Fried rice is a beloved comfort food that’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor. When it comes to vegetarian versions, it’s all about balancing fresh, colorful vegetables with the perfect seasoning and fluffy rice.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a tasty side dish, this best fried rice recipe veg will satisfy your cravings while keeping things healthy and satisfying. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—you can use whatever veggies you have on hand and customize it to your taste.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through each step to create a perfectly seasoned, vibrant fried rice that’s both nutritious and delicious. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to elevate your dish, variations to try, and ideas for serving.
Ready to become a fried rice master? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian fried rice recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
Second, it’s a great way to use leftover rice, which helps it achieve that ideal texture without becoming mushy. The medley of colorful veggies not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds layers of nutritional value and crunch.
What’s more, this recipe is highly customizable. Whether you prefer it spicy, packed with protein, or lighter on oil, you can tweak it to suit your preferences.
It’s perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully, making your busy weeknights easier. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and naturally gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, finely chopped)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for aroma and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped tofu or tempeh for extra protein
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Bowl for mixing ingredients
- Grater for ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your rice and vegetables. Use cold, day-old rice to ensure the grains remain separate when frying. Chop all your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
- Throw in your mixed vegetables and optional tofu or tempeh. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
- Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the empty side and add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
- Combine the rice with the vegetables. Stir everything together and let the rice fry undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes to get a slight crispiness.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the rice and vegetables. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the sliced green onions. Give a final stir and cook for another minute to blend all the flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious vegetarian fried rice!
Tips & Variations
“Use cold, leftover rice for the best texture—freshly cooked rice can get mushy when fried.”
Make it spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or freshly chopped chili peppers during the garlic and ginger step for a fiery kick.
Protein boost: Incorporate scrambled tofu or edamame beans to increase the protein content, perfect for a more filling meal.
Veggie swaps: Feel free to use broccoli florets, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms depending on what’s in season or your fridge.
Make it gluten-free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the flavors intact without gluten.
Healthy swaps: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for extra fiber and nutrients.
For more creative vegetarian meal ideas, check out these delicious recipes: Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals, Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Protein | 6g |
Fat | 6g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sodium | 650mg |
Vitamin A | 35% DV |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian fried rice is perfect as a main dish or as a side to complement other Asian-inspired meals. Serve with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a complete dinner experience.
You can also pair it with stir-fried greens or a light miso soup for added warmth and nutrients.
For a fun twist, serve the fried rice wrapped in lettuce cups or alongside crispy spring rolls. This recipe also works wonderfully as a packed lunch or picnic meal since it tastes great even at room temperature.
Conclusion
This best fried rice recipe veg is a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s quick, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a tasty, vegetable-packed meal.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Remember to use day-old rice for the best texture, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables or spices to make the dish your own. Fried rice is a wonderful canvas for creativity and a great way to enjoy a wholesome, meat-free meal.
If you’re interested in more flavorful vegetarian recipes, be sure to explore our collection including Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals.
Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Fried Rice Recipe Veg
Description: A flavorful and easy vegetable fried rice perfect for a quick meal. Packed with fresh veggies and aromatic seasonings.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add mixed vegetables and bell pepper; cook until tender.
- Stir in cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over rice; mix well.
- Season with salt and black pepper; cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Add green onions and optional cilantro; stir and remove from heat.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 40 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Fried Rice Recipe Veg”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and easy vegetable fried rice perfect for a quick meal. Packed with fresh veggies and aromatic seasonings.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 garlic cloves, minced”, “1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)”, “1/2 cup diced bell pepper”, “2 green onions, sliced”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion and garlic; saut\u00e9 until fragrant and translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mixed vegetables and bell pepper; cook until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over rice; mix well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and black pepper; cook for 3-5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add green onions and optional cilantro; stir and remove from heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}