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Paleo Cauliflower Pineapple Fried Rice

by Lindsay Cotter · 03/03/2021

GFDairy FreeLow CarbVegetarian
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★★★★★ 4.6 from 7 reviews
titled image (and shown in bowl with wooden spoons): pineapple cauliflower fried rice

Paleo pineapple fried rice is a delicious, healthier version of Asian take-out. Make this cauliflower rice recipe in only 20 minutes!

Welcome to easy prep/easy recipe month! When recipes are easy to prep and have a short cook time, they usually become a staple in my weekly menu. It gets even better when those same meals are also budget friendly! I can hear the cheering now! 🥳 

30-minute meals can save you SO much time, especially when you have a busy schedule. Please don’t fall into the trap of believing that quick and easy meals can’t be nourishing, though! Honestly, it’s all about choosing healthy ingredients.

The building blocks of a nourishing meal:

Use fresh produce, whole grains, sources of lean protein, and healthy starches.

One question I hear often is,

How can I make Asian take-out meals healthier?

I get it. Asian foods, especially those with sweet and spicy flavors, are a favorite of mine, too. But more often than not, those sweet sauces are full of refined white sugar.

This is especially true for store bought sauces like sweet and sour, teriyaki, and yum yum sauce.

Add unhealthy saturated fats and high glycemic starches to the mix, and your favorite carry-out foods are basically empty calories.

No worries; they can be nourishing… Let me show you how!

Cauliflower Pineapple Fried Rice

This is a healthier version of fried rice that you will want to make over and over again. Paleo pineapple fried rice is:

  • Quick– From pan to plate, you’re looking at 15 minutes to make dinner!
  • Easy meal prep– Save yourself time by doing some of the prep on a less busy day. Then, pull everything out of the freezer or fridge on a busy night.
  • Budget friendly– No expensive specialty ingredients needed. Even better, you can save money by using frozen peas and carrots. Also, making cauliflower rice instead of buying it pre-made is a huge money saver!

Ingredient notes and substitutions

  • cauliflower rice– If you prefer to make your own, you’ll need 1 small head of cauliflower. You can see instructions for making cauliflower rice in my riced veggies post.
  • large eggs– Although they are a staple in pineapple fried rice, you can certainly omit the eggs if you need to.
  • sesame oil– For the majority of my recipes, I say that any cooking oil works, but with Asian recipes, using sesame oil is really key to developing the correct flavor.
  • fresh garlic cloves– You can use minced garlic from a jar if necessary.
  • scallions– You’ll need to divide the white and green portions.
  • fresh ginger– Using fresh ginger really enhances the flavor of the dish. If you can’t find any fresh ginger, use 1/4 teaspoon of ginger spice instead.
  • frozen peas and carrots mix– I like to use a frozen veggie mix because the carrots are the perfect size for stir frying. If you want to use fresh, just partially cook them first.
  • tamari sauce– this is our go-to gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. Otherwise, gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used.
  • crushed red pepper flakes- Feel free to use more or less to increase or decrease the spice level.
  • diced pineapple– Feel free to use either fresh or canned pineapple chunks. Reserve the juice if you have any.

How to make fried rice with cauliflower

One of the keys to making perfect fried rice is chilling the rice overnight. So, we make this healthy fried rice the same way.

Whether you buy it ready to use or you make your own cauliflower rice is completely up to you.
Either way, you’ll want to bake it off in the oven first, then pop it in the fridge until it’s cold. It takes about 6 hours to chill, so I usually do this step the night before I make the pineapple fried rice.

CHILLING IS IMPORTANT!

If you try to make this recipe without chilling the cauliflower rice first, you may be disappointed. Your dish will be tasty, but the consistency will be nothing like authentic fried rice.

Recipe notes

  • peas and diced carrots cooking in red skillet
  • stir frying cauliflower rice in skillet
  • stirring pineapple into skillet of cauliflower fried rice

Easy Meal Prep!

This recipe really is perfect for easy meal prep! Not just because you can make portions of it ahead of time, but also because so many of the ingredients can be purchased ready to use.

It’s QUICK and EASY too! If you use prepared cauliflower rice, the dish comes together in only 20 minutes.

If you would rather use fresh carrots, you can do so. When you’re dicing, just be sure to keep the pieces as close in size as possible. Otherwise, you may end up over or undercooking some of them.

How to serve pineapple fried rice

This dish is pretty versatile! It’s great on its own for a meatless meal. I like to add chopped cashews for a bit of protein, then I serve it with yum yum sauce over the top. It’s delicious, nourishing and filling!

Another source of plant-based protein would be great too, like chickpea or cultured tempeh.

