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 rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced; 2 eggs, beaten (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Simple Weeknight Wonders

I love making Quick Veggie Fried Rice when I want a delicious meal that comes together in no time. With just a handful of fresh vegetables and leftover rice, I can whip up a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect when I'm craving something quick yet flavorful, and it allows me to clear out my fridge while adding a pop of color to my plate. Just a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame oil can elevate the dish, making it taste like it came from my favorite take-out spot!

Created by

Mario

Last updated on 2026-02-05T15:45:27.611Z

Every time I prepare Quick Veggie Fried Rice, I’m reminded of the joy of simplicity in cooking. Recently, I combined some bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots that were waiting to be used. The secret to my version is to ensure the rice is chilled, so it fries up perfectly without becoming mushy. I find that using a hot wok helps achieve that delightful crunch and keeps the veggies vibrant.

One of my favorite tips is to add an egg for added richness, which also brings a nice texture. If I have leftover proteins like chicken or shrimp, I’ll toss those in too. It’s a versatile dish that I can customize based on what I have on hand, making it an ever-changing meal that never gets boring!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispy vegetables stir-fried to perfection
A quick and satisfying meal on busy nights
Easily customizable with whatever leftovers you have

The Best Rice for Fried Rice

Using day-old rice is essential for achieving the right texture in your Quick Veggie Fried Rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, making it clump together when stir-fried. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a plate to cool for at least 20 minutes before using. This will help reduce its moisture content and ensure that it fries up nicely, giving you those perfect separate grains.

When selecting the rice, long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati work best due to their fluffy texture. Shorter grain rice can become mushy, compromising the dish's overall quality. If you’re looking for a healthier option, brown rice can also be used, but remember that it may take a bit longer to cook and won't have the same lightness as white rice.

Customizing Your Veggie Fried Rice

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can use virtually any combination of vegetables you have on hand, from broccoli and zucchini to a mix of frozen veggies. Just ensure that whatever you choose is cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking. I love adding leftover roasted vegetables or even a handful of spinach for an extra nutritious boost—just add them toward the end to keep their vibrant color.

If you're looking to accommodate dietary preferences, consider swapping eggs for tofu or tempeh to maintain protein without the eggs. Simply cube your protein choice and sauté it with the vegetables until golden brown. For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chili paste along with the soy sauce, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes prior to serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make a delicious Quick Veggie Fried Rice:

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced
2 eggs, beaten (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients, you're ready to create a delightful dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Quick Veggie Fried Rice:

Prepare the Rice

If using leftover rice, break up any clumps. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a plate to cool.

Cook the Vegetables

In a hot wok or large skillet, add sesame oil and stir-fry the mixed vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.

Add the Eggs

If using, push the vegetables to one side of the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble until fully cooked.

Combine Everything

Add in the rice, soy sauce, and green onions; stir-fry everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes until well combined and heated through.

Serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your Quick Veggie Fried Rice!

Enjoy your homemade fried rice!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or ginger when stir-frying the vegetables. You can also mix in some protein, like tofu or shrimp, to make it more filling.

Storage and Reheating

Quick Veggie Fried Rice is great for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss it in a hot skillet with a splash of water to steam until warmed through. This prevents the rice from drying out, bringing it back to life with a little moisture and heat.

If you're looking to freeze it, portion the fried rice into freezer-safe bags and lay them flat for easy stacking. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Quick Veggie Fried Rice not only stands alone as a satisfying meal but also pairs wonderfully with various proteins. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu to balance out the dish. For an authentic touch, serve it with a drizzle of sriracha or a side of pickled vegetables for an excellent flavor contrast.

You can also turn this fried rice into a hearty lunch by adding a fried poached egg on top. The runny yolk will add richness, making every bite even more decadent. Don't forget to garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful finish that enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes! Frozen vegetables work great and save you even more time.

→ How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?

Make sure to use day-old rice that has been chilled, or spread freshly cooked rice out to cool before frying.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

→ Can I add meat to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add chicken, shrimp, or beef—just make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding the rice.