Veg Fried Rice Recipe | Vegetable Fried Rice (Chinese Style)

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This classic Veg Fried Rice recipe is made with a hearty mix of fresh vegetables, green onions, seasonings and spices for an incredibly flavorful fried rice dish. Hands-down this is one of our favorite Chinese-inspired recipes. Not only is Vegetable Fried Rice amazingly easy to make from scratch, it’s a naturally vegan dish that’s as good for you as it is delicious to eat. You can even tweak veg fried rice to be gluten-free simply by omitting soy sauce or using tamari.

fried rice in a oval ceramic bowl with wooden chopsticks at side on a slate black board

More on Veg Fried Rice

And although Chinese fried rice is a healthy option, it is loaded with lots of exciting flavors. Salty, umami, and savory soy sauce is balanced with spiced star anise, and raw scallions add a great pop of freshness you’ll love.

Otherwise, I’ve kept the ingredients list rather basic to allow each element to shine – the veggies really are the star here!

Fried rice with mixed veggies can be enjoyed by itself for a satisfying lunch, but it does go great with rich, saucy main dishes.

This recipe rivals even the best take out options, and I’m sure you will enjoy making it often as part of your Indo-Chinese meals.

Stir-frying at high heat in a cast-iron skillet or wok imparts a bit of smoky flavor and aroma. Though a stovetop in your home kitchen, cannot compete with the heat and temperature of the stovetops in Chinese restaurants, you can still make a great homemade fried rice.

I do not add Ajinomoto, but you can include it if you are comfortable with it. The umami, smoky flavors in my fried rice recipe come from stir-frying at high heat and adding mushrooms, toasted sesame oil to the dish.

Generally in restaurants, soy sauce is not added to fried rice, but I like to add for an umami flavor. Feel free to skip soy sauce if you do not prefer it.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to make Veg Fried Rice

Prep and Cook Rice

1. A great vegetable fried rice recipe begins with well-cooked white rice. To do so, first, soak 1 cup of basmati rice (190 to 200 grams) in water for 30 mins. Then drain and set rice aside.

Tip: You can opt for a good quality aged long-grained rice if you do not have Basmati rice. Jasmine rice will also work in a pinch.

basmati rice soaking in water for making fried rice

2. In a large pot add 4 to 4.5 cups of water, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 to 3 drops of toasted sesame oil (or any cooking oil), and set over high heat on the stovetop.

sesame oil in a steel spoon above a pan with water

3. Let the water reach a full boil.

boiling water

4. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice.

soaked rice being added to water

5. Simmer the rice uncovered on medium to medium-high heat.

basmati rice being cooked

6. Cook rice until al dente, or just about cooked. It’s important that you do not overcook rice during this step in order to make the best Chinese fried rice dish.

Overcooking rice or even cooking them completely, will break the rice grains while stir-frying.

close up of cooked rice in a fork

7. Quickly strain rice in a colander, and let it cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerating rice for 30 minutes also helps. Simply cover cooked rice and refrigerate.

strain rice in colander for making veg fried rice

8. You can also rinse the rice with water so that the rice stops cooking. Use your hands to gently stir the cooked rice grains around while rinsing to ensure that every grain is cooled. Then drain thoroughly.

rinsing rice in the colander

9. Cover cooked rice and set aside to cool.

cooked rice set aside to make fried rice

Prep Vegetables

10. While rice is cooling, finely chop the veggies. Because french beans tend to be tougher than the other mixed vegetables, I recommend chopping them very finely.

You also have the option to blanch them first before adding, or you can begin cooking them in this recipe before the rest of the vegetables are added.

For my favorite version of fried rice recipe you’ll need ¼ cup of each of the following ingredients, finely chopped:

  • spring white onions (scallions) (not in the image below)
  • carrots
  • french beans
  • capsicum (bell peppers, your choice of color – green, red or yellow)

Plus about 1 cup of chopped button mushrooms for great earthy, umami flavor.

I also like to include 1 tablespoon of finely chopped celery for the most authentic Chinese-inspired dish. Include ¼ to ½ cup of chopped cabbage if you have them.

chopped mushrooms, beans, peppers, ginger, garlic on a steel plate for veg fried rice

Stir Fry Veggies

11. Now it’s time to stir-fry the vegetables. Start by heating 3 tablespoons of preferred cooking oil in a wok or a deep skillet. Add 1 whole star anise and fry for a few seconds, until the oil becomes fragrant.

If you do not have star anise, simply skip adding it and move to step 12.

