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Colorful vegetable fried rice in a blue ceramic bowl, topped with sesame seeds and spring onions.

Vegetable fried rice

A quick and flavorful vegetable fried rice made with aromatic spices, colorful vegetables, and leftover rice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine asian
Servings 3 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • ½ cup carrots, diced
  • ½ cup green peas
  • ½ cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 spring onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • -Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
    -Add garlic and ginger. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
    -Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
    -Stir in carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly tender.
    -Add the cooked rice and toss everything together.
    -Pour in soy sauce and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
    -Stir-fry everything for another 2–3 minutes on high heat.
    -Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot.

Notes

Best rice to use: Day-old, cold rice works best as it’s less sticky and fries better. Basmati or long-grain rice is ideal.
Add protein: You can boost the protein by adding tofu, paneer, scrambled eggs, or tempeh.
Customize veggies: Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand—like corn, cabbage, mushrooms, or green beans.
Spice it up: Add chopped green chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce for a spicier kick.
Soy sauce tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake.
Make it a meal: Pair with a side of chili paneer, Manchurian, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
 
Keyword vegetable fried rice