Easy Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe: Your Go-To Weeknight Dinner Savior.
Introduction.
Last week I found three old rice cakes and some soft products, and I put them all together. At that time, my kitchen smelled like a Chinese restaurant. The specialty of this fried rice is that it transforms leftover food into something amazing.
Here’s a tip - Chinese people used to make fried rice with leftover rice. People liked this dish so much that it spread all over Asia. Each country added its own twist to this recipe. Now you can find many varieties, such as Indonesian nasi goreng or Japanese yakimeshi. But this vegetable fried rice recipe is the best.
The best thing about this vegetable fried rice recipe is that it is a perfect gift for you—a way to clean your clothes.
(Image by Tonda Tran from Pixabay)
Ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need for about four servings:
For the rice base:
- 3 cups of cooked white rice. (preferably day-old and refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. (plus extra if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
The vegetable stars:
- 1 medium onion, diced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables.(or fresh equivalent)
- 1 medium carrot, diced small.
- ½ cup frozen peas.
- 3 green onions, sliced (save some green parts for garnish)
- ½ cup corn kernels. (optional but adds sweetness)
For the flavor:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce. (low sodium works great)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce. (optional, but adds depth)
- 2 eggs, beaten.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced. (or ½ teaspoon ground)
(Image generated using Whisk AI)
Kitchen Tools Required.
Before diving in, make sure you’ve got these basics ready:
- A large wok or wide skillet. (the wider, the better for that perfect fry)
- Wooden spoon or wok spatula for stirring.
- Small bowl for beating eggs.
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables.
- Cutting board.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A plate for setting aside cooked eggs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegetable Fried Rice.
Step 1: First, prepare your rice. If you have just cooked it, spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. You want the rice to be cold and dry so that it doesn’t become soft when cooked. If you are using leftover rice, use your fingers to break up any lumps. This simple step will prevent the fried rice from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Now prepare your vegetables. Cut all the vegetables you are using into small pieces of the same size. This will help them cook evenly.
Keep your garlic and ginger in a separate bowl. You will add them at a different time.
Step 3: To scramble the eggs, heat your pan on medium heat and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, pour in the beaten eggs. Leave the eggs untouched for about 20 seconds, then gently scramble them. We are not making a neat omelette here; we want soft white mussels. When the eggs are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
(Photo by Mizuno K: Pexels)
Step 4: Add a little more oil to the same pan you used earlier. Now add your chopped onion to the hot oil and cook for about two minutes until soft and translucent. Next, add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds. At this point, you should smell a wonderful aroma coming from your kitchen.
Step 5: Now add your carrots and hard vegetables. These vegetables take longer to cook, so you should add them first. Stir-fry everything for about 3-4 minutes. You will know they are ready when they start to soften, but will still be a little crunchy when you bite into them.
(Photo by Lisa from : Pexels)
Step 6: Add your frozen mixed vegetables, beans, and corn. If you are using soft fresh vegetables like bell peppers, add them now. Then stir everything well. Stirring constantly will prevent the food from burning and help all the vegetables cook evenly.
Step 7: To add the rice, push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and make a space in the middle. If the pan seems dry, add a little oil and add the rice. Use your spatula to break up the pieces and then cook for about 30 seconds. Now mix everything well.
Step 8: Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce around the edge of the pan. Do not pour them directly on the rice. This method prevents the rice from becoming soggy. Next, add the eggs you cooked earlier and stir everything together, breaking them into small pieces, until the rice turns a light golden brown color.
Step 9: Now, drizzle some sesame oil on the fried rice. Then add some sliced onions and mix everything well one more time. Taste the fried rice to see if anything else is needed. You can add salt or pepper if you want. Keep in mind that soy sauce is already salty, so be cautious not to add too much salt.
Cooking Tips.
Tip 1: Use dry rice for best results – For the best quality fried rice, always use dry rice. When you use wet rice, everything becomes soft and sticky. If you need to use freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and place a fan over it for 15 minutes to dry it. That’s mine if you plan to make Vegetable Fried Rice the next day. Use less water when cooking the rice initially.
Tip 2: Use High Heat - When you use high heat to cook Fried Rice, it creates a slightly smoky flavor. You will hear a sizzling sound when all the food hits the pan. If your vegetables are steaming instead of cooling, increase the heat. Remember to stir everything constantly to prevent it from burning.
Tip 3: Always cook in small batches - Never add too much food to your pan at once. This is the biggest mistake many people make at home. When you overfill the pan, you lower the cooking temperature. If the heat is too low, your ingredients will steam instead of fry.
