Create a delicious and colorful meal with this vibrant vegetable fried rice recipe! Perfect for using up leftovers, this dish combines jasmine rice with bell peppers, peas, carrots, and a hint of ginger for an explosion of flavor. It's quick to make and can be on your table in just 15 minutes.
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled for better texture)
1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced into small pieces
1 cup green peas (you can use fresh or frozen)
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
½ cup corn kernels (can be fresh or frozen)
3 green onions, thinly sliced, including the green tops
3 cloves garlic, minced for a burst of flavor
2 tablespoons soy sauce for seasoning
1 tablespoon sesame oil for richness
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated for warmth
Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning
Fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish
![To make a great vegetable fried rice, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you should gather: - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled for better texture) - 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced into small pieces - 1 cup green peas (you can use fresh or frozen) - 1 medium carrot, finely chopped - ½ cup corn kernels (can be fresh or frozen) - 3 green onions, thinly sliced, including the green tops - 3 cloves garlic, minced for a burst of flavor - 2 tablespoons soy sauce for seasoning - 1 tablespoon sesame oil for richness - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated for warmth - Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning - Fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish Want to spice things up? You can add some optional ingredients for more flavor: - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce for depth - A splash of rice vinegar for brightness - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Chopped mushrooms for extra texture - Baby spinach for added greens Choosing fresh vegetables makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Look for vibrant colors, as they often mean better taste. - Choose firm vegetables without any soft spots. - Try to buy seasonal veggies for the best flavor and price. - Wash and dry your veggies well before using them to avoid excess water in your dish. - Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. Using these ingredients and tips will help you create a delicious vegetable fried rice. For the full cooking steps, check out the [Full Recipe]. First, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and faster. You will need: - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably chilled for better texture) - 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced into small pieces - 1 cup green peas (you can use fresh or frozen) - 1 medium carrot, finely chopped - ½ cup corn kernels (can be fresh or frozen) - 3 green onions, thinly sliced, including the green tops - 3 cloves garlic, minced for a burst of flavor - 2 tablespoons soy sauce for seasoning - 1 tablespoon sesame oil for richness - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated for warmth - Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning - Fresh cilantro or parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish Make sure your rice is cold. This helps it fry better and not clump. You can cook the rice a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Chop all your veggies small. This helps them cook evenly. Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Use medium-high heat for a good sizzle. Add minced garlic and grated ginger first. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell great. Keep stirring to avoid burning. Next, toss in the diced bell peppers, chopped carrot, and corn. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. Stir them often until they soften but still have a bit of bite. Add the green peas and cook for another 2 minutes. This keeps their bright color and taste. Now, push the veggie mix to one side of the skillet. Make a space in the middle for your rice. Add the chilled jasmine rice. Break up any clumps with a spatula. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring. This helps create a nice crisp bottom. Once the rice has a bit of color, drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over it. Mix everything well to coat the rice and veggies. Fold in the sliced green onions next. Season with salt and pepper. Cook everything for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Using cold rice is key. It keeps the grains separate when frying. Freshly cooked rice tends to stick together. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread the hot rice on a tray. Let it cool for about 30 minutes before using. Another tip is to fry the rice without stirring it right away. Let it sit for a bit to get that crispy texture. Lastly, always taste your dish. Adjust seasoning as needed for that perfect flavor. For a full guide, check out the Full Recipe for Vegetable Fried Rice. To get the right texture in your vegetable fried rice, start with chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky. The chill helps the grains stay separate. Use cooked jasmine rice for its flavor and fragrance. Make sure to fry the rice in a hot skillet. This helps it crisp up nicely. When cooking, let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes. This creates a delightful texture on the bottom. One common mistake is using too much oil. While oil adds flavor, too much can make the dish greasy. Stick to the recipe's measurements for the best taste. Another mistake is overcrowding the pan. If you add too many ingredients at once, they will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if needed to keep the heat high and the vegetables crisp. Vegetable fried rice pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with a side of spring rolls for a crispy bite. Pair it with a light soup, such as miso or hot and sour. For protein, consider adding tofu or grilled chicken. Both options blend well with the rice's flavors. You can also enjoy it with a simple salad for a fresh touch. This makes a complete meal that's colorful and satisfying. {{image_4}} You can easily make vegetable fried rice vegetarian or vegan. Just skip the meat. Use soy sauce to add flavor. For a vegan boost, try adding tofu. Crumbled firm tofu works well. Just sauté it until golden brown. This gives a nice texture and protein. You can also add more veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients. If you want to add protein, consider using eggs or chicken. Scramble in a couple of eggs at the end. This adds richness and taste. For chicken, cook bite-sized pieces first, then mix with the veggies. Shrimp is another great option. Just make sure to cook them until pink. They cook fast and add a nice flavor. You can switch up your grains too. Quinoa is a great alternative to rice. It cooks well and adds protein. Brown rice is another option for a nutty flavor. It takes longer to cook, but it's worth it. You can even try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just be sure to sauté it lightly to keep its texture. To keep your vegetable fried rice fresh, store it right. Wait for it to cool to room temperature. Use an airtight container to hold the rice. Place it in the fridge and eat it within three to four days. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents spoilage. Reheating fried rice is simple. You can use the microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the rice and stir it often for about five minutes. This method brings back its tasty texture. If you want to save fried rice for later, freezing is great. Allow the rice to cool fully, then scoop it into freezer-safe bags. Flatten the bags to save space. Label them with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned before. You can enjoy your vibrant vegetable fried rice anytime! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To make vegetable fried rice from scratch, start with cooked rice. Use jasmine rice for the best taste. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan. Add garlic and ginger, then sauté for a few seconds. Next, add your favorite chopped vegetables like bell peppers and carrots. Stir-fry until they soften. Push the veggies to the side and add the rice. Mix in soy sauce and sesame oil. Finally, fold in green onions and season with salt and pepper. You can find the Full Recipe for specific steps. Yes, day-old rice is perfect for fried rice. It has less moisture, which helps keep the grains separate. Fresh rice can be too sticky and clump together. If you have leftover rice, store it in the fridge overnight. This tip makes your fried rice better and easier to cook. You can use many vegetables for fried rice. Some great options include: - Bell peppers - Carrots - Green peas - Corn - Broccoli - Onions - Spinach Mix and match based on what you have. The more colorful, the better! Yes, vegetable fried rice can be healthy. It is packed with vitamins from the vegetables. You can control the oil and salt used, making it a smart choice. Adding a variety of veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. It's a great way to enjoy a filling meal without excess calories. To enhance the flavor of your fried rice, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a pop of taste. - Add a splash of lime juice for acidity. - Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce. - Include protein like tofu or eggs for extra depth. These small changes can make a big difference! In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious vegetable fried rice. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and key cooking techniques. I shared tips for perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. You can also try different flavors with the variations and learn how to store leftovers. My final thought: vegetable fried rice is flexible and fun. You can easily adapt it to your taste. Enjoy making your own tasty dish!](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/efbbbc17-a7cb-4225-a049-535c3b8ed4ad-250x250.webp)