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Cauliflower Rice with Sesame Tofu and Scallions
Cauliflower rice usually is just a side dish, but here we top a platterful of soy-seasoned “rice” with golden-brown fried tofu to make a satisfying main. Before pan-frying, the tofu slices (use firm or extra-firm) are coated with a mixture of cornstarch and crushed sesame seeds that crisps and browns beautifully while also providing rich, nutty flavor and aroma. Be sure to use raw sesame, as pre-roasted seeds will end up burnt and bitter. The best way to crush them is with a mortar with a pestle or by pulsing them in an electric spice grinder.
4-6
Servings
Tip
Don’t forget to pat the tofu slices dry with paper towels before coating with the sesame-cornstarch mixture. Press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible so the mixture forms a light, even coating and so the crust remains crisp after frying. Before processing the cauliflower, be sure the pieces are completely dry and don’t over-pulse in the machine. The bits should be no smaller than grains of actual rice or the cauliflower rice will end up too soft.
40 minutes
Ingredients
-
1½
pound head cauliflower, trimmed and chopped into 1- to 1½-inch chunks
-
5
tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil, divided
Directions
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01Add enough cauliflower to fill a food processor about halfway. Pulse until the pieces are smaller than peas but larger than grains of rice, 3 to 5 pulses; do not overprocess (it’s fine if the “rice” is somewhat uneven). Transfer to a medium bowl and repeat until all of the cauliflower has been processed; you should have about 4 cups.
Reviews
April 29, 2026
Forgot it was tofu
This was delicious and so easy. Perfect weeknight meal.
May 29, 2025
Delicious!
This is easy, delicious and a keeper. Exceeded my expectation.
September 6, 2022
So simple and impressive!
I've made this 3 or 4 times in the last week or so. Everyone is blown away by it and I love how quick and easy it is. The tofu especially impresses people as the cornstarch gives it a crisp that typically only restaurants achieve.
February 6, 2024
Great meal with no meat!
Great flavors, textures and a great change of pace from eating meat. Love it!
This was surprisingly good. However, this would not feed 4-6 people. 2 regular sized adults ate all of the tofu and 2/3 of the cauliflower. Important note--I pressed the tofu, which made it dry and the sesame/cornstarch coating did not adhere to the tofu. When I make this again, I will not press the tofu.
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Amazingly good for being so healthy!