This vibrant and colorful Rainbow Fried Rice is packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for using up leftover rice and is both nutritious and easy to make. With ingredients like red bell pepper, peas, carrots, and red cabbage, this fried rice is not only visually appealing but also loaded with vitamins and fiber. You can serve it as a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish to complement your main course. The soy sauce and fresh ginger elevate the flavors, making this dish a healthy and tasty option for any meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- ½ cup frozen corn kernels
- ½ cup red cabbage, shredded
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 4 cups cooked rice, chilled
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the yellow onion and red bell pepper. Shred the red cabbage into thin strips. Mince the garlic cloves and grate the fresh ginger.
- Set aside all the vegetables and ingredients, as everything will be added quickly during cooking.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil (preferably vegetable or sesame oil).
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the frozen peas, carrots, corn, and red cabbage. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the Rice:
- Add the chilled cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula and toss the rice with the vegetables. Stir-fry the mixture for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through.
5. Season the Fried Rice:
- Pour in the soy sauce and stir well to evenly coat the rice and vegetables with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or salt, if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, transfer the fried rice to a serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve the Rainbow Fried Rice as a main dish on its own for a light and nutritious meal.
- With Protein: Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or eggs for a more filling meal.
- As a Side Dish: This fried rice makes a great side dish alongside other Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, or teriyaki chicken.
Cooking Tips
- Use chilled rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky for fried rice. For the best texture, use chilled, day-old rice or let freshly cooked rice cool completely before using it in this dish.
- Adjust the soy sauce: If you’re concerned about the sodium content, use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount used.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, for extra nutrition and variety.
Variations to Try
- Add a Protein: Add scrambled eggs, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the soy sauce for a spicier version of this dish.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based soy sauce and add your favorite vegan protein (like tofu or tempeh) to make it a fully vegan meal.
Nutritional Benefits
This Rainbow Fried Rice is a great way to incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables into your diet. The peas, carrots, and red cabbage provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The ginger adds anti-inflammatory properties, and the soy sauce gives it a rich umami flavor without overwhelming the dish. The combination of vegetables and rice makes this a well-rounded meal full of essential nutrients.
Conclusion
This Rainbow Fried Rice is a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its colorful mix of vegetables, a dash of soy sauce, and a touch of ginger, it’s not only packed with flavor but also full of nutrition. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and is versatile enough to serve as a main dish or side. Enjoy this quick and delicious fried rice for a wholesome meal the whole family will love!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use other types of rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or any type of rice you prefer. Just make sure it’s cooled before frying.
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How can I store leftovers? Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
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Can I add eggs to this fried rice? Yes, you can scramble 2 eggs and stir them into the fried rice for added protein.
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Can I make this fried rice ahead of time? Yes, you can make this fried rice ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated when ready to serve.
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Can I freeze this fried rice? Yes, you can freeze Rainbow Fried Rice for up to 1 month. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat thoroughly before serving.