Save This vibrant and flavorful vegetable fried rice is a versatile dish that brings a rainbow of nutrition to your table. Packed with colorful mixed vegetables and aromatic seasonings, it is perfect as a satisfying main or a delicious side for any Asian-inspired meal.
Save The secret to this dish is the balance of textures, from the tender peas and sweet corn to the aromatic base of fresh garlic and ginger. By stir-frying on high heat, the rice absorbs the rich flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce without becoming soggy.
Ingredients
- Rice: 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old, cold)
- Vegetables: 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup bell pepper, diced; 1 cup frozen peas, thawed; 1 cup broccoli florets, small; 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels; 1/2 cup green beans, chopped; 3 green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- Sauces & Seasonings: 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola/sunflower); 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional); 1/2 tsp white pepper or black pepper; Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2
- Add the garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add the carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, green beans, and corn. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Step 4
- Stir in the peas and most of the green onions; cook for 1 minute.
- Step 5
- Increase the heat to high and add the cold cooked rice. Stir-fry, breaking up any clumps, for 2–3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
- Step 6
- Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Sprinkle with pepper and toss well to combine everything evenly.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust salt or soy sauce as needed.
- Step 8
- Remove from heat. Garnish with reserved green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Use a large wok or deep skillet to ensure there is enough room to stir-fry the ingredients properly. Having your chef's knife and cutting board ready for prep is essential as the cooking process moves very quickly once the heat is on.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra protein, you can add scrambled eggs or tofu cubes. You may also substitute vegetables as desired with options like mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas. If you prefer a spicy kick, add a dash of chili sauce or chopped fresh chili during the stir-fry.
Serviervorschläge
Remove the dish from the heat and serve immediately while hot. Garnish with the reserved sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a professional and flavorful finishing touch.
Save This homemade vegetable fried rice proves that simple, fresh ingredients can create a meal that is both comforting and impressive. Enjoy the crunch of the vegetables and the savory, nutty aroma of the sesame oil in every bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → Why should I use day-old rice?
Day-old rice that has been refrigerated is drier and won't clump together during stir-frying. Fresh, warm rice releases moisture and creates a mushy texture. Always spread freshly cooked rice on a plate to cool, then refrigerate it for at least several hours or overnight before using.
- → Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, you can dice all vegetables and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This mise en place setup makes the actual cooking much faster. Keep garlic and ginger minced just before cooking for maximum flavor.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Use cold, day-old rice and break up any clumps with your spatula as you stir-fry. Cook over medium-high to high heat so moisture evaporates quickly. If rice begins sticking, add a small splash of sesame oil and keep stirring constantly.
- → What proteins pair well with this dish?
Scrambled eggs, crispy tofu cubes, cashews, or chickpeas are excellent additions. You can also serve it alongside grilled tempeh, baked chicken, or shrimp. Stir proteins in during the final minute of cooking to heat through.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Regular soy sauce contains gluten, but the dish becomes gluten-free when using tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. Always check all ingredient labels, including sesame oil and vegetable oil, to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
- → How can I add more heat to this dish?
Drizzle in a dash of sriracha, chili sauce, or add minced fresh chili peppers during the initial garlic-ginger sauté. For milder heat, mix in a small amount of chili oil at the end. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preference.