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To create a delicious Vegetable Fried Rice, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for the perfect texture) - 1 cup mixed vegetables (a colorful mix of diced carrots, green peas, bell peppers, and corn) - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon olive oil - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - Salt and pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish (optional) Having these ingredients ready makes cooking easy. Using day-old rice is key. It helps the rice fry better and gives it a nice texture. Fresh vegetables add flavor and color. You can mix and match your favorite veggies, too! When you gather these items, you set yourself up for success. The soy sauce and sesame oil provide great umami flavors. The garlic and ginger add a fragrant kick. Don't forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper as you go along. You can find the full recipe for this vibrant dish in the earlier sections. Enjoy your cooking! 1. Heat olive oil and sauté onions Start by heating 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 small, finely diced onion. Sauté the onion for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. 2. Add garlic and ginger Next, incorporate 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1-inch piece of grated fresh ginger. Stir these into the pan and cook for about 1 minute. This step fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. 3. Incorporate mixed vegetables Now, add 1 cup of mixed vegetables. This can be a colorful mix of diced carrots, green peas, bell peppers, and corn. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to be bright and tender-crisp. 4. Cook and combine with rice Push the cooked veggies to one side of the skillet, creating space. Add 2 cups of cooked rice to this empty area. Pour 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the rice. Mix everything together and stir-fry for about 5 minutes. Ensure the rice is heated and well-coated with flavor. You can find the Full Recipe for all details on this vibrant dish. Enjoy the process and watch your Vegetable Fried Rice come to life! - Using day-old rice: Day-old rice is best. It dries out a bit, making it easier to fry. Fresh rice is often too moist. It clumps and does not fry well. - Seasoning adjustments: Adjust your seasonings to fit your taste. More soy sauce adds saltiness. Add a pinch of sugar for balance. A splash of vinegar can give a nice kick. - Cooking on high heat for better texture: High heat is key. It helps the rice and veggies get crispy. Keep stirring to avoid burning while achieving that great texture. - Overcrowding the pan: Do not crowd the pan. This traps steam and makes everything soggy. Cook in batches if you have a lot of rice or veggies. - Undercooking vegetables: Make sure to cook your veggies fully. They should be tender but still bright. This keeps them tasty and colorful. - Not reheating rice properly: Reheat rice the right way. If rice is cold, it can stick together. Use a splash of water when reheating to create steam. This helps separate the grains. {{image_4}} You can swap vegetables based on what you have at home. Try using: - Broccoli - Zucchini - Peas - Spinach These add great color and flavor. You can also change the rice. For a healthy twist, use: - Quinoa - Cauliflower rice Both options give a new texture. If you want more flavor, try different sauces. You can add: - Sriracha for heat - Hoisin for sweetness These sauces can make your fried rice unique and tasty. Making this dish fit your diet is easy. For vegan options, stick to vegetables and rice. Use soy sauce or tamari for flavor. If you need gluten-free choices, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. Most vegetables are naturally gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your vegetable fried rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method helps prevent moisture loss and keeps out odors from your fridge. Let the rice cool to room temperature before sealing it up. You can store it in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Labeling the container with the date can help you track freshness. You can reheat your fried rice using a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you choose the stovetop, add a splash of water or oil to a skillet. Heat over medium until warm, stirring to avoid sticking. To keep the rice from becoming soggy, don’t add too much liquid. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. This way, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal that feels just made! For the complete recipe, see the Full Recipe section. To enhance the taste of your vegetable fried rice, focus on seasoning. Start with high-quality soy sauce for a savory depth. You can also add oyster sauce or fish sauce for more umami. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil elevate the dish too. A dash of sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. Spice it up with chili flakes or fresh chili for a kick. Try adding proteins like tofu or eggs for extra richness. Yes, you can use frozen vegetables! They are a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw them first. Pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. This keeps your fried rice from getting soggy. Frozen veggies are often picked at peak freshness, so you’ll still get great flavor. The best rice for fried rice is day-old rice. It has a drier texture, which helps it fry better. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cool freshly cooked rice by spreading it on a tray. This helps it dry out a bit. Jasmine or basmati rice works well too, but avoid short-grain rice. To store leftover fried rice, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, add a splash of water and cover. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stovetop, add a little oil to a pan. Heat over medium until warmed through. This prevents it from getting dry. You now know the key ingredients for making tasty vegetable fried rice. We covered preparation steps, tips to avoid mistakes, and ways to make it your own. Remember to use day-old rice for the best texture and don’t overcrowd your pan. Feel free to experiment with different veggies or sauces. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this dish is easy to master. Enjoy your meal and share it with others. Happy cooking!

Vegetable Fried Rice

Looking for a delicious and vibrant meal? Try this Veggie-Packed Rainbow Fried Rice that’s bursting with flavor and color! Made with fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic and ginger, and perfect day-old rice, this recipe is quick and easy to whip up in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish will be a family favorite. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a splash of color to your table!

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for the perfect texture)

1 cup mixed vegetables (a colorful combination of diced carrots, green peas, bell peppers, and corn)

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon olive oil

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

    Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn a soft, translucent hue.

      Incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger into the pan, cooking for an additional minute until they release a fragrant aroma.

        Toss in the mixed vegetables, stir-frying for about 4-5 minutes until they are vibrant and tender-crisp, ensuring they maintain their color and crunch.

          Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet to create an empty space. Add the cooked rice to this vacant area.

            Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, then gently fold the rice into the vegetable mix. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the rice is thoroughly heated and evenly coated with the flavors.

              Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper to your preference.

                Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.

                  If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top as a garnishing touch before serving.

                    - Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the fried rice in bowls, garnished with a few extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful, colorful finish.