Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Vibrant cauliflower rice stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and a hint of toasted sesame oil for a flavorful Whole30 side or main. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced red bell pepper, stalks, sliced green onions, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 thinly sliced medium red bell pepper and 1 thinly sliced medium yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the peppers soften but still retain some crunch.
  3. Step 3: Stir in about 4 cups riced cauliflower, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower rice is tender but not mushy.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium, pour in 2 tbsp coconut aminos and 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, stirring to combine and coat the vegetables evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm as a hearty side or light main dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stalks, sliced green onions from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Sesame whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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