Fried rice is one of those versatile, comforting dishes that can be whipped up in minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick meal or a great way to use up leftover rice. This Fried Rice with Veggies recipe is full of color, flavor, and texture, offering a delicious combination of day-old rice, vegetables, and a rich soy sauce and sesame oil dressing. Whether you want a meat-free meal or a base for adding your favorite protein, this recipe has got you covered!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and cold)
- 2 tablespoons oil (high smoke point like vegetable or peanut oil)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onion or spinach for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- Warm the wok/skillet: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. The high heat helps achieve that signature stir-fried texture and flavor.
- Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent. This releases the natural sweetness of the onion, which will balance out the savory flavors of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Add the mixed vegetables: Toss in the mixed vegetables—carrots, peas, corn, or any variety of your choice. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are cooked through but still vibrant and crisp.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
- Move the vegetables to the side: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet to create space for the eggs.
- Cook the eggs: Add the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet. Scramble them, stirring constantly until just set and cooked through. The eggs should remain soft and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Garlic
- Flavor with garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Seasoning
- Add the rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps of rice and stir to mix the vegetables, eggs, and garlic together.
- Season the rice: Drizzle in soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The soy sauce adds umami while the sesame oil brings a delightful, nutty aroma to the dish.
Step 6: Stir-Fry and Serve
- Stir-fry until heated through: Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, making sure the rice is heated through and slightly crispy on the bottom for that perfect fried rice texture.
- Garnish and serve: Once everything is well combined, serve the fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions or fresh spinach for a vibrant touch.
Customizations:
- Add Protein: Make the dish more filling by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. Just stir-fry your chosen protein separately, then toss it into the rice during the final steps.
- Spice it up: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha. This will elevate the flavor profile and bring an exciting zing to the dish.
Tips for Success:
- Day-old rice: For the best texture, use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, while day-old rice has dried out slightly, making it perfect for stir-frying.
- High heat: Stir-fry on high heat to get that signature crispy, slightly charred rice that’s a hallmark of great fried rice.
- Veggie variety: Feel free to swap out or add veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms to personalize your fried rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Fresh rice tends to be too sticky and moist for fried rice. Day-old rice works best because it has dried out a bit, making it easier to stir-fry and achieving that crispy texture. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread the freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit before using it.
Can I make this fried rice without soy sauce?
Yes, if you’re looking for a gluten-free or low-sodium alternative, you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. It will still provide a savory depth of flavor.
How do I store leftover fried rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss it in a skillet or microwave it until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Fried Rice with Veggies is not only an easy, one-pan meal but also an incredibly versatile dish that you can customize with your favorite proteins and vegetables. With its perfect balance of flavors, quick cooking time, and satisfying texture, this fried rice will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Whether you serve it on its own or as a side dish, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.