Schezwan fried rice is a zesty, hearty vegetarian stir-fry dish that features a bold and spicy homemade schezwan sauce. Loaded with vegetables, this easy recipe is simple to make from scratch using wholesome ingredients.
Rinse rice very well till the water runs clear of starch. Soak the rice in enough water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Drain all the water and keep the soaked rice aside.
In a pot, bring water to a gentle boil adding salt and oil.
Add the soaked and drained rice to the hot water.
On a low to medium-low heat cook the rice without the lid.
When the rice becomes al dente or just about cooked, remove the pot from fire and strain the rice.
Gently rinse the rice in water so that they stop cooking and don't stick to each other.
Cover the rice and set aside. You can even cover and refrigerate the rice while you prep the veggies and herbs.
Making schezwan fried rice
Finely chop all the vegetables. You can even shred the vegetables in a food processor.
Heat oil in a wok. Add garlic and sauté for a few seconds.
Add the onions, celery and all the vegetables.
Increase the heat and stir fry the vegetables on a medium-high to high heat.
More finely the vegetables are chopped, more faster they will cook.
Keep on stirring and tossing the vegetables continuously, so that they are equally browned and cooked.
When the edges of the veggies starts to become light brown, add schezwan sauce.
Stir and then add the cooked and cooled rice in portions. Mix and toss the rice with the veggies gently.
Season with salt, pepper and vinegar. Stir and toss well so that the sauce coats all the rice grains evenly.
Garnish with the spring onions greens.
Serve schezwan fried rice as it is or with a side of veg manchurian, mushroom manchurian or gobi manchurian.
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Notes
Smoky Flavor: Stir frying at a very high heat and continuously stirring the ingredients in the wok aids in giving a smoky flavor to the dish.
Prepping: Be sure to have all your sauces and seasonings prepared before you begin the stir-frying.
Al dente rice: Another key point is to steam or cook the rice and let it cool completely. The rice has to be cooked al dente, meaning just about cooked.
Veggies: The veggies can be shredded, julienned or chopped finely. You can use a mix of veggies that you like.
Schezwan Sauce: Make your own homemade schezwan sauce or use a good brand. The amount of schezwan sauce to be added depends on the spice level in the sauce and your taste buds so add less or more according to your taste buds and preferences.