Ultimate Vegetarian Cantonese Fried Rice
Experience a delightful blend of vibrant vegetables and perfectly cooked rice in this Ultimate Vegetarian Cantonese Fried Rice. This dish embodies the heart of Asian cuisine, marrying flavor and nutrition in a harmonious way. Each bite bursts with freshness from crispy snow peas, sweet corn, and colorful bell peppers, making it not just a meal but a feast for the senses. Whether you're warming up on a chilly winter evening or looking for a quick yet satisfying lunch, this vegetarian fried rice is the perfect option. It's so easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, ensuring there's always something new to discover. Enjoy this healthy, delicious dish packed with vitamins and flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked rice
2 cups (leftover or cooked with carrots and peas)
red chilies
2 (whole)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
onions
2 tablespoons (diced)
carrot
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
peas
1/4 cup (fresh or frozen)
green bell pepper
1/4 cup (diced)
broccoli floret
1/4 cup (chopped)
corn
2 tablespoons (canned or frozen)
snow peas
1/2 cup (whole or halved)
bean sprouts
1/4 cup (fresh)
green onions
2 (sliced, white and green parts separated)
black bean paste
1 teaspoon (optional)
low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
tamari
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (for balance)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Rinse the cooked rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. If using uncooked rice, soak it for 30 minutes, then cook it in a pressure cooker with carrots, peas, and appropriate water until it's fluffy and ready.
2
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the red chilies and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes or until the chilies turn dark brown and the garlic is fragrant.
3
Add the diced onions and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes until they become translucent.
4
Introduce the chopped vegetables: broccoli florets, bell pepper, corn, and snow peas. Sauté for 2 minutes before adding a splash of water and covering the pan with a lid. This will help steam the vegetables and retain their crunch. Cook for about 3 minutes.
5
Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, sugar, black bean paste (if using), tamari, and soy sauce. Mix well and continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Add the cooked rice to the wok, turning the heat up to high. Toss the rice into the vegetable mixture vigorously; the heat will cause the rice grains to separate and crisp slightly. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, adding more soy sauce and black pepper if needed to enhance flavor.
7
Finally, fold in the bean sprouts and the green part of the green onions, ensuring everything is well combined. Serve the stir-fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Vegetarian Cantonese Fried Rice?
It is a delightful vegetarian dish that blends vibrant vegetables with perfectly cooked rice, embodying the heart of Asian cuisine.
Which vegetables are used in this fried rice recipe?
The recipe includes carrots, peas, green bell pepper, broccoli florets, corn, snow peas, and bean sprouts.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is explicitly designed as a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Can I use leftover rice for this dish?
Yes, the recipe recommends using 2 cups of leftover cooked rice for best results.
How do I prepare the rice if I am cooking it fresh?
Soak the rice for 30 minutes, then cook it in a pressure cooker with carrots and peas until it is fluffy.
Why should I rinse the rice?
Rinsing the cooked rice under cold water helps remove excess starch, preventing the grains from sticking together.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying as it handles the medium-high heat well.
How do I get the rice to be crispy?
Add the rice to the wok on high heat and toss vigorously; the heat causes the grains to separate and crisp slightly.
What is the secret to keeping the vegetables crunchy?
Add a splash of water and cover the pan with a lid for 3 minutes to steam the vegetables without making them soft.
Is black bean paste necessary for this recipe?
Black bean paste is optional, but it adds a traditional Cantonese depth of flavor if used.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of low sodium soy sauce and tamari for flavor balance.
When do I add the bean sprouts?
Fold in the bean sprouts and green onions at the very end of the cooking process to maintain their fresh texture.
How long should I sauté the garlic and chilies?
Sauté them for about 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the chilies turn dark brown.
Is this fried rice recipe spicy?
It contains two red chilies, which provide a moderate level of heat that can be adjusted to taste.
What is the purpose of adding sugar?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the salty and savory flavors of the soy sauce and tamari.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can use frozen peas and corn as a convenient alternative to fresh ones.
How do I prepare the green onions?
Slice them and separate the white parts for sautéing and the green parts for folding in at the end.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
Salt, pepper, sugar, black bean paste, tamari, and soy sauce are the primary seasonings.
How long does the entire stir-frying process take?
The active stir-frying takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes once all ingredients are prepared.
Should the rice be cooked on high heat?
Yes, turning the heat to high when adding the rice is crucial for the correct fried rice texture.
Can I customize this recipe?
Yes, it is very easy to customize with whatever favorite vegetables you have on hand.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it hot, garnished with extra green onions for a fresh finish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with various vegetables and vitamins, making it a nutritious meal option.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for diced onions for the base and green onions for garnish and final flavor.
How many cups of rice are required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cooked rice.
What is the role of the pressure cooker in this recipe?
If not using leftovers, a pressure cooker is used to quickly cook the rice with carrots and peas.
Can I omit the red chilies if I don't like spice?
Yes, you can omit or reduce the chilies to suit your personal heat preference.
What size should the broccoli be?
The broccoli should be cut into small florets for even cooking and easier eating.
What category of cuisine does this fall into?
This is a Cantonese-style dish, which is a popular category of Asian cuisine.