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Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

shrimp cauliflower fried rice - featured image

A quick, low-carb, and diabetes-friendly shrimp fried rice made with cauliflower rice, tamari, and fresh vegetables. This flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights and supports blood sugar control without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen shrimp works best)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (optional)
  • 4 cups (about 400g) cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons tamari (gluten-free soy sauce alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
  • Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season lightly with pepper and set aside. If using the egg, beat it lightly and keep nearby. (5 minutes)
  2. If using fresh cauliflower, pulse florets in a food processor until rice-sized. Spread on paper towels and press gently to remove moisture. (10 minutes)
  3. Heat sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring quickly to avoid burning. (1 minute)
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook another minute. Remove shrimp and set aside. (4 minutes)
  5. In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3 minutes. Stir in peas and carrots, cooking until warmed through. (5 minutes)
  6. Push veggies to one side. If using egg, pour it in the cleared space and scramble lightly, then mix everything together. Add cauliflower rice and toss well, cooking for 5-7 minutes until slightly dry. (5-7 minutes)
  7. Return shrimp to the pan and pour in tamari. Stir everything to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. (2 minutes)
  8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and optional toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. (2 minutes)

Notes

Press cauliflower rice dry before cooking to avoid sogginess. Cook shrimp in batches if pan is small to prevent steaming. Use fresh tamari for best flavor. Scramble egg separately before mixing to avoid clumps. Prep cauliflower rice ahead and store dry in fridge to speed cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp fried rice, cauliflower rice, diabetes-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free, tamari, healthy dinner, quick meal