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Discover the secrets to creating delicious rice-based dishes that are sure to impress! Whether you’re perfecting rice noodles with a foolproof cooking method, exploring a sweet and savory Mango Fried Rice, or enjoying the creamy goodness of Avocado Rice, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that cater to every palate. From mastering cooking techniques to experimenting with bold ingredients, you’ll find everything you need to elevate your cooking skills and delight your taste buds with these mouthwatering rice recipes.

broccoli fried rice recipe

I often make roasted broccoli and also cook a lot of rice in my rice cooker, so if I have some extras, I make a very tasty broccoli fried rice the next day. Broccoli fried rice is a great vegetarian main dish that’s very healthy and filling. Cooked broccoli is stir-fried with white rice and egg, then seasoned with the soy sauce and pepper.

When you have cooked broccoli and cooked rice on hand, making broccoli fried rice takes less than 5 minutes! Whenever you make rice in a rice cooker, just make an extra portion, because leftover rice makes perfect white rice! If you don’t have any cooked broccoli, you can use packaged frozen broccoli – just microwave it for a few minutes until it’s cooked – super easy!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Fried Rice

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 5 minutes if you have pre-cooked rice and broccoli. Perfect for a fast, delicious meal.
Healthy and Filling: Packed with broccoli and eggs, it’s a nutritious, vegetarian main dish that keeps you satisfied.
Great for Leftovers: A fantastic way to use up leftover rice and broccoli, reducing food waste.
Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of common ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Easy Broccoli Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup cooked broccoli, chopped – Adds a pop of green color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor.
2 cups cooked rice – The perfect base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
1 tbsp soy sauce – Brings a savory, umami taste that ties the dish together.
2 eggs – Adds richness and a boost of protein for a satisfying meal.
1/4 tsp pepper – Helps cook the ingredients and adds a hint of crispiness.
1 tbsp oil – Adds a subtle hint of heat to elevate the flavors.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Broccoli Fried Rice

Frying Pan – For stir-frying the ingredients together.
Spatula – To stir and flip ingredients without scratching the pan.
Measuring Cups – To measure the exact quantities of rice, broccoli, and other ingredients.
Measuring Spoons – To measure smaller amounts like soy sauce, pepper, and oil.
Knife – To chop the cooked broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting Board – To provide a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
Mixing Bowl – To beat the eggs before adding them to the frying pan.

Instructions How To Make Broccoli Fried Rice

Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add rice, broccoli, soy sauce and pepper and mix until combined.
Make a well in the middle of the frying pan by pushing the rice mixture to the sides. Crack the eggs in the middle of the pan, then quickly stir, so the eggs are mixed with the rice.
Keep stirring constantly for 1 minute.
Remove broccoli fried rice from the frying pan and serve.

Cooking time: 5 minute(s)

My recipe rating – 5 stars: ★★★★★

If you like fried rice as much as I do, check out my other fried rice recipes: easy shrimp fried rice recipe, easy chicken fried rice recipe and easy vegetarian fried rice recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Fried Rice

With a Protein Side: Pair with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a complete meal.
Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Add a Crunch: Serve with a side of crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad.
With Extra Veggies: Complement with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like snap peas or carrots.
Use as a Base: Top with a fried egg or add more stir-fried veggies for a hearty bowl.

Tips For Success

Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, use day-old, cold rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky for frying. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to reduce moisture.
Cut Broccoli Uniformly: Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help the broccoli soften quickly while maintaining a slight crunch.
Cook at High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to get the right texture and flavors. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil, and keep stirring to avoid burning. High heat helps to achieve a nice, slightly crispy texture in the rice.
Season Gradually: Start with a small amount of soy sauce and adjust to taste. Too much soy sauce can overpower the dish or make it too salty. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can cause ingredients to steam rather than fry. This helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture.
Add Sesame Oil Last: Drizzle sesame oil at the end of cooking for a wonderful, nutty aroma. Heating sesame oil at high temperatures can cause it to lose its flavor, so adding it at the end preserves its fragrance.
Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices. Fried rice is very versatile, so you can easily make it your own by incorporating ingredients like bell peppers, peas, or even a splash of chili sauce for some heat.

Variations And Substitutions

Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. It offers a similar texture and absorbs flavors well. You can use the same cooking method, but reduce the cooking time slightly as cauliflower rice cooks faster.
Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and add color. This is a great way to use up leftover veggies from your fridge.
Protein Alternatives: For extra protein, add tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef. If you prefer plant-based protein, try chickpeas or edamame. Marinate the protein with a little soy sauce and garlic before adding it to the pan for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Both alternatives offer a similar taste but are safe for those avoiding gluten.
Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating fresh chili, sriracha, or red pepper flakes. You can also stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or add ginger for an extra zing.
Different Oils: While olive oil is a healthy option, you can experiment with different oils like sesame oil, which adds a nutty flavor, or coconut oil for a slight sweetness.
Flavor Boosters: For a more complex flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar, a dash of fish sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Let the Broccoli Fried Rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to seal the container tightly to keep the flavors fresh and prevent moisture from getting in.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the fried rice. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the fried rice in a frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of water or a bit more oil to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the pan. This prevents the fried rice from becoming too watery. Frozen broccoli is a convenient option and still provides a good amount of nutrients and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the eggs with a plant-based alternative like scrambled tofu or a commercial egg substitute. You can also add extra veggies or plant-based proteins such as tempeh or chickpeas to enhance the flavor and nutritional content.

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Day-old white rice is ideal for fried rice because it is drier and less sticky, which helps achieve a better texture. Jasmine or basmati rice works well, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier option. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to dry it out.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, peas, or snap peas. Adding a variety of vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value. Just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces for quick and uniform cooking.

How do I keep the rice from sticking to the pan?

Using a non-stick frying pan and heating it well before adding oil will help prevent the rice from sticking. Additionally, make sure your rice is cold and slightly dried out, which is why day-old rice is preferred. Stir the rice continuously while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Is there a low-sodium alternative to soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, which is naturally lower in sodium and also gluten-free. Coconut aminos are another excellent low-sodium alternative with a slightly sweeter taste. Adjust the amount to your preference and add a little at a time to ensure the flavor is right for you.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, Broccoli Fried Rice can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well in a pan or microwave. If planning to make it ahead, store any additional toppings or garnishes separately to maintain freshness.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a bit of spice, you can mix in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of hot sauce. Fresh chili peppers or chili paste also work well for adding heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste, as it’s easy to add more but hard to reduce once it’s too spicy.

Check Out For Other Broccoli Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken with Broccoli: A quick and healthy dish featuring juicy chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli, all made crispy in the air fryer for a delicious, guilt-free meal.

Perfectly Roasted Broccoli and Carrots: Tender broccoli and sweet carrots, roasted to perfection with a hint of olive oil, creating a flavorful and easy side dish that pairs well with any main course.

Simple Boiled Broccoli Recipe: An easy method to boil broccoli to bright green perfection, preserving its nutrients and flavor, making it an ideal side or base for various dishes.

Creamy Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad: A delightful mix of fresh broccoli and cauliflower, tossed in a creamy dressing with crunchy toppings for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

Smoky Grilled Broccoli Spears: Broccoli florets grilled to smoky, charred perfection, with a slight crunch and rich flavor, perfect for adding variety to your barbecue menu.

Easy Broccoli and Shrimp Stir Fry: A quick and delicious stir-fry combining succulent shrimp and tender broccoli in a savory sauce, ready in minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Quick Air-Fried Frozen Broccoli: Enjoy crispy, flavorful broccoli straight from the freezer to the air fryer, a convenient and healthy side dish in just minutes.

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