Vietnam Fried Rice
A quick, savory fried rice with tender meat, garlic, onions, and peas, finished with soy sauce and a hint of sugar—perfect for a speedy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet.
- Add the meat, garlic, onion, salt, sugar, pepper, and soy sauce; stir-fry until the meat is tender and hot, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the meat in soy sauce and garlic before cooking. You can easily substitute the meat with tofu for a vegetarian version. If you have leftover vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, toss them in for more color and nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and remember that using day-old rice can yield the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Vietnam Fried Rice with a side of fresh cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with a light soy sauce or chili sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or explore other Asian-inspired dishes like Sugar-Free Sweet-N-Sour Stir-Fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking, and cook until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vietnam Fried Rice contains roughly 1437 calories, with 47g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (95% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this fried rice vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the meat with your choice of vegetables or tofu. Make sure to use soy sauce that is labeled as vegetarian. You can also add more protein by incorporating edamame or chickpeas, making this a fulfilling vegetarian dish.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice as it is drier and will not clump together when stir-fried. If you don't have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool, and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before using.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, carrots, or corn. Adding vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of your fried rice.
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).