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Or you can call this fake fried rice because there isn't a grain of rice in it. Huh? Sounds strange?
When you are on a carbohydrate restricted diet, you will start twitching for your carbs. Name your poison - rice, noodles, pasta, bread, potatoes, cakes (cheesecake I miss you....), ice-cream and the list goes on and on and on.
Recently I saw Esther's Fried Cauliflower Rice and then later I chanced upon nom nom paleo on Kelly Siew's post. Here I found Asian Cauliflower Fried Rice and I was determined to give it a go. For anyone interested in paleo diets, please spend some time at nom nom paleo where you will be inspired and motivated. Besides, it is fun to read as Michelle Tam is very witty and entertaining.
Yes, I am suffering from carbohydrate withdrawal symptoms. And why am I embarking on this self-torture? I have no choice because my waistband is killing me and my "samchan bak" (belly fats) runneth over.
To prepare the fake rice, I sort of combined Esther and Michelle's method. Before grating the cauliflower, Esther microwaved the cauliflower until just cooked whereas Michelle pulsed the raw cauliflower in a food processor. What I did was grate the raw cauliflower.
There is no specific recipe, just use your usual fried rice recipe and replace rice with grated cauliflower. I basically used leftover roast pork which has been in the freezer (for how long it has been there only God knows), longs beans and spring onions. Important point to note is not to overcook the cauliflower. Once your other ingredients are adequately fried, toss in the grated cauliflower and give it a quick stir-fry over high heat.
So how was it? You cannot imagine how happy I was after my initial two mouthfuls. I was very pleased the fried "rice" was delicious and the cauliflower gave it a grainy mouth feel akin to rice. Now I don't have to miss out on fried rice even though it's not the real thing. Quite honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first but not anymore. To anyone who is not convinced, give this rice substitute a go and let me know what you think!
To prepare the fake rice, I sort of combined Esther and Michelle's method. Before grating the cauliflower, Esther microwaved the cauliflower until just cooked whereas Michelle pulsed the raw cauliflower in a food processor. What I did was grate the raw cauliflower.
There is no specific recipe, just use your usual fried rice recipe and replace rice with grated cauliflower. I basically used leftover roast pork which has been in the freezer (for how long it has been there only God knows), longs beans and spring onions. Important point to note is not to overcook the cauliflower. Once your other ingredients are adequately fried, toss in the grated cauliflower and give it a quick stir-fry over high heat.
So how was it? You cannot imagine how happy I was after my initial two mouthfuls. I was very pleased the fried "rice" was delicious and the cauliflower gave it a grainy mouth feel akin to rice. Now I don't have to miss out on fried rice even though it's not the real thing. Quite honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first but not anymore. To anyone who is not convinced, give this rice substitute a go and let me know what you think!
Wow woman !! You berjaya tipu-ed me !! Sekali pandang, your first picture, it really looks like fried rice babe !! When you said there isn't a single grain of rice in it, I looked closer (my nose almost touched my pc screen), and then I thought oohh, maybe you used cous-cous or something..
ReplyDeleteThis cauliflower thingy reminded me of my mum who made "mashed potatoes" years ago.. When we came back for dinner, she said "nah, this is my version of non-fat mashed potatoes".. When I took a bite, it really tasted like mashed potatoes, just that it wasn't real potatoes but steamed+mashed cauliflower.. She added butter (cheh, still fiat-tenning), milk & pepper, and it tasted exactly like the real thing..
So, to use cauliflower to replace rice (or potatoes), I give a thumbs up.. If there's a "like" button to this post, I would have clicked a million times..
Hey Louiz! I was so happy reading your comment. Sampai tersengih-sengih. At first although excited, I was still a bit teragak-agak if this would taste good. But surprisingly after eating, I don't feel cheated. It tasted like normal fried rice and very satisfying. Whoever invented this nasi palsu I want to give her/him a medal! I was also thinking of cauliflower mash. That is my next project :) Hopefully I can work on it soon.
DeleteI saw this on quite a few blogs recently too. Will give it a go soon! Thx for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteYen, go ahead and try it! I would love to see your version and what you and your family think :)
DeleteIt indeed looks like real fried rice! Your post remind me my spare tyre is rather big as well. So next time when I'm craving for fried rice, I should have eat cauliflower as a replacement!
ReplyDeleteJozelyn, it also taste like real fried rice which is a miracle. No complaints from me. Important is the ingredients and seasonings. Hah..hah...looks like I got kawan with spare tyre problem too :D
DeleteHi Phong Hong, why torture yourself??? But doesn't matter you get to enjoy this delicious 'fried rice'... One caution is not too much cauliflower if you have history of 'thyroid'.
