Simple Veggie Fried Rice Lunch

Highlighted under: Fast Meals

This Simple Veggie Fried Rice Lunch is a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy days.

Odette Fairbanks

Created by

Odette Fairbanks

Last updated on 2026-01-03T03:41:34.394Z

This Simple Veggie Fried Rice Lunch is a delightful dish that brings together colorful vegetables and fluffy rice, all tossed together in a savory sauce. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your favorite veggies!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes
  • Packed with fresh vegetables for a nutritious meal
  • Versatile: customize with your favorite ingredients

A Quick and Nutritious Meal

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be a challenge. This Simple Veggie Fried Rice Lunch is designed to meet those demands, offering a delicious and satisfying option that can be ready in just 25 minutes. With a combination of fresh vegetables and wholesome rice, this dish not only fills you up but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients.

The use of day-old rice is a game changer for fried rice recipes. It has the perfect texture, allowing the grains to remain separate and preventing the dish from becoming mushy. This simple tip elevates the overall taste and presentation of your fried rice, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Versatility at Its Best

One of the standout features of this veggie fried rice is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add protein like tofu, chicken, or shrimp, or swap in different vegetables like zucchini or broccoli, the possibilities are endless. This means you can enjoy a unique version of fried rice every time you make it.

Moreover, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover vegetables from your fridge. If you have an assortment of veggies that need to be used, simply toss them in. This not only minimizes food waste but also adds a colorful variety to your meal. The flexibility of this dish makes it an excellent choice for home cooks looking to experiment with flavors.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re looking to streamline your weeknight dinners or lunch preparations, this fried rice recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an ideal choice for batch cooking. Prepare a larger portion on the weekend, and you’ll have quick meals ready to go during your busy workweek.

To reheat, simply microwave the fried rice until it's heated through, or for an even tastier option, stir-fry it in a pan for a few minutes. This not only refreshes the flavors but also gives your meal that freshly cooked taste, making it just as enjoyable the second time around.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

  • 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to add any other vegetables you have on hand!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients and chop the vegetables as needed.

Heat the Oil

In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables

Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add the Rice

Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through.

Finish and Serve

Stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious veggie fried rice!

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Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, try adding a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best texture for your fried rice, always use cold, day-old rice if possible. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can lead to a clumpy dish. If you don’t have leftovers, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it down quickly before using it in your recipe.

When selecting vegetables, aim for a mix of colors and textures. Not only does this enhance the visual appeal of your dish, but it also boosts the nutritional value. Fresh, frozen, or even canned vegetables can work well, depending on what you have available.

Serving Suggestions

This Simple Veggie Fried Rice makes a fantastic standalone meal, but it can also be paired with other dishes for a more elaborate spread. Consider serving it alongside spring rolls or a light soup for a complete Asian-inspired feast. The combination of flavors and textures will impress your family and friends.

For an added layer of flavor, drizzle some sesame oil or sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. This small touch can elevate your dish from simple to spectacular, making it a favorite in your household.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used for a healthier option, but it may require a longer cooking time.

→ What vegetables can I add to the fried rice?

You can add any vegetables you like such as broccoli, corn, or zucchini.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan as it contains no animal products.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Simple Veggie Fried Rice Lunch

This Simple Veggie Fried Rice Lunch is a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy days.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Odette Fairbanks

Recipe Type: Fast Meals

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

For the Fried Rice

  1. 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
  2. 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
  3. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  4. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  5. 2 green onions, chopped
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Gather all the ingredients and chop the vegetables as needed.

Step 02

In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Step 03

Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the pan. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 04

Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through.

Step 05

Stir in the chopped green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, try adding a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 8g