Easy Vegetable Fried Rice

Name: Easy Vegetable Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Fast Dinner Classics

I love whipping up this Easy Vegetable Fried Rice whenever I need a quick and satisfying meal. With just a handful of fresh veggies and leftover rice, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes. It's versatile, allowing me to adjust ingredients based on what I have on hand. It’s a fantastic way to use up those veggies in the fridge while delivering a nutritious and colorful meal that everyone enjoys.

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-02-01T22:09:37.509Z

When I first tried making fried rice, I was intimidated by the idea of getting the rice just right. After experimenting, I discovered the key is to use day-old rice that’s been chilled in the fridge. It fries up perfectly without becoming mushy! I also love tossing in whatever vegetables I have lying around—carrots, peas, bell peppers—all work beautifully.

This dish has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so quick and easy. The soy sauce brings the flavors together, and a hint of sesame oil elevates the dish. It's all about personalizing it with your favorite veggies, making it a comforting meal every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Colorful and nutritious combination of fresh vegetables
Quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
Customizable with whatever ingredients you have on hand

Techniques for Perfect Fried Rice

To achieve that authentic fried rice texture, using day-old rice is essential. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, resulting in clumping. If you only have leftover rice, ensure it’s cooled completely and ideally refrigerated for at least a few hours. This helps separate the grains, allowing them to fry up beautifully without becoming mushy.

Make sure your skillet or wok is adequately heated before adding any ingredients. A well-heated pan prevents the vegetables and rice from steaming, giving you those nice sautéed edges that add flavor and texture. Use medium-high heat when sautéing so you can achieve a nice golden color on the rice and veggies.

Vegetable Variations and Substitutes

This Easy Vegetable Fried Rice is highly customizable. Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand. For instance, zucchini, baby corn, or broccoli work beautifully. If you’re using frozen vegetables, add them straight from the freezer to the pan; just increase the cooking time slightly to help them thaw and warm through.

If you want to boost the protein in this dish, consider adding scrambled eggs or cooked tofu. To do this, scramble one or two eggs in the skillet before adding the vegetables, or sauté cubed tofu until golden and add it along with the rice. Both options keep the dish satisfying while maintaining its quick-cook nature.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for a flavor-packed meal.

For the Fried Rice

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure all ingredients are prepped before starting to cook for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious fried rice.

Heat the Pan

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Vegetables

Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.

Add Rice

Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Pour in the soy sauce and mix well to coat the rice and veggies evenly. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season and Serve

Add chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything one last stir and serve immediately.

Enjoy your meal hot, and feel free to garnish with extra green onions if desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This vegetable fried rice can easily be made ahead and stored for later. Prepare a larger batch, and let it cool completely before refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or water to help rehydrate the rice, stirring to prevent sticking.

If you want to freeze fried rice, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. It retains its best quality for about three months. When ready to enjoy, you can defrost it in the fridge overnight or reheat it straight from frozen in a skillet, allowing a little extra time to ensure it's heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This fried rice makes a delightful side dish or a quick main course. I often serve it alongside stir-fried dishes, grilled meats, or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. For an elegant touch, pile the fried rice into a bowl and top it with a fried egg for a beautiful presentation that enhances the flavor.

Consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also elevate this dish, making it even more refreshing and appealing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?

It's best to use day-old rice as it is drier and fries better, but you can use freshly cooked rice if you let it cool completely.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any other veggies you like, such as broccoli, corn, or zucchini. Just chop them small for even cooking.

→ Can this be made vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan and can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free soy sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.