🔥 Featured Remote Opportunity

Get Paid $25–$50/hr Just Replying to Messages

Explore flexible online chat opportunities paying $25–$50/hr — no phone calls and no experience required.

  • ⚡ Start immediately if qualified
  • 💬 Reply to messages online
  • ⏰ Choose flexible hours
  • 🏠 Work remotely from home
See Available Chat Positions →

⏱ Takes under 60 seconds • Availability updates daily

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.

Easy Vegetable Fried Rice for a Quick Dinner

Easy Vegetable Fried Rice for a Quick Dinner

Vegetable fried rice is a delightful dish that brings together fluffy rice and an array of colorful vegetables, making it a perfect quick dinner option for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you have leftover rice or want a fresh, vibrant meal, this vegetable fried rice is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy vegetable fried rice is a fantastic choice for a quick dinner because it is:

  • Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Customizable: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
  • Flavorful: A delicious balance of savory soy sauce and fragrant sesame oil.
  • Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal.
  • Versatile: Enjoy as a main dish or a side.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup diced carrots (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Vegetable Fried Rice

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced carrots and bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes, mixing well with the other vegetables.
  5. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the empty side.
  6. Add the cooked rice to the oil, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Mix the rice with the vegetables.
  7. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring every grain of rice is coated.
  8. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
  9. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the chopped green onions.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Use day-old rice for better texture and to prevent mushiness.
  • Feel free to add proteins like scrambled eggs, tofu, or cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
  • Adjust the soy sauce based on your salt preference; low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative.
  • Cook the rice in advance and refrigerate it to save time on busy nights.

Easy Variations

  • Add other vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or broccoli based on what you have available.
  • Spice it up with a dash of chili sauce or sriracha for a little heat.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

What to Serve With It

  • Serve with egg rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
  • Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Enjoy alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to help steam the rice and restore its moisture.

Recipe Card

Easy Vegetable Fried Rice
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
  3. Add carrots and bell pepper, cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in peas, cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Push veggies aside, add remaining oil, then rice.
  6. Mix rice with veggies and pour in soy sauce and sesame oil.
  7. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Season with salt and pepper, stir in green onions.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions.

Notes: Use day-old rice for best results. Customize with your favorite veggies and proteins.

Scroll to Top