Tip: Use a good, trusted, heavy pan, skillet, or wok for stir-frying so that the tender fresh veggies do not get stuck or burn when frying at medium to high heat. Use oil having neutral taste and flavors.

star anise being fried in shimmering oil

12. Then add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped garlic, and ½ teaspoon finely chopped ginger. Cook for only a moment as you don’t want to brown or burn the garlic.

ginger and garlic being sautéed in oil

13. Add the chopped spring onions, and sauté for a minute or two on medium-low to medium heat.

chopped spring onions being sautéed

14. Then add the finely chopped french beans – or, add these before the onions if you want a softer bean texture.

chopped beans added

15. Continue to stir-fry both the onions and french beans for 2 to 3 minutes over medium to medium-high heat.

beans being stir-fried

16. Now add the remaining finely chopped veggies, including mushrooms and celery. Increase the heat to high to thoroughly cook all of the ingredients.

fresh chopped veggies and mushrooms added

17. Continuously toss and stir while frying so that the veggies are uniformly cooked and do not get burnt – for about 4 to 6 minutes.

You want the vegetables to be cooked and fried but still retain some great crunch.

stir fried veggies in oil

Add Seasonings

18. Once the veggies have cooked, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir and mix well.

Tip: You can add less (1 to 2 teaspoons) or more (about 2 to 3 tablespoons) soy sauce if you prefer that. I recommend going for naturally brewed soy sauce or tamari.

Note: If you do not like or prefer soy sauce, then omit it adding to the dish.

adding soy sauce

19. Taste the dish, and then add ½ a teaspoon of ground black pepper and as much salt as you like.

The Chinese fried rice will already be slightly salty because of the soy sauce, so not much additional salt should be needed.

adding black pepper

20. Mix well to combine the flavors.

fried veggies mixed with soy sauce and seasonings

Make Veg Fried Rice

21. You are now ready to put everything together to make the veg fried rice. To the wok or skillet of veggies add the cooked and cooled rice – 1 cup or so at a time.

cooked white rice added

22. Reduce the heat to medium or medium-high. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold cooked rice into the mixed vegetables.

rice being mixed with stir fried vegetables

23. With the heat still on medium to medium-high, continue to gently mix and fry the vegetables with rice for a couple of minutes.

rice mixed evenly

24. You now have the option to stir in 1 tablespoon of rice wine or rice vinegar (or other mild vinegar), if you like. This adds a terrific note of sourness to the fried rice that isn’t necessary but is quite lovely.

adding vinegar to fried rice

25. Lastly, add more fresh chopped spring onions. You can either sprinkle on top as a garnish or mix into the fried rice to incorporate.

add scallions to veg fried rice

26. Serve Veg Fried Rice hot by itself for a light yet hearty meal, or enjoy it as a side dish along with your other favorite Chinese recipes.

veg fried rice in an oval ceramic bowl with wooden chopsticks on a slate black board

How long can fried rice stay in fridge?

It stays good for about a day in the fridge. But I would recommend it to be eaten as soon as you make it – a few days old rice is not good for health. 

How to reheat vegetable fried rice?

I usually steam them in my Instant-pot for 5 minutes. Sometimes I also stir-fry them in a skillet sprinkling a few splashes of water, so that the rice grains do not dry out. 

What goes with veg fried rice?

Though fried rice tastes great on its own, listed below are some sides that pair greatly with vegetable fried rice (these are also my favorites).

Expert Tips

  • Cooking rice: Don’t overcook the rice. When first boiling the rice you want to cook the grains so that they’re al dente. Be sure to always drain and completely cool cooked rice before adding it to the stir fry. Wet and/or hot rice will not stir-fry properly, and will wind up soggy in your veg fried rice.
  • Protein: For protein, include tofu, seitan, tempeh or for a vegetarian option, add paneer
  • Veggies: Use your favorite veggies. I like the carrots, beans, and mushrooms used in this chinese fried rice recipe. However, you can add your preferred choice and quantity of vegetables to your version of fried rice recipe.
  • Mushrooms: Swap button mushrooms for cremini or shiitake mushrooms. If you do not have mushrooms, then simply do not add them.
  • Flavors and seasonings: Add a bit of tomato ketchup for a slightly sweet flavor. To make spicy fried rice, add some red chili sauce or green chili sauce along with the soy sauce.
  • Celery: I recommend not to skip celery! Finely diced celery adds great texture and taste to this Chinese-inspired recipe. While you certainly can skip adding if you don’t have it available, I highly recommend that you do include it if you are able to.

