If you have some leftover rice sitting in your fridge and don’t know what to do with it — Veg Fried Rice is the answer!
This colorful, flavorful, and quick-to-make dish is a fusion favorite that combines Indian spices with Chinese-style stir-fry techniques.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this is one of the best ways to turn simple cold rice into a delicious restaurant-style meal bursting with flavor and crunch.
🍚 What is Vegetable Fried Rice?
Vegetable Fried Rice is a stir-fried rice dish made with cooked rice, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, vinegar, and a blend of Asian seasonings.
It’s one of the most popular Indo-Chinese dishes in India — commonly found in street stalls, restaurants, and home kitchens alike.
What makes it special?
It’s quick, colorful, and versatile — you can add your favorite veggies, sauces, or even tofu and paneer to make it your own.
🥕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Made with leftover rice (zero waste!)
✅ Full of colorful veggies and nutrients
✅ Ready in under 20 minutes
✅ Restaurant-style flavor at home
✅ Perfect for lunch, dinner, or lunchbox
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s divide it for better understanding 👇
1️⃣ Base Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably refrigerated overnight)
- 2 tbsp oil (sesame oil or any cooking oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- ¼ cup capsicum (green, red, yellow – mix if possible)
- ¼ cup cabbage, shredded
- ¼ cup French beans, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green peas
- 1–2 spring onions (whites and greens separated)
2️⃣ Sauce Mix
- 1½ tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp chili sauce or schezwan sauce (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup (optional for slight sweetness)
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
3️⃣ Optional Add-ins
- Scrambled egg (for non-veg variation)
- Tofu or paneer cubes (for protein boost)
- ½ tsp sesame oil (for authentic Asian flavor)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- If you’re using fresh rice, spread it on a large plate and let it cool completely for 30 minutes before frying.
- Cold, day-old rice from the fridge works best because it’s dry and doesn’t turn mushy.
💡 Tip: Always use long-grain rice or basmati rice for the best texture.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Finely chop all your veggies — the smaller, the better.
This ensures quick, even cooking and that perfect street-style fried rice texture.
Use colorful vegetables like red and yellow bell peppers to make it more appealing.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
- Heat a large wok or kadai on high flame.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add chopped garlic and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
The key is to maintain a high flame — that’s what gives fried rice its smoky restaurant-style flavor.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies
- Add chopped onions and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add carrots, beans, peas, capsicum, and cabbage.
- Stir-fry on high flame for 2–3 minutes — keep them slightly crunchy.
Don’t overcook! The veggies should remain crisp to balance the soft rice.
Step 5: Add Sauces and Seasonings
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, chili or schezwan sauce, and ketchup.
- Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Add black pepper and salt (careful with salt, as soy sauce already contains some).
The kitchen will instantly fill with that classic Indo-Chinese aroma!
Step 6: Add the Rice
- Add the cold cooked rice into the wok.
- Mix gently using a spatula, tossing the rice and veggies together.
- Do not press — just flip and stir so the rice grains remain separate.
- Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes on high heat.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Add a few drops of sesame oil at the end for a restaurant-style aroma.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
- Turn off the heat and add chopped spring onion greens.
- Toss gently and serve hot.
Your Vegetable Fried Rice is ready — fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor! 🌈
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Veg Fried Rice pairs beautifully with:
- Veg Manchurian Gravy
- Gobi Manchurian
- Paneer Chilli Dry
- Hot Garlic Sauce
- Sweet Corn Soup
You can also enjoy it on its own as a quick one-bowl meal.
🌿 Health Benefits
While it’s an indulgent dish, Veg Fried Rice can be quite healthy if made the right way:
- Packed with fiber and vitamins from vegetables.
- Low in fat when stir-fried with minimal oil.
- Provides complex carbohydrates from rice.
- Excellent way to use leftover rice — reduces food waste.
- Can easily be customized with tofu or paneer for added protein.
💡 Healthy Tip: Use brown rice or millet rice for a more nutritious twist.
🧡 Chef’s Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
- Use cold rice: Hot rice becomes sticky and mushy.
- Cook on high flame: It gives a smoky flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches if needed.
- Add soy sauce in moderation: Too much can overpower flavor.
- Add sesame oil at the end: For that authentic Chinese aroma.
🍛 Variations You Can Try
- Schezwan Fried Rice – Add 1–2 tbsp schezwan chutney for spicy heat.
- Paneer Fried Rice – Add lightly sautéed paneer cubes.
- Egg Fried Rice – Scramble eggs before adding veggies.
- Garlic Fried Rice – Add extra garlic and skip sauces for a mild, flavorful version.
- Brown Rice Fried Rice – Use brown rice for a healthy twist.
🧄 Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
(Values are approximate and vary by ingredients used.)
🧺 Storage & Reuse Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a pan (not microwave) on high flame for best results.
- Sprinkle a few drops of water before reheating to prevent dryness.
💡 Don’t freeze fried rice — the texture of vegetables and rice changes.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
✔️ Simple ingredients
✔️ 20-minute preparation
✔️ Perfect for leftover rice
✔️ Restaurant-style smoky flavor
✔️ Customizable and family-friendly
This Veg Fried Rice recipe gives you everything you love about Indo-Chinese cuisine — crunch, spice, aroma, and satisfaction — right from your home kitchen!
❤️ Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a Sunday lunch, or a quick lunchbox idea — Vegetable Fried Rice is always a winner.
It’s colorful, flavorful, and made from simple ingredients you already have.
So next time you find leftover rice in your fridge, don’t throw it away — transform it into this delicious Veg Fridge Rice and surprise your family with a restaurant-style treat!