If you’re looking to add a quick and flavorful dish to your repertoire, look no further than our recipe for Simple Stir-Fried Rice with Vegetables. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the savory and satisfying flavors of stir-fried rice with a medley of fresh and colorful vegetables. With detailed step-by-step instructions and precise measurements, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. So grab your wok and get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet scrumptious dish.
Ingredients
To make a delicious stir-fried rice with vegetables, you will need the following ingredients:
Cooked rice
Cooked rice is the base of this dish. It is best to use day-old rice for better results. The texture of day-old rice is perfect for stir-frying as it is less sticky and more firm.
Mixed vegetables
You can use a variety of mixed vegetables to add color, flavor, and nutrition to your stir-fried rice. Popular choices include bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and mushrooms. However, feel free to add other vegetables of your choice to customize the dish according to your preferences.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce adds that classic umami flavor to stir-fried rice. It brings a savory taste and a lovely dark color to the dish. You can adjust the amount of soy sauce according to your taste preferences.
Sesame oil
For that delicious nutty flavor, sesame oil is a must. It is aromatic and adds depth to the dish. Just a drizzle of sesame oil can elevate the taste of your stir-fried rice.
Garlic
Garlic is a key ingredient that adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish. Chop or mince the garlic to release its full potential.
Ginger
Ginger adds a refreshing and zesty flavor to the stir-fried rice. Grated or finely chopped ginger works well in this dish.
Onion
Onions provide a sweet and savory flavor to the stir-fried rice. Chop the onion into small pieces to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Carrots
Carrots not only add a pop of color but also a slight natural sweetness to the stir-fried rice. Julienne or dice the carrots, so they cook evenly.
Peas
Peas are a classic addition to stir-fried rice. They bring a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness. You can use fresh or frozen peas depending on what’s available.
Corn
Corn adds a lovely burst of sweetness and a pop of color to the dish. Use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels to enhance the overall flavor profile of your stir-fried rice.
Preparation
To ensure a smooth cooking process, it’s essential to prepare the ingredients beforehand. Here’s how you can get everything ready.
Cooking the rice
If you don’t have day-old rice available, you can cook a fresh batch of rice and let it cool before starting with the stir-frying process. Make sure the rice grains are separated to prevent clumping.
Chopping the vegetables
Wash, peel, and chop the vegetables according to your preferred size. It’s important to cut them into evenly sized pieces, so they cook evenly. Keep the vegetables separate to add to the stir-fry at different stages.
Preparing the sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create a flavorful sauce. Adjust the amounts of soy sauce and sesame oil according to your taste preferences.
Instructions
Now that all the ingredients are ready, it’s time to cook your stir-fried rice with vegetables. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Heating the pan
Start by heating a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat up for a minute or two before adding any ingredients. A hot pan ensures that your vegetables and rice will be properly cooked.
Sauteing the garlic and ginger
Add a tablespoon of oil to the hot pan and swirl it around to coat the surface. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
Adding the onion and carrots
Next, add the chopped onion and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. The onions should become translucent, and the carrots should be slightly tender.
Cooking the vegetables
Now it’s time to add the remaining mixed vegetables. This is where you can let your creativity shine by adding your preferred combination of vegetables. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they are cooked but still retain their crunchiness.
Adding the rice
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, creating a space in the center. Add the cooked rice to the empty space and break it up with a spatula or spoon. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the rice from clumping together.
Stir-frying the rice
Gently stir-fry the rice with the vegetables, ensuring that every grain is coated with the flavors from the vegetables and seasonings. Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Adding the sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fried rice. Make sure it covers all the ingredients. Stir continuously to evenly distribute the sauce throughout the dish.
Mixing in the vegetables
Add the cooked mixed vegetables that were set aside earlier. Give everything a good stir, ensuring that the vegetables are well incorporated into the rice.
Seasoning with salt and pepper
Taste your stir-fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Remember that the soy sauce already adds saltiness, so be mindful while adding additional salt.
Serving the stir-fried rice
Transfer your delicious stir-fried rice with vegetables to a serving dish or individual plates. You can garnish it with chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
Tips
To make your stir-fried rice with vegetables even more delightful, consider these helpful tips:
Use day-old rice for better results
Using leftover rice from the previous day ensures that the grains are separated and not sticky. This is important for achieving the desired texture in your stir-fried rice.
Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice
While the listed vegetables are commonly used in stir-fried rice, don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables you enjoy. Try adding zucchini, asparagus, or even baby corn for a unique twist.
Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the level of saltiness and nuttiness in their stir-fried rice. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil according to your liking.
Experiment with different seasonings and toppings
Once you’re comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with different seasonings and toppings. Try adding a splash of oyster sauce, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, or even some cooked shrimp or chicken for added protein.
Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor
Chopped green onions and cilantro not only add vibrant colors to your dish but also provide a burst of freshness and flavor. Sprinkle them on top of your stir-fried rice just before serving to elevate the overall taste.
Now that you have this comprehensive recipe, grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy cooking your very own simple and delicious stir-fried rice with vegetables.
