Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe

Introduction

Vegetable fried rice is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for using leftover rice and fresh or frozen veggies. This easy recipe combines savory soy sauce, tender vegetables, and fluffy eggs for a satisfying meal in minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 cups white rice, prepared (leftover rice works best)
• 12 ounces mixed vegetables, frozen
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the rice and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Step 3: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the sesame oil to the empty side, crack in the eggs, and scramble until cooked through.
4. Step 4: Stir the scrambled eggs into the rice and vegetable mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Garnish with your choice of yum yum sauce, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old rice for a better texture that won’t turn mushy.
• Feel free to add cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
• Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies for added freshness.
• Adjust soy sauce to taste, or try tamari for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables work well. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté slightly longer to ensure they are tender.

Is it necessary to use leftover rice?

Leftover rice is preferred because it is drier and less sticky, helping to achieve the best fried rice texture. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out to cool and dry slightly before cooking.

Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 116 reviews

A quick and flavorful Vegetable Fried Rice recipe that transforms leftover rice and mixed vegetables into a delicious, savory dish. Cooked with butter, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and enriched with scrambled eggs, this easy skillet meal is perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 12 ounces mixed vegetables (frozen)

Rice & Eggs

• 3 cups white rice (prepared, leftover preferred)
• 2 eggs

Oils & Sauces

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

Spices

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Sauté onion and garlic: Add butter and diced onion to a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Then add minced garlic and stir to combine, cooking briefly to release its aroma.
2. Add rice and vegetables: Mix in the prepared rice and frozen mixed vegetables into the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and stir everything together thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes to heat through and develop flavor.
3. Cook eggs with sesame oil: Push the rice and vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet. Drizzle sesame oil in the cleared side and crack the eggs there. Scramble the eggs in the skillet until fully cooked, then stir everything together to combine.
4. Finish and serve: Continue cooking the combined mixture for 1-2 minutes to ensure even heating. Remove from heat and garnish your fried rice with optional toppings such as yum yum sauce, sesame seeds, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using leftover or day-old rice helps prevent clumping and yields better texture.
• Frozen mixed vegetables can be substituted with fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or corn.
• Adjust soy sauce amount according to your salt preference.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of sugar for a subtle flavor balance if desired.
• For a vegan version, omit eggs and use a vegan butter or oil alternative.

Keywords: vegetable fried rice, easy fried rice, leftover rice recipe, vegetarian fried rice, quick Asian dish