Veggie Fried Rice

Gluten-free option, Nut-free option, Soy-free option 

Looking for a quick and easy restaurant-style fried rice recipe? Well, look no further. This recipe uses simple ingredients, comes together in less than 30 minutes and is packed full of flavor. The best part about making fried rice at home is that you can adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand. It’s also a great way to use up that leftover rice you have sitting in the fridge. Serve this by itself or as a side.

Vegetable Fried Rice is a beloved classic in many Asian cuisines, known for its combination of tender rice, vibrant vegetables, and savory seasonings. This dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its simple yet satisfying ingredients, Vegetable Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can stand alone as a meal or serve as a delicious side dish to complement other Asian-inspired dishes.

At the heart of Vegetable Fried Rice is the marriage of tender white rice with an array of colorful vegetables. Shredded carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of vibrant orange, while frozen peas bring a burst of green freshness. The aromatic presence of garlic infuses the dish with a savory depth, perfectly balanced by the umami-rich soy sauce and the nutty richness of sesame oil. The combination of these ingredients results in a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds with every bite.

One of the alluring aspects of Vegetable Fried Rice is its simplicity in preparation. A few key ingredients and straightforward steps are all it takes to create a satisfying and flavorful dish. However, this simplicity also allows for endless variations. Feel free to customize the dish by adding protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or edamame, or incorporating other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn. This adaptability ensures that Vegetable Fried Rice can suit a variety of preferences and dietary needs.

To achieve the perfect Vegetable Fried Rice, ensure that your rice is cooked and cooled beforehand. This prevents the grains from becoming too sticky or clumping together during cooking. Using day-old rice from the refrigerator can help achieve the ideal texture. Additionally, high heat is crucial to achieving the signature wok-fired flavor and ensuring that the vegetables and rice get a nice sear without becoming overly mushy.

Whether enjoyed as a comforting main dish or a delightful side, Vegetable Fried Rice brings together the beauty of simplicity and the joy of flavors. With its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and a satisfying combination of ingredients, this dish captures the essence of Asian cuisine in a way that’s both accessible and delicious. So gather your favorite vegetables, set the wok sizzling, and enjoy the wholesome goodness of Vegetable Fried Rice on your plate.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus prep time for rice

COOK TIME: about 15 minutes

YIELD: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp (28 g) vegan butter (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped small (about 1 cup [160 g])
• 1 cup (110 g) shredded carrots
• 1 cup (134 g) frozen peas
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, or 1 tbsp (9 g) jarred minced garlic
• 3 cups (500 g) Perfect White Rice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for soy-free)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder

FOR SERVING

• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet or wok, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and shredded carrots to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and the carrot is tender.
3. Incorporate the frozen peas and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Add the cooked white rice to the skillet and pour in the low-sodium soy sauce. Stir well to ensure the rice is coated with the sauce. Cook while stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
5. Drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle the garlic powder over the rice. Stir again and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. To serve, garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.