve been eating every other night. At first I was super hesitant to share this recipe because renditions of this live on so many other Paleo blogs on the internets, but then I figured that since you visit this here site, with all its biscuits and butter and pancakes, that you probably don’t visit very many Paleo blogs, so there’s a good chance that this might be new-ish to you. And plus, this is my take on the very ubiquitous cauliflower rice thingy. Also, if someone was being super technical, this isn’t Paleo because there’s soy sauce and soy is a bean. Ugh. Too many rules, man. I’ve never been good at following rules to a T; I always just pick and choose which ones I think make sense to follow and just do-away with the rest. My dad taught me to question everything so I do, and in my brain I don’t think organic soy sauce is bad for me so there. Let me live!
I really really love this recipe. While zucchini will never taste like real flour noodles, this cauliflower kinda tastes like rice to me. It’s amazing and so healthy and light and filling. Healthy food has to be satisfying to me because then I won’t eat it and I’ll drink smoothies all day.
Let’s start with the cauliflower rice and its preparation. Most people make cauliflower rice a different way. They pulse the raw cauliflower florets in the blender and then cook it from there. I did this once, to make this dish, and I found the cauliflower way too crunchy for my taste. So, I prefer the blanching method. You just have to be careful when you pulse it in the food processor because it can go from “rice” texture to “mash” texture very quickly.
This rice has everything I love in fried rice: lots of fresh ginger, an onion-y flavor, some soy sauce and a bit of heat from the Sriracha. And sure, you can mix in a beaten into the mixture, but I like a fried egg on top better. Or, you can even do both. Up to you!
Healthy, cute, light, spicy. Basically my dream meal…for now anyway.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized head cauliflower
- 1 medium leek sliced and cleaned
- 1 garlic clove grated using a zester
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha or to taste
- Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black or white sesame seeds
- 2 large eggs fried
Instructions
- Set a medium-sized pot of salted water over moderately high heat. When the water reaches a light boil, add the florets of cauliflower and cook for 3-4 minutes; drain the cauliflower and allow them to cool slightly for 2 to 3 minutes. To a food processor or blender (note: if you use a blender, you'll have to do this in batches), add the cauliflower and pulse a few times until the consistency resembles small bits of "rice." Be sure to not pulse too many times or else the mixture will resemble more of a mash. Pour the "rice" out onto a cutting board, spreading it out evenly and allow it to dry out slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, to a large saucepan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the leek and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the grated garlic clove, ginger, soy sauce and Sriracha. Stir and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. Add the cauliflower and mix thoroughly, cooking for a about 3 to 5 minutes. Give it a taste and adjust the salt accordingly (I ended up adding about 1/2 teaspoon of salt). Divide the cauliflower rice between bowls and top with a fried egg. Garnish each dish with a pinch of salt and sprinkling of sesame seeds.
I am with you on rules.. especially diet ones. I can find reasons for breaking every rule out there– especially carb/paleo ones!
ERMERGERD_THIS_LOOKS_DIVINE!
ALSO_IS_YOUR_FLATWARE_FROM_WEST_ELM?
I_THINK_WE_HAVE_THE_SAME_ONE
I_ORDERED_IT_RECENTLY_AND_IM_LIVING_FOR_IT
IVE_ALWAYS_DREAMED_OF_GOLD_FLATWARE_LOL
OH_BTW_MY_KEYBOARD_IS_FUCKED_WHICH_IS_WHY_IM_TYPING_IN_CAPS_AND_NO_SPACES
DEDICATION!LOL
HAHAH! When I saw this I was like, geez, what is going on. Thanks for being so enthusiastic!
I have to admit, I think the only thing I’ve done with uncooked cauliflower is make a pesto with it (but I sorta agree with you said, and wasn’t a huge fan of it’s raw taste).
I definitely will have to try this! Love your tips–and totally agree with you. Some rules are made to be broken! –> ie. soy sauce. Can’t live without it.
I recently discovered the magic of cauliflower… pizza crust, mashed like potatoes and riced. This looks great 🙂
Looks too good and tempting.. very gorgeous photographs.. first time here.. happy to follow you! 🙂
I would like to make this but I have not heard of Sriraccha. What is it and where would I buy some?
Thank you for your help.
Sriracha is a chili paste. You can buy it at most grocery stores. Here’s a link so you know what the bottle looks like:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sriracha_sauce
Deana, You can buy Sriracha at the grocery store.
Where do you live?
If you have a computer, you know what Sriracha is!
Your posts are so inspirational, love the pictures!
Adrianna, you always have the BEST recipes! I know what I’m making tonight!
I tend to only eat cauliflower if it’s tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper and then roasted until crispy. Otherwise, I find it boring and kinda bland.
But this! This sounds like something I can get behind. I tend to stick to only a few recipes I know off by heart when it comes to cooking, so it’s good for me to get inspired to try new things!
I’d even be happy with this without the eggs! Maybe add a tiny bit of sesame oil. I’m definitely making this. Wonderful to see cauliflower made palatable.
I love this idea!! Looks great!
So far I’ve only tried the cauliflower crust, and have wanted to try the cauliflower fried rice, but just wasn’t sure about it — you’ve convinced me! Love the egg on top!
Anything with Sriracha is the start of something magical! I LOVE this dish already. I’ve never tried it even though I see it all over Pintrest and other Paleo type websites. Luckily, I have all the ingredients in my kitchen to make this for lunch! Yay! So excited to try it out 🙂
http://ashleydenaexo.blogspot.com/
beautiful – I am glad you shared it!
Hi Adrianna, love your blog. Saw this and absolutely needed to send. It’s just a little something to cheer up your Friday- an Amelia that moos: http://www.toxel.com/inspiration/2014/03/30/fluffy-cows/