If you are making a large amount of Vegetable Fried Rice, cook it in two or more batches to achieve a better result.
Reasons to Try This Recipe.
Making Vegetable Fried Rice at home is great because you can control the flavor to your liking. If you want to spice up this recipe, you can add chili oil or leave out the ginger for a milder flavor. You have complete control over this, which you don’t get when ordering out.
After making this recipe a few times, you’ll be able to make it easily, even on a busy day.
You can enjoy this Vegetable Fried Rice recipe as a side dish, a main meal, or a lunch. Add some crispy tofu for protein or add cashews for a crunch. There are numerous ways to prepare this, making it a true kitchen staple.
- Love fried rice? Try my Chicken Fried Rice Recipe next — a tasty mix of chicken, rice, and veggies cooked with simple spices. Perfect for a quick meal!
Healthier Swaps.
Swap 1: Use brown rice instead of white rice - Brown rice offers a healthier alternative for your meal. It will have a slightly different texture, but it will have more fiber and nutrients. When using brown rice, ensure it is at least a day old and well-chilled. It will withstand high heat, allowing for nice, crispy bits.
- Brown rice is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps with digestion, weight control, and blood sugar balance. To learn more, visit Benefits of Brown Rice.
Swap 2: Try the cauliflower rice mix - For a lower-carb option, use half regular rice and half cauliflower rice. This swap will make a slight difference in flavor, but you’ll consume significantly fewer carbs. Be sure to add the cauliflower rice in the last two minutes of cooking, as it cooks faster than regular rice.
Swap 3: Use Coconut Amino instead of Soy Sauce - If you prefer a less salty version of this Vegetable Fried Rice recipe or want to avoid soy sauce, consider using Coconut Amino as a substitute.
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✅ Advantages of Vegetable Fried Rice.
This Vegetable Fried Rice will give your body a delicious and healthy boost. The main ingredients required to prepare this recipe are rice and vegetables, which will provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your diet, helping you stay active throughout the day.
The combination of rice and vegetables creates a perfect balance of energy and nutrition. It provides significant support for digestion, strengthens the immune system, and helps the body maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, this recipe can be prepared quickly and easily in just a few simple steps. It is also a great way to use up leftover rice while enjoying a fresh and delicious meal.
❌ Disadvantages of Vegetable Fried Rice.
If you cook Vegetable Fried Rice incorrectly, it can be harmful to your health. When you use too much oil or sauce in this recipe, you are adding a significant amount of fat and salt, which can contribute to weight gain or high blood pressure in individuals who enjoy this Fried Rice.
Additionally, there is a risk of food poisoning if you use leftover rice that has not been stored safely, so be mindful of this precaution.
Finally, remember to prepare the ingredients before cooking. If you don’t have old rice, you will need to add at least 30 minutes to your cooking time to prepare and cool it.
Conclusion.
Vegetable Fried Rice is not just a recipe; it’s a life skill. Once you master this recipe, you won’t have to look helplessly at a fridge full of leftover vegetables. This fried rice is a great go-to option whenever you need a quick and affordable meal.
The best part is that once you learn the basic steps in this recipe, you can add extras like substituting different vegetables or adding pineapple for a sweeter flavor, among others. Then cooking will stop feeling like a chore and start feeling like a real treat.
So grab that leftover rice right now, take those wilted vegetables out of the fridge, and give it a try. Once you taste your perfectly seasoned homemade fried rice, you’ll want to start making extra rice on purpose.
FAQs
1. Question: Why is my fried rice constantly soggy?
- Answer: Your fried rice often turns out mushy because the rice is too wet or your pan is not hot enough. Always use day-old rice and increase the heat. Also, don’t stir it too much. Keep the rice in the pan so that it gets crispy.
2. Question: Can this Vegetable Fried Rice be made without eggs?
- Answer: Yes, you can skip the eggs! They add protein and richness, but you don’t need them. If you’re vegan, use firm tofu instead. Fry the tofu on its own until golden brown, then stir it in and follow the steps for the eggs.
3. Question: What is the best rice to use for this recipe?
- Answer: Choose long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati. It will not be as sticky as short-grain rice. However, any rice you have on hand will work well for this Vegetable Fried Rice.
4. Question: How do I get restaurant-style smoke flavor?
- Answer: To get that smoky restaurant flavor, you need extremely high heat. Most home ovens don’t get hot enough, so you need to help them out. Heat your pan until it’s smoking hot before adding food. Cook in small batches during grilling, and use an outdoor burner if available.