Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe

If you’re searching for a healthy and quick dinner idea, this Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Packed with flavor, loaded with veggies, and ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is a low-carb twist on classic fried rice.

Cauliflower rice is a fantastic alternative to regular rice-it soaks up Trader Joe’s Jalapeno Sauce beautifully and gives you that satisfying “fried rice” texture without the heaviness. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables for the whole family.

In this recipe, I’ll show you exactly how to make it from scratch, or save time with pre-grated cauliflower. Either way, you’ll have a light, flavorful, and wholesome dinner on the table in no time.

My Personal Experience With This Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe

The first time I tried Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice, I was skeptical-could cauliflower really taste like rice? But after making this recipe at home, I was blown away by how satisfying it was. It’s one of those dishes that proves healthy eating doesn’t mean boring eating.

I love how versatile it is. Sometimes I toss in leftover chicken or shrimp for extra protein, but even on its own, the flavors are vibrant enough to stand out. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and lemon juice brings everything together perfectly.

What I also enjoy is how quick and easy this recipe is. On busy weeknights, I can have dinner ready in under 20 minutes, and it’s a dish the whole family enjoys-without missing the rice at all!

Ingredients Required for Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice

• 1 large head of cauliflower (or 2 small), grated (or 1 bag Trader Joe’s cauliflower rice)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 115 g (⅔ cup) frozen peas
• ½ tbsp sesame oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (divided)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Food processor or box grater
2. Large wok or frying pan
3. Wooden spatula or spoon
4. Knife and chopping board

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Copycat Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Rice
Grate one large head of cauliflower (or two small ones) using a box grater or the grating attachment of a food processor. If you prefer convenience, you can use Trader Joe’s pre-riced cauliflower to save time.

2. Cook the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.

3. Add Vegetables and Garlic
Mix in the diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and frozen peas. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.

4. Incorporate Cauliflower Rice
Drizzle in ½ tablespoon sesame oil, then add the grated cauliflower. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, making sure to toss well so the cauliflower heats through without sticking.

5. Scramble the Eggs
Push the cauliflower mixture to one side of the wok. Crack in two eggs and add a splash of soy sauce. Cook the eggs until they just begin to scramble, then fold them back into the cauliflower rice.

6. Season and Serve
Stir in the remaining soy sauce, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Dish out onto plates and finish with chopped spring onions for a fresh garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice deliciously

1. With Grilled Chicken – We often pair this cauliflower rice with juicy grilled chicken breasts. The smoky flavor of the chicken balances the light, fluffy rice perfectly.

2. As a Side to Teriyaki Salmon – One of my favorites! The sweet glaze from the salmon drips into the cauliflower rice, making every bite burst with flavor.

3. Topped with Shrimp Stir-Fry – On busy nights, I sauté shrimp with a splash of soy sauce and garlic, then toss them over the rice. It feels like a restaurant meal at home.

4. With Crispy Tofu – For a vegetarian twist, we pan-fry tofu until golden and mix it into the cauliflower rice. The sesame oil in the recipe complements tofu beautifully.

5. With Spicy Beef Strips – My partner loves it this way. Thinly sliced beef cooked with chili sauce and ginger takes the dish up a notch.

6. As a Burrito Bowl Base – Instead of rice, we sometimes use cauliflower rice as the base for burrito bowls. Add black beans, avocado, salsa, and grilled veggies-it’s amazing!

7. Paired with Roast Vegetables – When we want something lighter, we roast seasonal veggies like zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms, then toss them into the rice.

8. With Fried Eggs on Top – For breakfast-for-dinner nights, we top the cauliflower rice with a runny fried egg. The yolk mixes in and makes it extra delicious.

9. Alongside Teriyaki Chicken Meatballs – This has become a family favorite. Juicy meatballs with a sticky glaze served over cauliflower rice taste incredible.

10. As a Base for Curry – We’ve discovered that cauliflower rice works surprisingly well with curries. Whether it’s Thai green curry or a simple chicken curry, it soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use a food processor. Grating cauliflower by hand is fine, but a food processor makes it way faster.

2. Don’t overcook. Cauliflower cooks quick. Just 3–4 minutes on high heat is enough, or it will get mushy.

3. Dry the cauliflower. If it feels wet, pat it with a paper towel. This helps it fry better.

4. Pre-cut veggies. Chop your onion and pepper before you start cooking. It makes things easier.

5. Scramble eggs on the side. Push the rice over and cook eggs right in the wok. It gives you that fried rice feel.

6. Season well. Cauliflower is plain, so soy sauce, sesame oil, and lemon juice add lots of flavor.

7. Try different veggies. Add corn, carrots, or broccoli for more color and taste.

8. Add protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu mix in perfectly and make it a full meal.

9. Don’t skip the garnish. Fresh spring onions on top make it look pretty and taste fresh.

10. Eat it right away. Cauliflower rice tastes best hot and fresh, straight from the pan.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a pan for a few minutes until hot, or microwave for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs on this Copycat Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe

When you give this Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. How do you make Trader Joe’s cauliflower rice?

From our experience, Trader Joe’s cauliflower rice is super easy to make! You can either use their pre-grated bag for convenience or grate a fresh cauliflower at home. Stir-fry it with a bit of vegetable and sesame oil, add your favorite veggies, and toss in eggs and soy sauce for that classic fried rice flavor.

2. How do you make and cook cauliflower rice?

We usually start by grating the cauliflower (by hand or in a food processor). Then, sauté onions and other veggies in a wok, add the cauliflower rice, and stir-fry over high heat for 3–4 minutes. Finish with soy sauce, eggs, and a touch of lemon juice-simple, fast, and so flavorful!

3. How many calories are in a Trader Joe’s riced cauliflower bowl?

Based on our experience, a standard bowl of Trader Joe’s riced cauliflower (without added oil or eggs) contains roughly 25–30 calories per cup. Of course, adding veggies, oil, soy sauce, or eggs increases the total, but it’s still a very low-calorie, satisfying meal.

4. How many calories are in cauliflower rice?

In general, cauliflower rice is very low in calories. From our cooking experience, 1 cup of plain cauliflower rice has about 25 calories, making it perfect for low-carb or calorie-conscious meals.

5. Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes! We’ve tried it many times. Frozen cauliflower works well, though it might release a little more water during cooking. Just drain excess moisture and stir-fry as usual. It’s still tasty and convenient.

6. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Instead of eggs, we like adding tofu cubes or chickpeas for protein. The stir-fried vegetables and soy sauce still make it rich in flavor and satisfying.

7. How long does it take to cook Trader Joe’s cauliflower rice?

From our experience, the total cooking time is about 15 minutes. Prep takes roughly 10 minutes, especially if you’re grating cauliflower from scratch, and stir-frying is quick and easy.

8. Can I freeze cauliflower rice?

Yes, we’ve done this a lot. Raw cauliflower rice can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before cooking and stir-fry as usual. Pre-cooked cauliflower rice can also be frozen, but the texture may soften slightly.

9. What proteins pair best with Trader Joe’s cauliflower rice?

We love adding shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Each protein absorbs the flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil perfectly. Eggs are also a classic choice that makes the dish extra filling.

10. How do you get that authentic “fried rice” flavor without rice?

From our experience, the secret is using sesame oil, soy sauce, and high heat while stir-frying. Scrambling eggs directly in the wok and tossing in colorful vegetables makes cauliflower rice taste rich and satisfying, just like traditional fried rice.

This Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Rice Recipe is proof that healthy eating can be quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner or a tasty low-carb side dish, this recipe delivers every time.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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