Introduction
This delightful vegetable fried rice is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines the goodness of fresh vegetables with the comforting texture of rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch, this recipe incorporates a medley of colorful veggies, eggs, and aromatic seasonings to create a delicious and filling dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find this fried rice a staple in your kitchen.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large egg, beaten
Kosher salt
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup chopped broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup thinly sliced snow peas
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon soy sauce
3 cups cold cooked long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
This vegetable fried rice recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows for customization based on your favorite vegetables. Enjoy the delightful flavors and satisfying textures at your dining table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over high heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil.
Step 2: Cook the Egg
When the oil begins to smoke, add the beaten egg and swirl the skillet to create a flat egg pancake that’s only half set, about 10 seconds. Transfer the pancake to a plate.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet, then add the baby spinach, chopped broccoli florets, chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, thinly sliced snow peas, minced garlic, finely grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir-fry the mixture until the vegetables are crisp-tender, approximately 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Add the cold cooked long-grain white rice, stirring to break up any clumps, and spread it evenly in the skillet. Cook until the rice is heated through, about 3 minutes.
Step 5: Incorporate the Egg
Return the egg to the skillet, breaking it up and mixing it thoroughly with the rice and vegetables, for about 1 minute.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Taste the mixture and season with additional kosher salt if needed.
Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil
Stir in the toasted sesame oil and serve immediately.
Notes
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to customize the vegetable choices based on what you have available or prefer.
Rice Preparation
Make sure the rice is cold and cooked beforehand. Leftover rice works best for this recipe as it helps achieve the desired texture.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fried rice dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish alongside other Asian-inspired meals.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated in the microwave.
Cook techniques
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying involves quickly cooking ingredients in a small amount of oil over high heat while stirring continuously. This technique helps to maintain the texture and nutrients of the vegetables.
Creating an Egg Pancake
To make an egg pancake, heat oil in the skillet and add beaten eggs. Swirl the skillet to ensure the egg spreads evenly and cook until it’s just set. This provides a fluffy texture and enhances the dish’s presentation.
Vegetable Prep
Properly chop and prepare vegetables to ensure even cooking. Ingredients should be similar in size for uniform tenderness, allowing for a vibrant mix of colors and textures in the final dish.
Using Cold Rice
Using cold cooked rice helps prevent sticking and clumping during stir-frying. It ensures that the rice heats through without becoming mushy, resulting in a desirable texture.
Seasoning and Flavoring
Incorporate seasonings such as soy sauce and toasted sesame oil at the end of cooking to enhance flavors without losing aroma. This technique ensures a balanced flavor profile in the final dish.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Just ensure they are chopped evenly for consistent cooking.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for quick meals throughout the week.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add spice, consider incorporating ingredients like red pepper flakes, sriracha, or sliced jalapeños while stir-frying the vegetables.
What type of rice can I use?
While long-grain white rice is recommended, you can also use brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?
Yes, fresh spinach can be used, but be sure to adjust the cooking time, as it may wilt faster than baby spinach.
Conclusion
This vibrant fried rice dish combines the crunch of fresh vegetables, the richness of the egg, and the aromatic flavors of garlic and ginger, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The soy sauce and toasted sesame oil add depth, enhancing each bite with umami goodness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful way to use up leftover rice, this recipe showcases the beauty of simple ingredients coming together for a delicious result.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
Replace the egg with cubed tofu for a protein-packed, vegetarian stir-fry. Add your choice of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for variety.
Quinoa Fried Rice
Swap out long-grain white rice for quinoa for a healthier twist. This alternative adds a nutty flavor and is rich in protein.
Chicken Fried Rice
Incorporate diced cooked chicken breast for added protein. Stir-fry the chicken first before adding the vegetables and rice for enhanced flavor.
Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice
Add shrimp stir-fried with garlic and ginger for a seafood version. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or Sriracha to taste.
Egg and Avocado Fried Rice
Top the fried rice with sliced avocado for a creamy, healthy addition. The combination of egg and avocado adds richness and depth to the dish.
Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option. This lightens the dish while still providing a satisfying texture.
Curry Vegetable Fried Rice
Add a teaspoon of curry powder to the vegetables for a flavorful twist. This will give your fried rice an aromatic and exotic flair.
