Easy Vegetable Indian Fried Rice Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)
This vegetable Indian fried rice is simple, flavorful, and a restaurant-quality recipe. Made with leftover brown rice and tender vegetables, it’s a healthy dish that can be served as a side or enjoyed as a satisfying main meal.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- The perfect way to repurpose leftover cooked rice and vegetables lying in your refrigerator.
- Easily customizable – add any veggies that you like!
- Needs less than 15 minutes of cooking time.
- So much healthier than takeout fried rice.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked brown or white rice
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup chopped beans
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons chili-garlic sauce
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt or as needed
- ½ teaspoon white pepper to taste
For Scrambled Eggs (Optional)
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
Finish Off
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
Preparing the Scrambled Eggs (Optional)
- Whisk the eggs with salt until well beaten.
- Add oil to a non-stick pan and heat it over medium heat.
- Pour in the eggs. Once they are about halfway cooked, scramble them gently. Transfer the scrambled eggs to your cooked rice later and mix well.
Cooking the Fried Rice
- Heat the remaining avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté until it’s translucent.
- Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Next, add the cabbage, carrots, beans, and peas. Cook until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well with the veggies. Use a spatula to break up any clumps.
- Pour the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili-garlic sauce over the rice. Stir everything together to coat the rice evenly.
- Season with salt and white pepper, adjusting to taste.
- If you are using scrambled eggs, mix them back into the rice now.
- Finish off with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil for added flavor.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Variations to Try
- For a dose of vegan protein, use pan-fried tofu instead of eggs.
- Add finely chopped pineapple for a sweet twist, creating a delightful pineapple fried rice.
- Mix in sautéed shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken for added flavor and protein.
- Top your fried rice with roasted nuts and seeds like cashews, peanuts, or sesame seeds for crunch.
- Get creative with additional veggies like bell peppers, edamame, and broccoli to make it even more nutritious.
- Enhance the umami flavor by adding a touch of oyster sauce while reducing the soy sauce by a tablespoon.
- For a fresh finish, serve with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Keep your vegetable fried rice in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days.
Freezer: Place the cooled fried rice into freezer bags, removing excess air, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat with an ice cube or a couple of tablespoons of water to keep it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What veggies go with fried rice?
You can use a variety of vegetables in your fried rice! Common choices include peas, carrots, beans, shredded cabbage, and onion. However, feel free to mix it up with whatever vegetables you like best!
What kind of oil to use while making fried rice?
For cooking fried rice, you can use flavorful options like ghee, unsalted butter, or peanut oil. Alternatively, neutral oils such as avocado or vegetable oil work well, especially when finished off with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.
How to make fried rice low carb?
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, try using quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice options.
What is the best rice to use while making fried rice?
The ideal rice for fried rice is typically brown or white rice. Non-sticky varieties like medium-grain or long-grain rice such as Basmati or Jasmine are great choices. For the best results, use chilled leftover rice since it’s drier and less sticky, preventing mushiness.
Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice. Keep in mind it will be a bit dry upon reheating, so add an ice cube or a couple of tablespoons of water when reheating to keep it moist.