FAQs

Can I use olive oil for fried rice?

As the stir-frying is done at a high heat, it is best to avoid extra virgin olive oil as it has a low smoke point.

Which oil is best for fried rice?

Oil with a high smoking temperatures are good to make fried rice. For a lovely nutty aroma, I suggest toasted sesame oil but use it on a low heat. Fats like sunflower, avocado, peanut oil and butter are some better options.

What kind of rice is used in Chinese cooking?

Long grained non-sticky rice is usually used in Chinese cooking. Basmati recipe fits the bill as it is long grained and non-sticky as well. Try to use aged basmati rice for best results.

How do you make fried rice not soggy?

Drain your rice thoroughly. There shouldn’t be any liquids or water in them. The cooked rice has to be cooled completely.

Adding warm or hot rice while stir-frying will make it soggy and pasty. The cooked rice has to be cold or at room temperature when stir-frying.

Why did my fried rice come out mushy

Al dente cooked rice is perfect for non-mushy fried rice. If rice grains have softened or overdone, they will break when stir-frying and become mushy.

Please be sure to rate the recipe in the recipe card or leave a comment below if you have made it. For more vegetarian inspirations, Sign Up for my emails or follow me on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter.

fried rice in an oval ceramic bowl with wooden chopsticks on a slate black board

Veg Fried Rice Recipe | Vegetable Fried Rice

This classic Chinese style Veg Fried Rice recipe is loaded with fresh mixed vegetables, aromatics, fragrant spices and seasonings for an incredibly hearty, flavorful and vegan vegetable fried rice.
4.83 from 68 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Cuisine Chinese, Indo Chinese
Course Main Course
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Difficulty Level Moderate
Servings 3
Units

Ingredients

For cooking rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice or long grained rice – 190 to 200 grams
  • 4 to 4.5 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt or add as required
  • 2 to 3 drops toasted sesame oil or any neutral oil

Other ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons oil – any neutral flavored oil
  • 1 star anise
  • ¾ to 1 teaspoon garlic – finely chopped or 3 to 4 small to medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ginger – finely chopped or ½ inch peeled ginger – optional
  • ¼ cup spring onion whites chopped (scallions)
  • ¼ cup french beans – finely chopped
  • ¼ cup carrots – finely chopped
  • ¼ to ½ cup cabbage finely chopped or shredded, optional
  • ¼ cup bell pepper or capsicum – chopped. can add red, green or yellow bell peppers
  • 1 cup button mushrooms – chopped
  • 1 tablespoon celery – chopped, skip if you do not have
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (naturally brewed) or tamari – can add less or more as required or completely skip
  • 1 teaspoon rice wine or rice vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper powder or add as required
  • 2 tablespoons spring onions greens – chopped (scallion greens)
  • salt as required

Instructions
 

Cooking rice

  • Rinse rice very well till the water runs clear of starch. Soak rice in water for 30 mins. Drain and keep aside.
  • In a pot, bring water to a gentle boil with salt and 2 to 3 drops of toasted sesame oil.
  • Add the soaked and drained rice to the hot water.
  • On a low to medium to medium-high heat simmer rice without the lid.
  • When rice becomes al dente or just about cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Strain the rice in a colander or sieve.
  • You can also gently rinse cooked rice in water so that they stop cooking and don't stick to each other.
    Cover the cooked rice and set aside until the rice cools completely. You can even refrigerate rice with a covered lid for 30 minutes.

Chopping veggies

  • When the cooked rice is cooling, chop the veggies finely and keep aside. 
  • Remember to chop the french beans very finely. They take more time to cook than other veggies.
    You can also blanch them first and then cook. Another option is to add the beans first and then add the other vegetables.

Making veg fried rice

  • Heat oil in a wok or a pan. First add the star anise and fry for a few seconds or until the oil becomes fragrant.
  • Add the garlic, ginger and sauté for some seconds. No need to brown the garlic.
  • Add the spring onions whites and sauté for about 2 minutes.
  • Then add finely chopped french beans.
  • Stir fry french beans for 2 to 3 minutes over medium to medium-high heat.
  • Add the remaining finely chopped veggies, including mushrooms and celery. Increase the heat to a high to thoroughly cook all of the vegetables.
  • You have to continuously toss and stir while frying so that the veggies are uniformly cooked and do not get burnt.
  • The vegetables have to be stir-fried, until they are almost cooked and yet retain their crunchiness and crispiness. Stir-frying vegetables on high heat takes about 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Add the soy sauce, salt and pepper. Stir quickly and add cooked and cooled rice.
  • Stir fry for a few minutes until the sauce has coated the rice well. Keep a check when adding salt, as soy sauce already has salt in it.
  • Serve the veg fried rice hot as it is or with with your favorite Chinese side.

