Quick Veggie Fried Rice

Name: Quick Veggie Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu) for extra nutrition

Highlighted under: SpeedKitchen Ideas

I love making Quick Veggie Fried Rice on busy weeknights when I need a meal that’s both quick and delicious. This dish is perfect for using up leftover veggies and cooked rice, transforming them into something vibrant and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen, I can create a flavorful stir-fry that the whole family enjoys. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables and is customizable based on what I have on hand. It's a go-to meal that never disappoints!

Created by

Rafael

Last updated on 2026-02-05T16:57:27.646Z

Making Quick Veggie Fried Rice became a family favorite after I experimented with different sauces and seasoning. I found that using soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil not only adds depth of flavor but also enhances the aroma, making the dish even more inviting. I usually serve it with a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

One of my best tips is to use day-old rice, as it’s drier and helps achieve the right texture when frying. Freshly cooked rice can turn mushy, so allowing it to cool completely before use is key. This simple twist has elevated my fried rice game!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Colorful and vibrant dish that's visually appealing
Quick preparation, perfect for busy nights
Customizable with your favorite vegetables and proteins

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of rice is crucial for this dish, and day-old jasmine rice is ideal due to its lower moisture content, which prevents mushiness. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out for about 20-30 minutes, which helps achieve the perfect texture. Jasmine rice offers a fragrant aroma and fluffy texture that complements the stir-fry perfectly.

Mixed vegetables add color and nutrition without overpowering the flavor. Carrots, peas, and bell peppers not only provide essential vitamins but also offer a balance of sweetness and crunch. If you prefer, you can swap these out for other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or corn. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking, as some vegetables may require longer cooking times.

Tips for Cooking

To achieve a deliciously stir-fried rice, ensure your pan or wok is sufficiently hot before adding the oil. This increases the sizzle when you add the garlic and vegetables, creating a delightful flavor profile due to the Maillard reaction. Heat it to medium-high, and you’ll notice that the garlic becomes fragrant within 30 seconds, signaling that it’s time to add the veggies.

A common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which leads to steaming instead of frying. If you're making a larger batch, consider cooking in two separate batches. This way, the vegetables will stay vibrant and retain their texture, and the rice will develop those desirable golden edges that add extra flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious fried rice:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu) for extra nutrition

These ingredients make for a simple yet flavorful fried rice!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to whip up your Quick Veggie Fried Rice:

Prepare the Veggies

In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Veggies

Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. If you’re adding any cooked protein, toss it in now and heat through.

Fry the Rice

Add the day-old rice to the pan, breaking apart any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well to coat the rice in the sauces and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Final Touches

Once everything is heated through and well-combined, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped green onions.

And just like that, you have a delicious, homemade fried rice!

Pro Tips

Always use day-old rice for the best texture. Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or proteins based on what you have available.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover veggie fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes on high, or you can reheat it in a pan on medium heat, adding a bit of oil for that fresh-cooked taste. Stir frequently until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the fried rice. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, following the same instructions, and it should taste just as good as when it was freshly made.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Veggie Fried Rice is wonderfully versatile; you can serve it as a main dish or as a side. Pair it with a protein like marinated grilled chicken or crispy tofu for a complete meal. Alternatively, considering its hearty nature, a light sesame or ginger dressing can complement the flavors if you prefer to serve it as a salad.

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top before serving. You can also drizzle chili oil for a spicy kick if you enjoy some heat. Don't forget a garnish of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to elevate the dish visually and to enhance freshness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work great and save time on prep.

→ How can I make this dish spicy?

You can add a teaspoon of chili sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

→ Is it okay to use brown rice instead?

Definitely! You can substitute brown rice for a healthier option, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes, simply omit any animal protein and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly.