Here’s a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious: Shrimp and cauliflower fried rice with a refreshing twist of lemon and fragrant basil. This recipe takes the classic fried rice to a healthier level by swapping traditional rice with cauliflower florets, adding a burst of nutrition and flavor. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender cauliflower, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil creates a dish that’s both light and satisfying!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (can leave tails on if you wish)
- 1 large head cauliflower, grated or processed into rice-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cauliflower rice to the other side. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to cook and develop a slightly golden color.
- Push the cauliflower rice and vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side and scramble them until cooked through. Mix the scrambled eggs with the cauliflower rice and vegetables.
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide the shrimp and cauliflower fried rice into serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and lime if desired.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure to pat the shrimp dry before cooking them. Grating or processing the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces ensures a rice-like texture when sautéed. You can adjust the lemon and basil quantities according to your taste preference. Feel free to customize the vegetables with your favorites. To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