Serving suggestions

  • Though fried rice tastes great on its own, you can pair it with Veg Manchurian, Gobi Manchurian, Chilli Paneer, Spring Rolls or Chilli Mushroom. More side recipes for veg fried rice are linked and listed in the main post.

Storing fried rice

  • Vegetable fried rice stays good for a day when refrigerated. But I would recommend it to be eaten as soon as you make it since a few days old refrigerated rice is not good for health. 

Video

Notes

Ingredient Notes

  • Rice: Aged, long-grained, non-sticky white rice is the best to make fried rice. Here I have used basmati rice.
  • Veggies: You can add your favorite vegetables or mushrooms in a total quantity of 1.5 to 2 cups finely chopped mixed vegetables excluding mushrooms. You can vary the amount of each veggie as you like. 
  • Protein:  Include tofu, seitan, tempeh, or for a vegetarian option, add paneer. 
  • Mushrooms: Swap button mushrooms for cremini or shiitake mushrooms. Skip if you do not have them.
  • Celery: Omit adding celery, if you do not have it.
  • Soy sauce: Preferably use naturally brewed soy sauce. For gluten-free fried rice, use tamari or Braggs liquid aminos. Skip soy sauce if you do not prefer it. 
  • Oils: Peanut, sunflower, avocado oil are good options as they have a high smoking point which suits stir-frying at high heat. 

 

Recipe Notes

  • Cooking rice: Do not overcook the rice. You only want the rice to be al dente. Always drain and completely cool rice before adding it to the stir-fried vegetables. Wet or hot rice will end up being soggy.
  • Flavors and seasonings: Add a bit of tomato ketchup for a slightly sweet flavor. To make spicy fried rice, add some red chili sauce or green chili sauce along with the soy sauce.
  • Soggy and mushy rice: Drain your rice thoroughly. There shouldn’t be any water in them. Cooked rice has to be cooled completely before you begin stir-frying. Soft or overdone rice breaks when stir-frying and becomes mushy.
  • Reheating fried rice: I usually steam them in my Instant-pot for 5 minutes. Sometimes I also stir-fry them in a skillet sprinkling a few splashes of water, so that the rice grains do not dry out.

Nutrition Info (Approximate Values)

Nutrition Facts
Veg Fried Rice Recipe | Vegetable Fried Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 394 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 1815mg79%
Potassium 309mg9%
Carbohydrates 56g19%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 2014IU40%
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 1mg67%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 1mg59%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 3mg15%
Vitamin B6 1mg50%
Vitamin C 17mg21%
Vitamin D 1µg7%
Vitamin E 1mg7%
Vitamin K 37µg35%
Calcium 43mg4%
Vitamin B9 (Folate) 29µg7%
Iron 1mg6%
Magnesium 33mg8%
Phosphorus 129mg13%
Zinc 1mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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This Veg Fried Rice recipe from the archives first published in August 2013 has been updated and republished on January 2023.

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Meet Dassana

Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.

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193 Comments

  1. Hi, great info here, and I’m learning so much from you as I branch out into, what is for me, a new realm of cooking.

    I live rather remotely and do not wish to buy the Walmart brand of Basmati rice. Zebra, Royal, Khazana, Shahzada and others offer what they claim is good quality, long-grain, non sticky Basmati rice in bulk sizing for ordering online.

    Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.5 stars

    1. Thanks. I would suggest to buy Indian brands of basmati rice. Some of them are India Gate, Daawat, Kohinoor and Tilda. Hope this helps.

  2. a great way to refresh yesterdays leftover rice – dassana your easy to follow tips have inspired me.5 stars

  3. Thanks for your recipe. Was wonderful. Also made kadhi using your recipe, whole family loved it. Thank you Didi…5 stars

    1. Great and thanks for sharing your feedback on the recipes. Glad to know.

  4. Would like to know “what is cooking until al dente” mean. Have heard about this being made for noodles as well as rice.

    1. Al dente is an Italian word which means when eaten, the rice or pasta is firm to the bite. Meaning the rice is cooked tender but there is a bite to it when eaten. Hope this helps.

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