Colorful Fried Rice
Colorful Fried Rice offers a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that suits any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly and separated into rings ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 c. bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1 c. hot cooked brown rice
- 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 c. soy sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Spread sesame seed in a small frying pan over medium heat. Cook, shaking pan often, until seed is golden (about 2 minutes); set aside.
- Prepare remaining ingredients before you begin cooking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or wide frying pan over high heat.
- Add carrots; stir-fry (cook, stirring constantly) for 1 minute.
- Mix in onion, garlic, and green pepper; stir-fry for 1 minute more.
- Add more oil as needed.
- Add zucchini and mushrooms; stir-fry until all vegetables are just tender-crisp (about 2 more minutes).
- Mix in bean sprouts and rice; cook, stirring, until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant fried rice, use a variety of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers or peas. If you're looking for a vegan option, substitute the soy sauce with tamari. You can also add proteins like tofu or shrimp for extra nutrition. Ensure the rice is cooled before cooking to prevent clumping. Shaking the pan while toasting sesame seeds helps achieve an even golden color.
Serving Suggestions
This colorful fried rice pairs beautifully with Oriental Barbecued Pork Skewers or can be enjoyed as a standalone dish. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a side of your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions can enhance both presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a little oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Colorful Fried Rice contains roughly 991 calories, with 27g protein, 191g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (212% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2713mg per serving (118% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rice is actually preferred as it is drier and helps achieve better texture. Just ensure it's stored properly and has been cooled down before using. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 30 minutes before adding it to the stir-fry.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize the vegetables to your liking. Broccoli, snap peas, or corn make excellent additions. Feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you have on hand, as this recipe is versatile and adaptable. Just keep in mind the cooking times for different veggies.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this fried rice gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Make sure all other ingredients, especially the oil and any additional sauces, are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful meal without gluten concerns.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).