ReplyDeleteHi Kimmy! Thanks for this information because I did not know about it. So I googled and now I have an idea why it is bad for people with thyroid problems. Thankfully my thyroid is OK for now. As in any food, moderation is the key.
DeleteHi Phong Hong my BMI is 25 kg/m2 (on the high risk) so your this recipe is really motivated me to try. As my son is getting married in July, so I need to shake off some inches on my waist line so that I can fit on a beautiful gown and look gorgeous haha... Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Veronica! Yes, cut down on carbs and do a bit of exercise. Me like so clever giving you advise hah...hah...I also have a wedding to attend in June. We are so kiasu!
DeleteOh no rice in fried rice, very special ler, next time if cauliflower price come down , I have to cook this fried rice , hehehe.,
ReplyDeleteSonia, quite hard to get cauliflower that is fresh. The one I bought already got brown spots. The organic ones look good but after see the price, I pusing balik!
DeletePhong hong your fried rice looks interesting looks like real fried rice .put lah more chille ---chillie padi then got kick.hopefully l will give it try one of these days.You are very clever to pian lai pian kee with your cooking.
ReplyDeleteTQ! TQ! NZ got nice fresh cauliflower. Cuba lah!
DeleteAi, looks like I have been poisoning myself everyday, esp today I had a big plate of white rice for lunch & my dinner was only slightly smaller, can't can't, I must also control my carb too, mainly because getting older now & the metabolism is running slower. My girl loves both broccoli & cauliflower, speaking of broccoli, may be next time you can try the broccoli version? Good luck with the carb-free diet!
ReplyDeleteHi Jessie! Aiyo you are so slim no need to worry. Yah, use broccoli then I can have green rice hee..hee...Problem with broccoli is the smell is quite strong. I love it steamed or stir fried.
DeleteI am on "no sweets" diet apart of weekends, sharing your tortures:(I am with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ola! Now I drink coffee without sugar. Quite used to it now.
DeleteHi Phong Hong,
ReplyDeleteA clever idea to use cauliflower! I love cauliflower so I know that I would enjoy this very much!
I do not have self-discipline to go on a diet! I failed many times miserably! aiyoh, so now try not to take second helpings! hahaha!
Hi Joyce! Hah...hah....second helpings is my problem. I even go for thirds and that's why I got into trouble! I am now trying to eat smaller portions and it's quite hard sobs!
DeleteNot a fan of our cauliflower, not so fragrant and nice like those overseas. Must be too "old".
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. Most times the cauliflower is already in bad shape with brown or black spots.
DeleteOh, this sounds fantastic! I try to limit my carbs in my meals so I can have a cookie or two. I know you must miss those cheesecakes...but it looks like you've really been watching what you eat and will be able to have a nibble of sweets after that weight melts off. Good luck, my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat? The Skinny Chic watching her carbs? Good for you Lizzie! Everyone should watch their carbs for health reasons and not just to lose weight. Yes, I miss cheesecakes. I'll be more careful once I reach my target weight. No more bingeing!
Deletewei wei...pakat with STP ah?
ReplyDeletehah..hah...coincidence ler...
DeleteHi Phong Hong,
ReplyDeleteYou are right!!! Cauliflower is definitely a healthier substitution for rice. Less carb! Less calories! Yippee!!!
Zoe
Isn't it wonderful, Zoe? Now I don't have to be so deprived :)
DeleteIt sure looks good. A friend of mine does paleo diet and they don't eat rice so she also does cauliflower rice.
ReplyDeleteMich, it's surprisingly good! I quite happy with this "rice" :)
DeleteI'm glad I stumbled over here! Cauliflower rice looks interesting. I have to admit that I am sceptical that it help my craving for rice :-) I'll have to try it!
ReplyDeleteHello there Wok and Spoon (nice name!)! I was sceptical too but am now much convinced. Well, there's only one way to confirm that, so grate some cauliflower and put the wok on the stove!
DeleteHi Phong Hong...
ReplyDeleteWah can tipu ourselves like that eh? Boleh ikut ni. Myself too, sepatutnya must cut down on carbo tapi not strong enough to fight! Hahaha... Mana tahu, boleh cuba tipu diri sendiri like this.. :D
MamaFami, ini kes desperado gian nasi :D
DeleteOh man, it does look like fried rice! Good for you for going paleo. I would love to cut out wheat or really minimize it if I can.
ReplyDeleteYou should try this fried "rice". You would be surprised that it comes quite close to the real thing. As long as your ingredients are good, the whole family will enjoy being fooled!
DeleteHaving Trouble STICKING with the Paleo Diet?
ReplyDeleteDo you want to eat healthy tasty recipes as soon as TONIGHT?
Check out the: Paleohacks Cookbook.