A Quick and Delicious Way to Elevate Your Rice
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavor-packed side dish, Ginger Garlic Fried Rice with Vegetables is the perfect choice. This dish combines fragrant garlic, zesty ginger, and crisp vegetables with perfectly cooked rice to create a satisfying meal in minutes.
Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite main course or enjoying it as a light meal, this quick and easy fried rice recipe will become a go-to dish in your kitchen. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, making it both delicious and budget-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Fast & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔ Full of Flavor – The ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth to every bite.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite proteins or extra vegetables.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for leftovers and packed lunches.
✔ Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – Easily adaptable to various diets.
Ingredients for Ginger Garlic Fried Rice with Vegetables
This dish requires just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | 3 tablespoons | Sesame oil, peanut oil |
| Cooked rice | 3 cups | Brown rice, jasmine rice |
| Red onion (chopped) | ⅓ cup | Yellow onion, shallots |
| Ginger (chopped) | ½ tablespoon | Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon) |
| Garlic (chopped) | ½ tablespoon | Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon) |
| Light soy sauce | 1 tablespoon | Tamari (for gluten-free) |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | White pepper, chili flakes |
| Carrots (chopped) | ⅓ cup | Bell peppers, zucchini |
| Green beans (chopped) | ⅓ cup | Peas, edamame |
| Spring onions (chopped) | ⅓ cup | Cilantro, parsley |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Use cold, cooked rice for the best texture (see note below).
- Finely chop all vegetables, garlic, and ginger for even cooking.
2. Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add red onion, garlic, and ginger to the skillet.
- Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Cook the Vegetables
- Add carrots and green beans to the skillet.
- Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Add the Rice
- Add cold, cooked rice to the skillet.
- Break up any clumps and stir well to combine.
6. Season & Toss
- Drizzle with soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir well to coat the rice evenly.
7. Finish with Spring Onions
- Stir in chopped spring onions and cook for 1 more minute.
8. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the fried rice hot as a side dish or enjoy it as a light meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
This dish is low in fat, high in fiber, and full of nutrients from fresh vegetables and aromatics.
Best Ways to Serve Ginger Garlic Fried Rice
✅ As a Side Dish – Pairs well with stir-fried tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
✅ With an Egg on Top – Add a fried or scrambled egg for extra protein.
✅ In a Rice Bowl – Serve with grilled vegetables, sesame seeds, or avocado.
✅ With Extra Spice – Drizzle with sriracha or chili oil for added heat.
Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ Reheat in a Skillet – Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water.
✔ Reheat in a Microwave – Cover and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
✔ Freeze for Later – Portion into containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Pro Tips for the Best Fried Rice
✔ Use Cold Rice – Freshly cooked rice can be sticky; cold rice fries better.
✔ Cook on High Heat – This prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed for even frying.
✔ Add Protein – Stir in chicken, shrimp, tofu, or eggs for a fuller meal.
✔ Customize the Veggies – Use whatever you have on hand—corn, peas, or bell peppers all work great!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but it’s best to spread it on a tray and let it cool for 20-30 minutes before frying.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
3. Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled eggs.
4. What’s the best type of rice for fried rice?
Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or long-grain white rice works best.
5. How do I keep fried rice from getting soggy?
Use cold rice, cook on high heat, and avoid adding too much sauce.
6. Can I make this dish oil-free?
Yes! Use a non-stick pan and vegetable broth instead of oil.
Final Thoughts – Try This Easy Ginger Garlic Fried Rice Today!
This Ginger Garlic Fried Rice with Vegetables is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that you’ll love making again and again. Whether you’re using it as a quick weeknight side dish or a light vegetarian meal, this recipe is easy, delicious, and highly customizable.
Try it today and discover how a few simple ingredients can turn into an incredibly satisfying meal!