Craving Chinese food but trying to stick to a low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! This keto pork fried rice recipe delivers all the flavor, taste, and texture of classic restaurant fried rice without the carb overload. By using riced cauliflower instead of traditional rice, you can enjoy a satisfying and guilt-free meal that's both easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Why Choose Cauliflower Rice?
Traditional fried rice is often loaded with carbs, making it a no-go for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Riced cauliflower provides a fantastic alternative, offering a similar texture and the ability to soak up all the delicious flavors of the dish. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in extra vegetables!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it to your liking with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
- Cauliflower Rice: The star of the show! You can make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor, using a grater, or simply chopping it by hand. Pre-riced cauliflower is also a convenient option.
- Pork: Thinly sliced pork adds savory flavor and protein. Ground pork also works well.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs are a classic fried rice addition. Cook them first and set aside to avoid runny eggs in your rice.
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, mushrooms, and peas are a great starting point. Other options include broccoli, celery, snow peas, green beans, red pepper, and asparagus.
- Soy Sauce (or Coconut Aminos): Provides the signature umami flavor. For a keto-friendly alternative, use coconut aminos.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive Asian flavor.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger enhance the overall taste profile. Fresh ginger is highly recommended.
- Optional additions: Green onions, fish sauce, cayenne pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make this delicious keto pork fried rice:
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion and carrots. Cut up green onions and grate ginger. If using pork chop cutlets, dice them as well.
- Scramble the eggs: In a non-stick wok or large skillet, scramble the eggs without any butter or oil on medium heat until just set. Stir constantly and scrape the pan as you cook. Remove the eggs and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables and pork: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add oil to the skillet, then cook the carrots and onions for approximately 4 minutes, until the onions begin to soften. Add the diced pork and ground ginger to the veggie mixture, cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Add the cauliflower rice: Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for 7 minutes, until the rice has slightly browned and softened.
- Season and combine: Add the soy sauce (or coconut aminos) and sesame oil. Season with pepper and sea salt to taste. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the heat and add the cooked eggs and green onions.
Tips for Success
- Don't overcook the cauliflower rice: Unlike regular rice, cauliflower rice can become mushy if overcooked.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Soy sauce can be overpowering, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Use high heat: While cauliflower rice takes longer to cook than regular rice, cooking at a medium-high temperature helps to prevent it from becoming too starchy or gooey.
- Get creative with the ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to create your own unique version of this dish.
Variations and Adaptations
- Vegetarian: Omit the pork for a simple cauliflower fried rice substitute.
- Other Proteins: Use chicken, beef, shrimp, or even tofu instead of pork. Ground turkey or chicken would also be perfect.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Paleo: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are paleo-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
This keto pork fried rice can be served as a side dish or a complete meal. It pairs perfectly with your favorite Chinese dishes, such as:
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- Egg drop soup
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Sesame chicken
Making it Ahead and Storing
This dish is great for meal prepping! Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave. It also freezes well, making it a convenient option for quick and healthy lunches. Just change up the meat and vegetables for a quick variation.
Health Benefits
Besides being low in carbs, this keto pork fried rice is also packed with nutrients from the cauliflower and other vegetables. Cauliflower is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the added vegetables provide even more essential nutrients.
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