Stir fry dishes are a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, nutritious, and colorful meal without compromising on flavor. This veggie rice stir fry recipe is a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and fluffy rice, perfectly tossed together with savory sauces and aromatic spices.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a fast dinner solution or a home cook wanting to add more veggies to your diet, this recipe fits the bill. The combination of crisp veggies and tender rice ensures every bite is satisfying and full of texture.
What makes this dish even better is its versatility – you can swap in your favorite vegetables or add plant-based proteins for an extra boost. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice, reducing food waste while creating a delicious meal.
Keep reading to discover why this veggie rice stir fry will become your new weeknight favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This veggie rice stir fry is a win-win: it’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and packs a punch of nutrition. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this dish, making it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
The vegetables can be customized based on what you have in your fridge, making it highly adaptable.
It’s also a fantastic one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. The addition of soy sauce and garlic imparts a delicious umami depth, balanced by the natural sweetness of the veggies.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more vegetables for picky eaters or anyone looking to eat healthier.
For more inspiration on vegetable-packed meals, check out these delightful options: Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals, Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil for flavor
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red, yellow, and green)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1/2 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl (optional, for prepping veggies)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop all vegetables as described and have your rice ready. Using day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and prevents the stir fry from becoming mushy.
- Heat the oil: Place your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable or sesame oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the hot pan, stirring frequently. Cook for about 2 minutes or until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the harder vegetables: Toss in the broccoli, carrots, and snap peas first. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes, letting them soften slightly but remain crisp.
- Add bell peppers and corn: Stir these in and cook for another 2 minutes, combining all the veggies evenly.
- Incorporate ginger: Add the grated ginger and mix well to infuse the flavor throughout the vegetables.
- Add the rice: Break up any clumps and add the cooked rice to the pan. Toss thoroughly to combine with the vegetables and heat through.
- Season the stir fry: Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce (if using). Stir well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh, crunchy finish.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to plates or bowls and enjoy your vibrant, healthy veggie rice stir fry!
Tips & Variations
“Using day-old rice is a game-changer for stir fry dishes. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, which can make your stir fry mushy.”
If you want to add some protein, toss in cubed tofu, tempeh, or cooked edamame during the vegetable stir-fry stage. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped cashews or peanuts just before serving.
Feel free to customize the vegetables – zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, or cabbage all work beautifully.
For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes with the soy sauce. If you prefer gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
You can also try swapping out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
To explore more exciting vegetable dishes, don’t miss these recipes: Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas, Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners, and Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 680 mg |
Vitamin A | 120% DV |
Vitamin C | 90% DV |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and quantities used.
Serving Suggestions
This veggie rice stir fry is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few sides. For a balanced dinner, serve alongside a light miso soup or a simple cucumber salad with sesame dressing.
You can also top your stir fry with some crushed peanuts or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider complementing this dish with some steamed dumplings or spring rolls. For a heartier meal, add a side of your favorite protein such as grilled tofu or tempeh skewers.
To keep the meal fresh and light, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect.
Conclusion
This veggie rice stir fry recipe offers a perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and flavor that you can enjoy any day of the week. It’s a fantastic way to make the most out of leftover rice and fresh vegetables, coming together quickly to create a wholesome, satisfying meal.
The colors and textures make it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate, and the endless customization options mean it’ll never get boring.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. For more delicious and healthy meal ideas, explore our collection of recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Veggie Rice Stir Fry
Description: A quick and healthy vegetable stir fry with rice, perfect for a weeknight meal. Packed with colorful veggies and savory flavors.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas; cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Stir in cooked rice and mix well with vegetables.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger; stir to combine.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 54 g
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