Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s also incredibly healthy? This Thai Pineapple Shrimp Cauliflower Rice recipe offers a fantastic twist on healthy cauliflower rice recipes, bringing a taste of the tropics to your table in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect light yet satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp. Chicken breast or firm tofu are great substitutes.
- Cauliflower Rice: Fresh or frozen works beautifully for this healthy cauliflower rice recipe.
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple chunks are best, but canned (drained well) is a convenient option.
- Fish Sauce: Essential for authentic Thai flavor. If you don’t have it, a dash of soy sauce can work in a pinch but the flavor will differ.
- Red Curry Paste: Adjust to your spice preference. Green curry paste can be used for a different flavor profile.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 4 cups cauliflower rice (about 1 medium head)
- 1/2 cup shelled edamame (frozen, thawed)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Large skillet or wok, small bowl.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, red curry paste, grated ginger, and honey or maple syrup. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later use in your healthy cauliflower rice recipe.
2. Cook the Shrimp
Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables and Pineapple
Add the sliced red bell pepper to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. Next, add the pineapple chunks and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to lightly caramelize.
4. Add Cauliflower Rice and Edamame
Stir in the cauliflower rice and thawed edamame to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower rice is tender-crisp. You’re building a fantastic base for your healthy cauliflower rice recipe.
5. Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables and cauliflower rice. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything gently to coat evenly. Cook for just 1-2 minutes more to heat through and meld the flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve your delicious Thai Pineapple Shrimp Cauliflower Rice immediately for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of cashews for extra crunch.
- Stir in some spinach or kale at the end for more greens.
- Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Include sliced green onions for a mild oniony flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Thai Pineapple Shrimp Cauliflower Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can you use frozen cauliflower rice for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Frozen cauliflower rice works perfectly; just add it directly to the skillet from frozen.
- Is this dish spicy? The spice level depends on your red curry paste. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference, starting with less if you’re sensitive to heat.
- Can you prepare this dish ahead of time? You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead, but it’s best to cook the dish just before serving for optimal texture.
- What if you don’t have fresh ginger? You can use ground ginger, but fresh ginger provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor in this healthy cauliflower rice recipe. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
- Can you make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and use firm tofu or chickpeas instead.
- How do you prevent the cauliflower rice from getting soggy? Don’t overcrowd your skillet, and ensure it’s heated well before adding the cauliflower rice. Cook until tender-crisp, not mushy.