Chinese Veg Fried Rice is a beloved classic that combines simplicity with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. This versatile dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a tasty snack.
The beauty of veg fried rice lies in its balance of textures and colors—from the fragrant jasmine rice to the crunchy carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious, restaurant-style fried rice that’s both nutritious and easy on the wallet.
Not only does this dish cater to vegetarians and vegans, but it’s also fully customizable. You can swap out veggies to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rice, transforming it into a fresh and exciting meal. If you love Asian flavors and crave a quick yet wholesome dish, this Chinese Veg Fried Rice recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chinese Veg Fried Rice recipe is a perfect blend of taste, texture, and nutrition. The combination of fresh vegetables with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice makes every bite delightful.
Quick and easy to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Highly customizable: You can add your favorite veggies or even tofu for extra protein.
Healthy and flavorful: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, yet low in calories.
It’s a go-to comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil for extra flavor
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup spring onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional but recommended for aroma)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped cabbage (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup roasted cashews or peanuts (optional, for added texture)
Equipment
- Large non-stick wok or frying pan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Bowl for mixing ingredients
- Rice cooker or pot for cooking rice (if cooking rice fresh)
Instructions
- Prepare your rice and vegetables. If you haven’t already, cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. It’s best to use rice that’s been cooked and cooled for several hours or overnight to avoid mushiness. Chop all vegetables into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Heat the wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to warm up. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and the white parts of the spring onions. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cabbage (if using). Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp, maintaining their vibrant color.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Add a little more oil if necessary, then add the cooked rice to the empty side. Break up any clumps gently with your spatula.
- Combine the rice and vegetables. Stir well to mix everything thoroughly. This is the moment to add soy sauce, chili sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and white pepper. Toss everything together so the rice absorbs the flavors evenly.
- Add the sesame oil and the green parts of the spring onions. Give the rice a final toss to distribute the aromatic sesame oil.
- Optional: Stir in roasted cashews or peanuts. This adds a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Turn off the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with extra chopped spring onions or coriander if desired.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Always use cold, day-old rice for the best fried rice texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky.
Variation: Add scrambled eggs or tofu cubes for extra protein. For vegan versions, tofu works wonderfully and soaks up the flavors.
Tip: Use a high smoke-point oil like vegetable or canola oil to prevent burning at high heat.
Variation: Swap in different vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn depending on seasonal availability.
Tip: For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or use a cast-iron skillet to fry the rice.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 50 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 450 mg (varies with soy sauce) |
Vitamin A | 35% Daily Value |
Vitamin C | 30% Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This Chinese Veg Fried Rice is a fantastic standalone meal, but you can also pair it with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes for a complete feast.
- Serve alongside slow cooker vegetable dishes for a comforting combo.
- Complement it with crispy spring rolls or dumplings for an appetizer.
- Pair with a light soup like low calorie vegetable soup to keep the meal balanced.
- For dessert, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to end your meal on a sweet note.
Conclusion
Chinese Veg Fried Rice is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that brings together fresh vegetables, fragrant rice, and bold flavors. Perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any palate or dietary preference.
It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a quick, healthy, and delicious meal any time of day. The key to success lies in using quality ingredients and cooking at the right temperature to get that perfect texture and flavor.
Plus, it’s a great canvas for creativity—feel free to experiment with different vegetables or add your favorite proteins.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a flavorful side dish, this Chinese Veg Fried Rice will become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to keep your meals exciting and wholesome.
📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Veg Fried Rice
Description: A quick and flavorful vegetable fried rice recipe packed with colorful veggies and savory soy sauce. Perfect as a main dish or a side.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/2 cup scrambled eggs (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Add cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry to combine.
- Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper; mix well.
- Add scrambled eggs and green onions; stir to combine.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, adjusting salt to taste.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 40 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chinese Veg Fried Rice”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegetable fried rice recipe packed with colorful veggies and savory soy sauce. Perfect as a main dish or a side.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)”, “1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, finely chopped)”, “2 tbsp vegetable oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 green onions, sliced”, “2 tbsp soy sauce”, “1 tsp sesame oil”, “1/2 tsp ground white pepper”, “1/2 cup scrambled eggs (optional)”, “Salt to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and onion, saut\u00e9 until fragrant and translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add scrambled eggs and green onions; stir to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 2-3 minutes, adjusting salt to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}