Rainbow Fried Rice
Intro:
This Rainbow Fried Rice is a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious dish packed with colorful vegetables and flavorful seasonings. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this recipe brings a burst of flavor and color to your table in just a few minutes!
⏱ Time Required:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)
1 tsp ginger, minced (optional)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add carrots and bell pepper; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Toss in corn, peas, and cabbage; cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the cooked rice, breaking it up with a spatula.
Pour in soy sauce and mix well.
Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
Garnish with green onions and serve hot!
Tips for the Best Rainbow Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky. Using day-old, cold rice gives a better texture and prevents mushiness.
- High Heat is Key: Cook on medium-high to high heat for the best stir-fry effect and to avoid soggy rice.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: Dice the veggies into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Customize Your Protein: Add scrambled eggs, tofu, shrimp, or chicken for extra protein.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the soy sauce or add a splash of sesame oil for more flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if needed to keep everything crispy instead of steaming.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick!
❓ Q/A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this fried rice without soy sauce?
A: Yes! Substitute with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option. You can also use a little salt and a dash of lemon juice for flavor.
Q: What other veggies can I use?
A: You can add zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or spinach—whatever you have on hand!
Q: Can I use fresh rice?
A: It’s better to use day-old rice, but if using fresh, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan for the best texture or microwave with a splash of water to prevent dryness.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes! Let the fried rice cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan straight from frozen.
Rainbow Fried Rice Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: ~250-300 kcal
Protein: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fiber: ~4g
Fat: ~6g
Saturated Fat: ~1g
Sodium: ~400mg (varies with soy sauce)
Sugar: ~5g
Health Benefits
✅ Rich in Fiber & Vitamins – Thanks to colorful veggies like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers.
✅ Low in Saturated Fat – A light and heart-friendly dish.
✅ Customizable Protein – Add tofu, eggs, or lean meats to boost protein.
✅ Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.