Is fried rice vegetarian?

It really depends on the specific recipe. Many versions sneak in chicken or shrimp, so make sure you use a vegetarian fried rice recipe. Always double-check the seasonings and sauces, too. This version uses Maggi sauce, which is made from fermented wheat and doesn't contain any animal products.

Is it better to use fresh or leftover rice for fried rice?

There are lots of different opinions on this matter, as well as many regional preferences and variations. After much testing, we found that we prefer to use freshly cooked rice. If you choose to use day-old rice instead, be sure to warm it up well with a little water to plump up and soften the grains.

How do you make vegan fried rice?

For a totally plant-based meal, you only need to remove the scrambled eggs. All of the other ingredients are naturally vegetarian unless you use a different sauce besides Maggi.

Vegetarian Fried Rice

Name: Vegetarian Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 eggs, beaten; 3 cups freshly cooked white rice (can use leftover rice); 1/2 cup carrots, diced; 1/2 cup frozen green peas; 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn; 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste); 1/2 tablespoon green onions (approximately 1 full stem), chopped; 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or maggi sauce); 1 teaspoon roasted black sesame seeds (optional)

Description

Who needs take out when you can make Chinese restaurant-style Vegetarian Fried Rice in your own home in 10 minutes? This rice has the best, crispy texture, tender, fluffy eggs, colourful vegetables, and packed with flavour. Plus, it's fully customizable so you can throw in whatever vegetables and protein you have on hand.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups freshly cooked white rice (can use leftover rice)
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup frozen green peas
1/2 cup frozen sweet corn
1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
1/2 tablespoon green onions (approximately 1 full stem), chopped
1 teaspoon soy sauce (or maggi sauce)
1 teaspoon roasted black sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high heat for one minute. Add beaten eggs, and stir until scrambled and cooked through, yet still tender.
Add the rice and turn the heat up to high. It's very important to cook fried rice over high heat to achieve the best texture. If you are using leftover rice, add up to 1/4 cup of water to soften the rice.
Add carrots, sweet corn, and peas to the pan. Continuously stir for 2 minutes to cook and evenly mix and distribute the ingredients.
Add sesame oil, salt, and Italiano seasoning, and keep stirring, for about 1 minute. Add soy sauce (or maggi sauce) and green onions at the end and stir to combine.
Serve hot and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Tip: You will need to continuously stir throughout the cooking process to ensure even distribution of heat across the dish, and even cooking. Fried rice is about uniformity. The rice is supposed to be evenly cooked and all the pieces should have the exact same flavour and texture.

How to store: Let the fried rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-5 days in the fridge.

How to reheat: The best way to reheat vegetarian fried rice is on a skillet on the stovetop. Preheat the skillet to medium-high heat and add the fried rice. Stir frequently until the rice and veggies are warmed through, a few minutes.

How to freeze: Allow the fried rice to cool to room temperature first, then transfer it into an airtight container or portion it out into freezer bags and squeeze out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating according to instructions above.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Rice
Method: Stir Fry
Cuisine: Chinese