Quick and Easy Microwave Veggie Fried Rice
Transform your microwave into a culinary powerhouse with this delicious and effortless Veggie Fried Rice! This simple yet satisfying dish is packed with flavor and can easily be customized to include your favorite vegetables. Originally inspired by my friend Bev, this recipe has become a family favorite. The secret to its appeal lies in the combination of tender rice, crispy bacon, and vibrant vegetables brought together with a hint of soy and tomato sauce. Perfect as a side dish or a quick lunch, you can whip it up in no time for busy weekdays. Add some garlic and ginger for an extra flavor boost, or get creative with your own unique ingredients to elevate this dish into something special. A meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice
1 (cup (long grain, Jasmine, or Basmati))
water
1.5 (cups)
chopped vegetables
1 (cup (fresh or frozen))
onion
1 (medium, chopped)
bacon
2 (slices, chopped)
oil
1 (tablespoon)
tomato sauce
1 (tablespoon (ketchup))
soy sauce
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the uncooked rice, water, chopped vegetables, chopped onion, and chopped bacon. Stir to mix all the ingredients evenly.
2
Drizzle the oil, tomato sauce (ketchup), and soy sauce over the mixture. Give it another good stir to ensure the seasonings are well incorporated.
3
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape).
4
Microwave the mixture on high for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking for even consistency.
5
Once finished, let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Carefully remove the cover (watch out for the steam), stir the rice, and serve hot. Optional: garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quick and Easy Microwave Veggie Fried Rice?
It is a simple and satisfying one-bowl meal that uses the microwave to cook rice, vegetables, and bacon together with seasonings.
How long does it take to cook this fried rice in the microwave?
The rice mixture needs to be microwaved on high for 20 minutes, followed by a 5-minute resting period.
What types of rice are best for this recipe?
Long grain, Jasmine, or Basmati rice are recommended for the best results.
Do I need to use fresh or frozen vegetables?
You can use either one cup of fresh or frozen chopped vegetables depending on what you have available.
Is the bacon cooked before adding it to the bowl?
No, the recipe calls for two slices of chopped bacon to be combined with the uncooked rice and other ingredients before microwaving.
What is the ratio of rice to water?
The recipe uses a ratio of 1 cup of uncooked rice to 1.5 cups of water.
Why is tomato sauce or ketchup used in this recipe?
Tomato sauce or ketchup is used to provide a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the soy sauce.
Do I need to cover the bowl while microwaving?
Yes, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, making sure to leave a small vent for steam to escape.
Should I stir the rice during the cooking process?
Yes, you should stir the mixture once halfway through the 20-minute cooking time to ensure even consistency.
What should I do after the microwave timer goes off?
Let the bowl sit covered for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the bacon or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.
What kind of onion is required?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, chopped.
How much oil is needed for this microwave fried rice?
The recipe requires one tablespoon of oil.
Can I add extra flavors like garlic or ginger?
Yes, adding garlic and ginger is a great way to provide an extra flavor boost to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal that is sure to please even pickiest eaters.
What are some recommended garnishes for this dish?
You can garnish the finished rice with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Can I use this as a main course?
While it is perfect as a side dish, it is also substantial enough to be served as a quick lunch or a light main meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: rice, water, chopped vegetables, onion, bacon, oil, tomato sauce, and soy sauce.
What is the secret to this recipe's appeal?
The combination of tender rice, crispy bacon, and vibrant vegetables brought together with soy and tomato sauce.
Is this a good recipe for busy weekdays?
Yes, because it is quick to prep and cooks entirely in the microwave, it is ideal for busy schedules.
What type of bowl should I use?
You must use a large microwave-safe bowl to prevent boil-overs and ensure safe cooking.
How much soy sauce is used?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of soy sauce.
Can I customize the vegetables?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable, and you can include any of your favorite vegetables.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
The recipe was originally inspired by a friend named Bev.
What is the purpose of the 5-minute rest?
The resting period allows the moisture to redistribute and the flavors to fully develop.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is a one-bowl meal, which makes cleanup very easy.
Does this recipe require a stove?
No, this recipe is designed to be cooked entirely in the microwave.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
Two slices of chopped bacon are used in this recipe.
What should I be careful of when removing the lid?
Be very careful of the hot steam that will escape when you remove the cover from the bowl.
Can this be served hot?
Yes, it should be stirred and served hot immediately after the resting period.