Vegetable Fried Rice is a quick and versatile Chinese dish that fits perfectly on any lunch or dinner table. In this recipe, leftover white, or basmati rice is stir-fried with a mix of fresh, colorful vegetables for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like tofu or extra veggies, to make it your own. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for a busy weeknight or whenever you need a simple, tasty meal.
Enjoy More Fried and Flavored Rice Dishes:
- Fried Rice
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Egg Fried Rice
- Nasi Goreng
- Chicken Biryani
- Chicken and Rice
- Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Mexican Rice
Vegetable Fried Rice
Vegetable Fried Rice is an easy and delicious Chinese dish that works well for lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleaser at parties. The combination of rich flavors and simple preparation makes it perfect for any occasion. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it a satisfying choice every time.
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Ingredients
- 3 cup Basmati Rice, cooked, or other rice of your choice
- ¼ cup Green beans, chopped
- ¼ cup Carrots, chopped
- ¼ cup Green bell pepper, chopped
- 8 pod Garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 tsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Chili paste, or sub with szechuan sauce
- ½ tsp Ketchup
- ½ tsp Salt, adjust as needed
- 1 tsp Pepper powder
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Spring onions, to garnish
Instructions
Making Vegetable Fried Rice
- Start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat. Let the oil warm up until it starts shimmering but not smoking. This way, the garlic sautés evenly.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 4 to 5 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.
- Add the green beans and carrots with a pinch of salt. Stir-fry on high heat for about a minute. Cooking on high heat helps the veggies stay crisp while getting a slight char, adding more flavor.
- Stir in the bell pepper and cook for another minute. The bell pepper adds sweetness and color, so keep stirring to blend everything well.
- Pour in the soy sauce, chili paste, and ketchup, mixing it all together. Adjust the sauces to your taste, adding more chili paste for extra spice or less for a milder flavor. Ketchup provides a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- Gently fold the cooked rice into the vegetable mixture, making sure the rice absorbs the flavors and mixes well with the veggies. Using day-old rice is ideal, as it's less likely to become mushy when stir-fried.
- Sprinkle a bit of pepper powder and chopped spring onions on top. Stir everything one last time to blend the flavors, then remove from heat. Your delicious Vegetable Fried Rice is ready to be enjoyed.
Serving
- Serve the Vegetable Fried Rice warm with your favorite hot sauce, or pair it with a spicy side dish for an extra kick of flavor. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.
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Chef's Notes and Tips
Here are some essential tips for making perfect Vegetable Fried Rice:
- Rice Selection: Day-old Basmati, or plain white rice works best for fried rice because these varieties stay firm and don’t clump together during stir-frying. Day-old rice is drier, which prevents the dish from becoming mushy. Using pre-cooked or leftover rice not only saves time but also helps with better grain separation.
- Fresh Rice: If you’re using freshly cooked rice, allow it to rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. This helps reduce moisture and prevents the rice from becoming soggy when you stir-fry it.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor and appearance. Fresh veggies keep their vibrant colors and crunch during stir-frying, which makes the dish not only tastier but also more visually appealing.
- Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying happens quickly, so it’s important to have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. This way, nothing overcooks while you’re preparing the next ingredient, and the cooking process flows smoothly.
- Cook on High Heat: Stir-frying on high heat ensures the vegetables remain crisp, and it helps the rice get a slight char that adds a subtle smoky flavor. Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning and to allow the ingredients to cook evenly without sticking to the pan.
- Be Careful with Salt: Soy sauce usually contains salt, so be cautious with adding extra salt. Opting for low-sodium soy sauce can give you more control over the salt level in your dish. Always taste the rice before deciding if it needs additional seasoning.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to mix and match vegetables to suit your taste. You can add broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, or snow peas for a more veggie-packed meal. If you’re using cabbage, it’s best to sauté it at the end after adding the other vegetables. Since cabbage has a higher water content, it can become soggy if added too early.
- Use a Wok: If you have a wok, it’s the perfect tool for stir-frying. Its shape allows for even heat distribution, and it makes tossing the ingredients easier at high temperatures. If you don’t have a wok, a large frying pan can work, but you may need to cook in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, add a dash of sesame oil or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty taste, while lime juice gives a bright, tangy finish that balances the savory flavors.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 583kcal | Carbohydrates: 114g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 394mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1632IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
You can enjoy Vegetable Fried Rice on its own, but if you're looking to turn it into a complete meal or want to make your dinner extra special, consider these tasty pairings:
- Indo-Chinese Dishes: Try serving Vegetable Fried Rice with popular Indo-Chinese dishes like Chilli Chicken, Chicken Manchurian, Chicken Lollipop, or Chilli Paneer. These dishes bring bold flavors and textures that complement the fried rice perfectly.
- Soups: For a lighter start, pair your fried rice with soups like Vegetable Soup, Hot and Sour Soup, or Miso Soup. These soups not only add warmth to the meal but also provide a contrasting texture. Hot and Sour Soup, for example, adds a tangy and spicy touch that pairs nicely with the fried rice.
- Indian Dishes: Gobi 65, Gobi Manchurian, Chicken 65, or Chicken Pakora are great choices if you want to blend the flavors of Indian cuisine with the Indo-Chinese style of your fried rice. The crispy texture of these fried snacks offers a nice contrast to the rice.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing cucumber salad with a vinegar-based dressing is a great side dish that brings a cool, crisp bite to your meal.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy and savory, spring rolls make the perfect appetizer or side dish for Vegetable Fried Rice. They add a satisfying crunch that complements the rice nicely.
- Stir-Fried Dishes: If you're looking for something green and healthy to balance the meal, stir-fried dishes such as bok choy are an excellent choice. Their tender texture and mild flavor pair well with the rich taste of Vegetable Fried Rice.
Storage Suggestions
Vegetable Fried Rice tastes best when enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers if needed. Be sure to cool the rice promptly and refrigerate it within 2 hours in an airtight container. For the best quality, consume within 1-2 days and make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. However, for the best taste and texture, I highly recommend enjoying it fresh.
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