If you want to serve it as a side dish instead, this healthy fried rice is fantastic with Asian dishes like Paleo Chicken Teriyaki or 10-Minute Pan Seared Salmon.

  • overhead image: two serving spoons in skillet of homemade healthy fried rice

As written, the recipe makes enough to serve 3 to 4 people as a main dish. Serving size is 2 cups each.

Print
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overhead image: two serving spoons in skillet of homemade healthy fried rice

Paleo Pineapple Fried Rice


★★★★★

4.6 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 1x
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Description

Paleo pineapple fried rice is a delicious and healthier version of Chinese carry-out. Make this cauliflower rice recipe in under 15 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cauliflower rice (1 small head of cauliflower) *see notes
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (plus oil for cooking)
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 5 small green onions (white and green portions divided) 
  • 3 tsp grated fresh ginger 
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
  • 3 tbsp tamari sauce, gluten free soy sauce, or coconut aminos 
  • 1 pinch kosher or sea salt 
  • 1/2 to 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2/3 cup diced pineapple– reserve 1 tbsp pineapple juice if you have any

Optional Toppings/Add-Ins

  • 3 oz cooked chicken breast
  • yum yum sauce
  • 2 tbsp chopped cashews

Instructions

  1. The day before you make this recipe, bake and chill the cauliflower rice. See notes for more info.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside.
  3. Heat a large saute pan or wok over medium heat and add 1 tsp  oil. Add and scramble eggs, stirring occasionally. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate. Wipe the pan clean.
  4. Next, add 1 tsp each sesame oil, garlic, and ginger, and 1/4 cup white portion of green onions to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and softened but not browned.
  5. Return pan to medium high heat and add thawed peas/carrots and stir fry for 2 minutes. 
  6. Mix in cauliflower rice, tamari sauce, salt, red pepper, pineapple (and juice),and additional 1 tsp sesame oil and cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
  7.  Add the scrambled egg and mix to combine. 
  8. Remove from heat and stir in remaining green onions.
  9. If there is any sauce left in the skillet or wok, pour that on top of your bowl before serving.
  10. Top with optional crushed nuts and yum yum sauce. Serve immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

Notes

To make Cauliflower Rice: Chop cauliflower head in half and cut off stems. Place half in a food processor or blender and pulse until it’s “riced.” Then do the other half. See this post for how to rice veggies.

For best “fried rice”, bake cauliflower rice in the oven on a sheet pan for 18 minutes at 350°F. Let it cool, then store in a container in the fridge until ready to use. Best made the day before.

  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Category: Dinners
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 268
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 661.5 mg
  • Fat: 13.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29.1 g
  • Fiber: 8.5 g
  • Protein: 13.3 g
  • Cholesterol: 124 mg

Keywords: pineapple fried rice, pineapple rice, healthy fried rice, cauliflower rice, Paleo, gluten free

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

Okay ya’ll.  Let’s dig in already, mmm k? I think Friday movie night in with homemade Chinese takeout is gonna happen.

Have you made cauliflower fried rice before?

P.S. If you are wondering if cooked peas are paleo, that’s still a debate. I say yes.

Hint —> Lower phytate content and easier on digestion = WINNING!

Cheers!
LC

This post was originally published on 6/3/2013. Recipe, images and content were updated and republished on 3/3/2021.

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Categories: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Main Dishes, Quick Meals, Sides and Salads, Vegetarian Tags: asian, cauliflower

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Karen says

    05/02/2022 at 6:02 PM

    Delicious! Before seeing this recipe I never thought of roasting the cauliflower rice. Now I don’t think I’ll do it any other way! I just had frozen peas , so I sautéed a diced carrot with the onion (and was starving so I also added diced broccoli and asparagus) will definitely make again!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      05/04/2022 at 3:21 PM

      Love the asparagus combo! Thanks for feedback Karen

      Reply
  2. Courtney says

    09/01/2021 at 7:03 PM

    Any way I get the original version of this recipe? I’ve been making since 2014 haven’t made it in a while and I only saved the website not the original recipe

    Reply
  3. cathy says

    03/25/2021 at 5:17 PM

    Definitely the new favorite side dish at my house!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. Fay Shroeder says

    03/25/2021 at 11:58 AM

    I just made this for lunch and added rotisserie chicken. LOVED it so much!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      03/30/2021 at 12:14 PM

      Oh yay! So glad!

      Reply
  5. Leanna says

    04/30/2020 at 4:31 PM

    when did you add the egg? i dont see that in the recipe

    Reply
    • Lindsay Cotter says

      04/30/2020 at 4:59 PM

      Oh sorry! For some reason this recipe did not update. Just updated it! Let me know if it makes sense.

