By Eniolá Abdulroqeeb Arówólò
Vegetable fried rice is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily prepared at home. It’s a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal, and it allows you to use up leftover rice and various vegetables you may have on hand.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this flavorful and comforting dish, perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make vegetable fried rice at home:
Ingredients:
– Rice
– Vegetable oil
– Vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers, corn, etc.)
– Garlic, minced
– Onion, chopped
– Soy sauce
– Sesame oil (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
-Eggs, beaten (optional)
– Green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparation: – Cook the rice ahead of time and allow it to cool. It’s best to use rice that has been refrigerated for a few hours or overnight as it’s drier and works better for fried rice.
2. Heat the Pan:- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté Vegetables:- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
4. Add Mixed Vegetables: – Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. You can adjust the types of vegetables to your preference.
5. Push Vegetables Aside:- Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan, creating an empty space.
6. Scramble Eggs (Optional):- If you’re using eggs, pour the beaten eggs into the empty space in the pan. Quickly scramble them with a spatula until they’re mostly cooked but still slightly runny.
7. Combine Everything:- Mix the scrambled eggs with the sautéed vegetables.
8. Add Cooked Rice: – Add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and ensure the rice is well mixed with the vegetables and eggs.
9. Season with Soy Sauce:- Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and mix well. Start with a couple of tablespoons and adjust to taste. You can also add a teaspoon of sesame oil for extra flavor.
10. Season with Salt and Pepper:- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that soy sauce is salty, so adjust accordingly.
11. Stir-Fry:- Stir-fry the rice mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to cook evenly and develop a slightly crispy texture.
12. Garnish and Serve:- Once the fried rice is hot and well mixed, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired.
13. Serve Hot:- Serve your homemade vegetable fried rice hot as a delicious and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your homemade vegetable fried rice! You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for additional flavor and texture.