If you have leftover rice lurking in your fridge, this Veggie Fried Rice Recipe is your golden ticket to a delicious, quick, and vibrant meal that feels anything but boring. It’s a fantastic way to combine simple staples — cooked rice, fresh veggies, eggs, and a touch of soy sauce — into a dish that bursts with color, texture, and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe proves how easy it is to turn leftovers into something incredibly satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Veggie Fried Rice Recipe comes together with just a handful of pantry basics and fresh ingredients, each playing a key role in building that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the fluffy cooked rice to the nutty sesame oil, every component is essential for making your dish shine.
- Cooked rice: Best if it’s a day old and cold to prevent clumping and to give that signature fried rice texture.
- Eggs: Add richness and a lovely tender bite when scrambled and folded in.
- Mixed vegetables: Think carrots, peas, corn, and bell peppers for a colorful crunch and natural sweetness.
- Soy sauce: Provides that savory umami depth, seasoning the whole dish perfectly.
- Sesame oil: This finishing touch delivers a fragrant, toasty aroma that makes every bite irresistible.
How to Make Veggie Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Scramble the Eggs
Start by heating a little oil in a hot pan or wok, then crack in the eggs. Stir quickly to scramble them lightly until just set but still soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside — they’ll come back into play soon, ensuring they’re tender and not overcooked.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, toss your mixed vegetables into the same hot pan. Stir-fry until they soften just enough to be tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. This step locks in the fresh vegetable flavors and keeps the dish lively.
Step 3: Add the Rice
Now add your cold, cooked rice to the veggies, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir constantly so that each grain gets a moment in the heat and picks up a slight toasted flavor — this is what elevates simple rice into that classic fried rice texture.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Return the scrambled eggs back into the pan. Pour in soy sauce to taste, then gently toss everything together to combine. Finish by drizzling sesame oil over the rice for that signature nutty aroma. Give it one last toss and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Veggie Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top. A pinch of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness that complements the sesame oil beautifully.
Side Dishes
This veggie-packed fried rice stands strong on its own but also pairs wonderfully with dishes like crispy spring rolls, tangy kimchi, or even lightly dressed cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Veggie Fried Rice Recipe into a fun party dish by serving it inside hollowed bell peppers or scooping it into crispy lettuce cups. You can also mold it using a small bowl for a neat, restaurant-style presentation that will wow your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover veggie fried rice keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep it chilled properly to maintain freshness and texture as much as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze veggie fried rice in portion-sized freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before freezing to prevent ice crystals that could affect the texture.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or refrigerated veggie fried rice gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce helps revive moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for this Veggie Fried Rice Recipe?
While freshly cooked rice can work, day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture without clumps.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers are classic choices, but you can also use broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the eggs or replace them with tofu scramble or chickpea flour ‘egg’ for a plant-based alternative that keeps the dish satisfying.
Is sesame oil necessary?
Sesame oil adds a unique aroma and nutty flavor that really sets this Veggie Fried Rice Recipe apart, but if you don’t have it, you can use a neutral oil instead and add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you like.
How much soy sauce should I use?
Start with about 2 tablespoons and adjust according to your taste. Remember, it’s easy to add more, so season gradually to avoid over-salting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a delicious, easy, and colorful meal that feels like a cozy kitchen hug, this Veggie Fried Rice Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to use leftovers creatively while indulging in fresh flavors and textures. Go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Veggie Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious Veggie Fried Rice recipe perfect for using leftover rice, combining scrambled eggs, mixed vegetables, and seasonings for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Scramble the eggs: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Beat the eggs and pour into the pan, cooking until just set, then remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil and stir-fry the mixed vegetables until tender but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry to combine everything evenly and heat through.
- Combine eggs and season: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the mixture, then toss everything together thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot: Remove from heat and serve your veggie fried rice immediately for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture as it dries out and separates better when stir-fried.
- Feel free to use frozen mixed vegetables or any fresh veggies you like.
- For a vegan version, omit eggs and add tofu or more vegetables.
- Adjust soy sauce according to your salt preference.
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