Fried rice is the ultimate comfort food—versatile, quick, and bursting with flavor. If you’ve ever wondered how to whip up a delicious fried rice dish without chopping a mountain of fresh vegetables, this fried rice recipe with frozen veggies is perfect for you.
Using frozen vegetables not only saves time but also keeps the nutrients locked in, making your meal both convenient and nutritious. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or simply someone who loves fuss-free cooking, this recipe lets you enjoy a tasty, colorful meal in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is fantastic as a standalone meal or a side dish. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite proteins or spices!
Ready to learn how to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering fried rice that will become a staple in your kitchen? Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to fall in love with this fried rice recipe with frozen veggies. First and foremost, it’s incredibly convenient.
Frozen vegetables are pre-washed, pre-cut, and ready to go right from your freezer, shaving precious time off your cooking routine.
Secondly, this recipe uses day-old rice, which helps achieve that perfect, non-mushy fried rice texture, making every bite delightfully fluffy. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic creates a savory, aromatic base that pairs beautifully with the medley of colorful vegetables.
Lastly, it’s a flexible recipe. You can easily adjust the vegetable mix, swap in tofu or chicken, or add a fried egg on top for extra protein.
This dish is budget-friendly, nutritious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked day-old white rice (preferably jasmine or long grain)
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans blend works great)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Large non-stick or cast iron skillet or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for eggs
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare your rice and vegetables. Use rice that has been cooked and refrigerated for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps the grains firm up and prevents clumping. Thaw the frozen vegetables by leaving them at room temperature or briefly microwaving for about 1 minute, then drain any excess water.
- Scramble the eggs. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then pour into the skillet. Stir gently until cooked through but still soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and veggies. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the thawed frozen vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly tender.
- Add the rice. Break up any clumps of rice with your hands or a spoon and add it to the skillet. Stir constantly to combine with the vegetables, ensuring the rice heats evenly and starts to brown slightly. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Season the dish. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to coat every grain with flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the scrambled eggs back in and mix everything thoroughly.
- Finish with green onions. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top and give the mixture one last toss. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot. Plate your fried rice immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
For fluffier fried rice, always use rice that’s been chilled in the fridge overnight.
Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a heartier meal. Simply stir-fry the protein first, set aside, and add back in step 5.
Vegetable Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different frozen vegetables such as broccoli florets, edamame, or bell peppers. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid sogginess.
Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Alternatively, a dash of fresh ginger along with garlic adds a fragrant kick.
Vegan Version: Omit the eggs and increase the tofu or add chickpeas for a plant-based protein source. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 9 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 45 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 750 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This fried rice with frozen veggies shines as a main dish but also pairs beautifully with other Asian-inspired sides. Try serving it alongside steamed dumplings, a fresh cucumber salad, or a bowl of hot miso soup for a complete meal.
For a heartier dinner, top your fried rice with a fried egg or serve with grilled tofu or chicken satay skewers. You might also enjoy pairing it with recipes like the Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love or the vibrant Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for an exciting twist on your dinner table.
Conclusion
Simple, quick, and endlessly adaptable, this fried rice recipe with frozen veggies is a go-to solution for those busy days when you want something tasty without the hassle. The beauty of using frozen vegetables lies in their convenience and nutritional value, allowing you to create a balanced meal in minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is sure to satisfy cravings for comfort food while keeping things light and fresh.
Don’t hesitate to get creative by adding your favorite proteins or trying different sauces. This fried rice is a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our easy Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the comforting Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement your meals.
📖 Recipe Card: Fried Rice with Frozen Veggies
Description: A quick and easy fried rice recipe using frozen mixed vegetables. Perfect for a tasty weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice, preferably day-old
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Push vegetables to one side, scramble eggs on the other side until cooked.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables and cook until heated through.
- Add cooked rice to the pan and stir to combine all ingredients.
- Pour soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 42 g
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