Imagine a fried rice dish that delivers all the savory satisfaction of its traditional counterpart, but without the actual rice. Sounds impossible, right? That was my exact reaction when I first encountered this groundbreaking recipe in the acclaimed cookbook, Nom Nom Paleo Food for Humans, penned by my talented friends Michelle Tam and Henry Fong. As someone who has always held a deep appreciation for rice in all its forms, from perfecting how to cook white rice in the microwave to mastering brown rice, and exploring various vegetable, shrimp, and even Spam fried rice recipes, the idea of a “rice-less” fried rice was, to say the least, intriguing. It challenged my culinary conventions and sparked a curiosity I couldn’t ignore.
My initial skepticism quickly transformed into fascination. If there’s no rice, what do you call it? “Fried Cauliflower” doesn’t quite capture the essence of this delightful dish. The name “Cauliflower Fried Rice” perfectly conveys its intention and flavor profile, establishing it as a clever and delicious alternative rather than an entirely different category of food. This dish truly stands as a testament to creative cooking and mindful eating, proving that you don’t need traditional grains to enjoy the comforting flavors of fried rice.
Embracing the Paleo Revolution: A Cookbook for Everyone
Truth be told, I never intended to delve into the Paleo diet. The thought of giving up my beloved bread seemed an insurmountable barrier. However, after spending some time with the magnificent Nom Nom Paleo Food for Humans Cookbook, I found myself bookmarking at least eight recipes that I simply had to try immediately. We even ended up preparing three of them in a single day! This immersive experience completely changed my perspective and left me eager to learn more about the principles behind these incredible dishes.
My conclusion after diving into the Nom Nom Paleo world is simple:
- If you follow a Paleo diet, this book is an absolute must-have.
- If you don’t follow a Paleo diet, you still need this book.
Beyond any “fad diet” labels, Nom Nom Paleo by Michelle Tam and Henry Fong is a treasure trove of recipes that focus on delicious, wholesome food that is genuinely good for you. It champions ingredients that are unprocessed, unrefined, and not artificially “enriched.” It’s about cooking with real food that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds. The vibrant photography and engaging writing style make healthy eating an exciting adventure rather than a restrictive chore.
Here are just a few of my top picks from the book that exemplify its incredible range and appeal:
- 10-Minute Sriracha: A homemade version of a beloved condiment that we immediately made and devoured! It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up.
- Whole Roasted Fish: Stuffed with fragrant lemons and herbs, this recipe elevates a simple fish dish into an elegant, satisfying meal that’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
- Mussels in Curry Broth: This dish beautifully blends the delicate taste of mussels with the rich, aromatic spices of Indian curry powder, creating a warming and exotic culinary experience.
- Kabob Koobideh: Not only is this recipe a joy to say, but it also delivers on flavor. These savory ground meat skewers are packed with traditional Middle Eastern spices, offering a taste of authentic cuisine.
- Crispy Roast Pork Belly: Do I even need to elaborate? This recipe promises perfectly rendered, crispy pork belly – a true indulgence that showcases the book’s ability to make “healthy” feel incredibly luxurious.
The Magic of Cauliflower: A Low-Carb Revelation
This “rice”—or rather, this “cauliflower rice”—was an absolute game-changer. Infused with the irresistible flavor of bacon, it proved that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. The preparation process is so straightforward and quick that it often takes less time than cooking traditional rice from scratch. The secret lies in grating the cauliflower, stem and all, using the large holes of a box grater. This simple technique transforms the humble cauliflower into a texture strikingly similar to rice, creating the perfect base for your stir-fry.
Once grated, the cauliflower is quickly stir-fried with crispy bacon and your choice of vibrant vegetables. In just about fifteen minutes, you can have a steaming plate of Paleo Cauliflower Bacon Fried Rice ready to enjoy. It’s an ideal solution for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy lunch, or a satisfying side dish that fits seamlessly into a low-carb, keto, or Paleo lifestyle. This recipe is not just a substitute; it’s a delicious meal in its own right, offering a nutrient-dense alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
Mastering Your Cauliflower Fried Rice Recipe: Tips for Success
Making Cauliflower Fried Rice is incredibly simple, with the entire process taking roughly 15 minutes. However, a few key techniques can elevate your dish from good to outstanding. Timing is paramount in stir-frying; nobody wants mushy spinach or undercooked chicken. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize it with a wide array of ingredients. Let’s explore the options, organized by the steps in the core recipe, to help you create your perfect personalized fried rice.
Step 1 Options: Building Your Flavor Base
This initial step sets the stage for the entire dish. While bacon provides a fantastic base, don’t hesitate to expand on it:
- More Bacon: If you’re a true bacon enthusiast, feel free to increase the amount for an even richer flavor.
