Vegetarian Fried Rice Recipe
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Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Fried Rice
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10-12 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can use any vegetables you have on hand, whether fresh or frozen, making it easy to adapt to what’s in your kitchen.
- Leftover-Friendly: Fried rice actually tastes better with day-old rice, so it’s a great way to repurpose leftovers while still enjoying a delicious, fresh meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavor with your favorite seasonings or make it vegan by skipping the egg – it’s easy to tailor to your preferences.
- Nutritious and Filling: With veggies and rice as the base, this fried rice is a wholesome vegetarian dish that will leave you full and satisfied.
Vegetarian fried rice is a very popular meatless main dish, as it is very easy to make and can use up leftovers. Leftover rice that’s been refrigerated actually makes a better fried rice than freshly cooked rice!
Vegetarian fried rice is made out of rice, chopped vegetables and egg, stir-fried with oil and seasoned with soy sauce. For a vegan version of fried rice, just omit the egg :)
For this easy fried rice recipe, you can use any kind of veggies. You can use chopped frozen vegetables, or you can chop fresh vegetables. I often use whatever leftover vegetables I have in the refrigerator – just chop them up and turn them into yummy vegetarian fried rice meal!
On the picture above, I used fresh chopped zucchini for a vegetable. For this vegetarian fried rice I also often use sliced bell peppers and mushrooms.
Vegetarian Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked rice – Leftover rice works best, as it’s firmer and won’t get mushy when stir-fried.
- 1 shredded carrot (use the food processor to shred it) – Shredded for a hint of sweetness and color.
- 2 cups of chopped vegetables – Choose your favorites! Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or whatever veggies you have on hand.
- 1 egg – Adds protein and binds the rice together; omit if making a vegan version.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – Provides that classic umami flavor that brings the dish together.
- 2 tbsp oil – Used for stir-frying, giving the rice a nice crisp texture.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Vegetarian Fried Rice
- Non-stick Frying Pan – Ideal for stir-frying and prevents the rice from sticking.
- Spatula – Helps to mix and stir the ingredients evenly while cooking.
- Food Processor (optional) – Useful for shredding the carrot quickly.
- Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring oil and soy sauce.
Instructions How To Make Fried Rice
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the shredded carrot and chopped vegetables. Cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Add another 1 tbsp of oil to the frying pan. Add cooked rice and stir so it’s mixed with oil and vegetables.
- Add a raw egg to the rice, then stir very fast so all the rice is coated with egg.
- Drizzle with the soy sauce. Keep stirring for 2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this vegetarian fried rice as a main dish for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Pair it with fresh parsley with tomato salad or a simple beef soup for a complete and balanced dinner.
- Top with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and presentation.
- For extra protein, consider adding tofu, edamame, or a handful of cashews.
- Enjoy it as a side dish with other Asian-inspired dishes like spring rolls or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried. Day-old rice from the fridge is firmer and less sticky, making it ideal for fried rice.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: To ensure even cooking, chop all vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This keeps the texture balanced and allows the veggies to cook at the same rate.
- Stir Quickly When Adding the Egg: To get that classic fried rice texture, stir the egg quickly once it’s in the pan, so it coats the rice evenly without clumping.
- Don’t Overdo the Soy Sauce: Start with a small amount of soy sauce and adjust to taste. Too much can make the rice too salty or soggy.
- Customize with Seasonings: Add a dash of sesame oil or sprinkle with garlic powder or chili flakes for extra flavor. Personalizing your seasoning can make the dish uniquely yours.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it Vegan: To make this fried rice vegan, simply omit the egg. You can add extra vegetables, tofu, or even a bit of scrambled tofu for protein and texture.
- Try Different Vegetables: This recipe is flexible with veggies. Swap in your favorites or whatever you have on hand, like green peas, corn, snap peas, or even leafy greens like spinach for extra nutrients.
- Add More Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding cubed tofu, tempeh, edamame, or even a handful of chickpeas. These plant-based proteins make the dish more filling and add great texture.
- Use Cauliflower Rice for Low-Carb: For a lighter, low-carb option, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice. It cooks quickly, so reduce the cooking time slightly and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of sesame oil, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, or toss in fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of flavor. You can also try sriracha or chili garlic sauce if you enjoy some heat in your fried rice.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing: Transfer any leftover vegetarian fried rice to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the fried rice in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. For best results, let the rice thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil to restore its texture. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of soy sauce if needed to refresh the flavors. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, but freshly cooked rice is often softer and may become mushy when stir-fried. If you need to use fresh rice, try spreading it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for a few minutes before cooking to improve the texture.
What vegetables work best in vegetarian fried rice?
Any vegetables you enjoy can be added! Common choices include carrots, bell peppers, peas, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use frozen vegetables for convenience; just toss them in directly from the freezer.
How can I make my fried rice more flavorful?
For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or sprinkle with sesame seeds at the end. You can also mix in garlic powder, ginger powder, or even a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Adjusting the amount of soy sauce or adding a bit of sriracha can also enhance the flavor.
Can I make this recipe without soy sauce?
Absolutely! If you need a soy-free alternative, try coconut aminos or tamari, which provide a similar savory flavor. For a different twist, you could even add a touch of miso paste mixed with water for a unique taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce, such as tamari, to keep this dish gluten-free. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, so this substitution is all you need.
Enjoy this tasty vegetarian main dish! If you like this vegetarian fried rice recipe, also check out vegetarian lasagna recipe, vegetarian pasta with pesto and vegetarian enchiladas recipe.
Vegetarian Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 carrot shredded
- 2 cups vegetables chopped, like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms
- 1 egg optional for vegan version
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Food Processor for shredding
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the shredded carrot and chopped vegetables.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender.
- Push the veggies to the side and add another tablespoon of oil to the pan.
- Add the cooked rice, stirring it to combine with the vegetables and coat with oil.
- Crack the egg into the pan, then quickly stir the rice to evenly coat it with the egg.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the rice mixture and stir for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best results, use leftover rice that's been refrigerated overnight. Freshly cooked rice tends to be softer and can get mushy when stir-fried.
- To make this dish vegan, simply omit the egg. You can also add a splash of sesame oil at the end for extra flavor.
Nutrition
More Fried Rice Recipes
- Ultimate Mango Fried Rice
- Chicken and Cauliflower Fried Rice Dish
- Easy Low-Carb Cauliflower Fried Rice