      Reply
  6. Katie Denver says

    12/14/2016 at 5:38 PM

    it wasn’t my favorite, but I will keep trying your recipes. It’s hard to please every palate. Keep cooking!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      12/14/2016 at 6:48 PM

      Oh no. I’m sorry! What was wrong with it? Thanks for feed back

      Reply
  7. Jody - Fit at 58 says

    06/04/2016 at 9:42 PM

    You know I have not made it 🙂 Looks & sounds amazing!! I would put my extra lean ground turkey or some chicken in there!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/05/2016 at 7:04 AM

      ground chicken would be fab!

      Reply
  8. Cassie Tran says

    06/04/2016 at 5:16 PM

    Yes, I CANNOT believe it’s already June. It’s cray-cray, am I right? But I’m excited! It’s already getting so much warmer!

    This cauliflower fried rice looks amazing! The pineapples are such an amazing addition to the whole pan!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/05/2016 at 7:07 AM

      i agree! I love me some pineapple… ALWAYS! haha right Cassie?

      Reply
  9. Katherine @ Katherine Lynn Fitness says

    06/04/2016 at 4:15 PM

    ALWAYS looking for new ways to eat cauliflower rice! YUM. Never would have thought to add the jerky!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/05/2016 at 7:06 AM

      yes, it’s like the easiest ingredient ever to make so tasty! let me know if you try it katherine!

      Reply
  10. Kristy from Southern In Law says

    06/04/2016 at 12:27 AM

    This looks SO good! What an awesome idea to add in jerky! Jesse would LOVE that!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 6:51 AM

      haha i know, right? just a manly touch!

      Reply
  11. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    06/03/2016 at 7:03 PM

    Jerky fried rice?! How exactly did you get so brilliant?! This would be the easiest travel meal lever. Can you tell I’m hangry on a plane? 😉

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 6:27 AM

      we can put it in a jar and all it travel jerk jar! 😉

      Reply
  12. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    06/03/2016 at 4:28 PM

    I’m still to try cauliflower rice & have been meaning to make it for ages! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/03/2016 at 6:55 PM

      yes go for it! keep me posted too

      Reply
  13. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    06/03/2016 at 2:56 PM

    What a perfect paring of ingredients. Great recipe. Thanks so much. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  14. Blair says

    06/03/2016 at 2:07 PM

    So true — I live with 4 men, and while I would be happy eating breakfast cookies every day…they would NOT. Total carnivores! A 15-minute meal is about all that I have time for these days, too. WIN!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 6:47 AM

      haha yes, i grew up with 3 brothers and a dad… you know i relate!

      Reply
  15. Sarah says

    06/03/2016 at 12:05 PM

    I still need to try cauliflower fried rice one of these nights we make Chinese. It sounds like it would be so good.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 6:48 AM

      You haven’t yet? I thought you had! ohhh let me know whatcha think!

      Reply
  16. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    06/03/2016 at 11:52 AM

    How did I not know you were on Snapchat. I need to find you stat.

    I think adding the pineapple here is pretty amazing. I bet it does great things to the flavor. You could almost go with a Caribbean theme here. Then we can add fruity cocktails., They’ll help cut the Texas heat. 🙂

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 6:47 AM

      how did i not know you were on there too? We must snippety snap!

      Reply
  17. michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    06/03/2016 at 8:21 AM

    This is like a dream! And of course now I’m craving bison jerky!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 6:54 AM

      isn’t it the best?! OMG yes! jerky obsession. and venison jerky!

      Reply
  18. Caroline says

    06/03/2016 at 7:28 AM

    Oh my gosh…this is making me want to run into the kitchen right now and make cauliflower fried rice for breakfast! Seriously gorgeous, Lindsay!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/03/2016 at 8:41 AM

      run to my kitchen and i’ll dish it up!

      Reply
  19. Erin @ The Almond Eater says

    06/03/2016 at 6:58 AM

    Ok so I love cauliflower and fried rice and pineapple (obviously) sooo I’m pretty sure I’d love this. Also, LOL all we do is talk about how fast time goes by… so true! A blog post begins that way every 30 days.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 7:02 AM

      ain’t that the truth. You’d think I’d learn already to stop talking about time! haha

      Reply
  20. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    06/03/2016 at 5:23 AM

    And another add to the recipe list! ANd now that I am actually cooking, it might ACTUALLY happen!

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 7:02 AM

      yay! are you all settled in the new place? feeling good?

      Reply
  21. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    06/03/2016 at 5:16 AM

    Then the carnivore sets in! I love it! Love the pineapple addition too.

    Reply
    • Cotter Crunch says

      06/04/2016 at 7:03 AM

      right? tangy and delish! <3 you

      Reply

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Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

Hi, y'all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

About · Studio · Shop · Contact
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