Brown Rice and Mixed Veggies Recipe for Easy Meals

Brown rice and mixed veggies make a perfect combination for a wholesome, nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a balanced dish full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The nutty flavor of the brown rice pairs beautifully with the vibrant colors and textures of fresh vegetables, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or readily available in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a fantastic base for adding your favorite proteins or sauces if you want to take it up a notch.

You’ll love how this easy-to-make dish fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle without compromising on nutrition or flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brown rice and mixed veggies is a powerhouse meal that ticks all the boxes for health, ease, and flavor. Unlike white rice, brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, meaning you get more fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients with every bite.

When combined with colorful mixed vegetables, this dish becomes a nutrient-dense meal that supports digestion, heart health, and sustained energy levels.

Because it’s so simple, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It reheats well, making it an ideal choice for lunches or quick dinners on hectic days.

The variety of vegetables not only adds nutritional value but also keeps the dish exciting with different flavors and textures in every forkful.

Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. If you’re interested in exploring more wholesome vegetarian dishes, be sure to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for inspiration!

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice (long grain or short grain)
• 2 ½ cups water or vegetable broth for extra flavor
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced or sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 cup zucchini, diced
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari (optional)
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid (for cooking brown rice)
• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing rice)

Instructions

1. Rinse the brown rice under cold water using a colander until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 ½ cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
3. While the rice cooks, prepare your vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
6. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the carrots and broccoli florets first, as they take longer to soften. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
7. Add the bell peppers, snap peas, and zucchini to the skillet and continue to stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes until all the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant in color.
8. Season the veggies with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
9. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Gently toss everything together to mix evenly.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
11. Serve warm as a wholesome main dish or a side.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, try cooking brown rice in vegetable broth instead of water.

Feel free to swap or add other vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability—think sweet corn, mushrooms, spinach, or peas. To add protein, toss in some cooked tofu, chickpeas, or edamame during the stir-fry step.

If you enjoy a spicy kick, sprinkle a little chilli powder or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables. For a twist on the seasoning, explore the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to make your own flavorful spice mix.

Whenever you want to enjoy more hearty grain-based dishes, check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This brown rice and mixed veggies dish is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. Enjoy it as a standalone meal for a light lunch or dinner.

For a more filling option, pair it with a side of roasted chickpeas or a simple bean salad.

It also works well as a base for Asian-inspired bowls. Add some sliced avocado, a drizzle of tahini or peanut sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a flavor-packed meal.

For additional protein, consider topping it with crispy tofu or tempeh.

For more easy and delicious plant-based meals, explore our collection of Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals that complement this dish beautifully.

Conclusion

Brown rice and mixed veggies come together to create a simple yet nourishing meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless customization options, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish offers a satisfying balance of taste and nutrition. It’s an excellent way to embrace wholesome eating without spending hours in the kitchen.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do and feel inspired to experiment with different veggies and seasonings.

For more wholesome, easy-to-make dishes, don’t miss our other favorites like Vegan Chipotle Bowl Recipe for a Flavorful Healthy Meal and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love. Happy cooking!

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