- Chinese Lap Cheong: Diced Chinese Lap Cheong (sausage) is another excellent addition, offering a sweet and savory depth similar to bacon but with its own unique character.
- Eggs: To incorporate scrambled eggs without overcooking them or making the vegetables mushy, push the rendered bacon to one side of the pan. Crack an egg into the empty space, scramble it quickly until just cooked, then remove and set aside. You’ll reintroduce it in Step 4 for perfectly textured eggs.
Step 2 Options: Adding Heartiness and Freshness
After the onions become translucent, it’s time to introduce other ingredients that require a bit more cooking time:
- Ground Meats: Along with the onion, you can add ground beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or even buffalo for a substantial protein boost. Cook until browned. Remember to drain any excess fat if needed.
- Aromatics: Minced garlic and ginger can be added towards the very end of Step 2, just before adding the cauliflower, to prevent burning and maximize their fragrant impact.
- Diverse Diced Vegetables: Get creative with your veggie additions. Consider zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, bell peppers (of various colors), or different types of mushrooms (like shiitake or cremini). Ensure they are diced to a consistent size for even cooking.
- Crunchy Podded Vegetables: Halved sugar snap peas or snow peas add a delightful crunch and vibrant color.
- Leafy Greens with Body: Chopped cabbage, Napa cabbage, or bok choy can be added here, providing texture and nutrients.
- Matchstick Vegetables: Fresh carrots (cut into matchsticks or julienned) and broccoli stems (often found pre-packaged as “broccoli slaw”) add a refreshing bite.
- Frozen Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables, peas, corn, or edamame are incredibly convenient. Add them directly to the pan while frozen; they will thaw and cook perfectly with the other ingredients, avoiding the common pitfall of mushy, overcooked frozen veggies.
Step 3 Options: Quick-Cooking Delights
When the grated cauliflower goes into the pan, it’s the ideal moment to incorporate ingredients that cook quickly or are already cooked:
- Delicate Leafy Greens: Fresh spinach leaves or other delicate greens (like arugula or watercress) can be chopped and added now. They wilt beautifully and add a boost of vitamins with minimal cooking.
- Cooked Shrimp: If using pre-cooked shrimp (like cocktail shrimp), pinch off the tails and give them a rough chop before adding. They just need to be warmed through.
- Leftover Proteins: Shredded leftover rotisserie chicken, diced cooked ham, or smoked turkey are fantastic for adding quick protein and using up leftovers efficiently.
- Diced Salmon: Small cubes of raw salmon can be added here, cooking quickly alongside the cauliflower for a flavorful seafood variation.
Step 4 Options: Finishing Touches and Flavor Enhancements
This final step is where you bring all the flavors together and add those irresistible garnishes:
- Seasoning Alternatives: Instead of Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, you can use Coconut Aminos (for a soy-free, gluten-free option), fish sauce (for a deeper umami), or traditional soy sauce (for non-Paleo diets). For a delightful sweet and savory kick, a tablespoon of oyster sauce is an excellent choice for those not strictly adhering to Paleo guidelines.
- Garnish Galore: Elevate your Cauliflower Fried Rice with a variety of toppings. Chopped cashew nuts or peanuts add a lovely crunch, while minced green onions, chives, fresh cilantro, or bean sprouts provide freshness and aromatic flair. A drizzle of toasted sesame oil right before serving can also enhance the overall flavor.
Here’s how to bring it all together:
Cauliflower Fried Rice with Bacon Video Recipe
The core recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick and healthy meal:
Cauliflower Fried Rice with Bacon Recipe
Adapted from Nom Nom Paleo Food for Humans by Michelle Tam and Henry Fong.
There are so many substitutions and additions you can use! See the options list above for a full list of ideas.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 1 head cauliflower, grated
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tablespoon Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, Coconut Aminos, or fish sauce
Instructions
- In a wok or large sauté pan over medium heat, cook bacon until almost crispy.
- Add the onions and stir-fry until translucent.
- Turn heat to high. Add the grated cauliflower and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add water and mixed vegetables, stir well, cover the pan, and let the cauliflower mixture steam for another 3 minutes or until tender.
- Uncover and add Bragg’s (or your choice of seasoning) to combine. Toss well. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired.
Now that you’ve been bombarded with a gazillion fantastic options for making the most delicious Paleo Cauliflower Bacon Fried Rice, what culinary adventure are you going to embark on first? This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a versatile canvas for your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, a healthy low-carb option, or just a flavorful dish that everyone will love, Cauliflower Fried Rice with Bacon delivers every time. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little ingenuity, can transform your plate and delight your palate. Enjoy the process of cooking, experimenting, and savoring every single bite of this amazing dish!