Classic vegan vegetable fried rice

Fried rice is a textbook example of kitchen magic: how does yesterday's dry rice become a regal feast? The secret is 'cold rice'. Only cooled, slightly dried-out grains can be fried so they are loose and don't stick together in a big lump. Quick, cheap, and versatile.
🕒 Prep Time 10 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 20 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 350 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Chinese Inspired

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

⚠️ Soya
⚠️ Gluten (if soy sauce contains wheat)

Instructions

1

Heat the wok or frying pan until smoking hot with half the oil. Toss in the vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Tip: High heat is the secret to 'Wok Hei' (breath of the wok): this gives the vegetables a seared, smoky flavour without them becoming soggy.
2

Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the rest of the oil, and throw in the cold rice. Break up any clumps with a wooden spoon and let it fry.

Tip: Don't stir continuously! Let the rice touch the hot metal and brown a little (this provides the texture).
3

When the rice is heated through, mix with the vegetables and drizzle with the soy sauce.

Tip: Drizzle the soy sauce around the hot sides of the pan, not directly onto the rice, so its flavour caramelises slightly.
4

Toss thoroughly for another minute, sprinkle with fresh spring onions, and serve immediately.

Tip: The spring onion adds freshness and crunch at the end.

Recipe FAQ

Why is my rice sticky?
Because you used freshly cooked, warm rice. In warm rice, the starch is still moist and sticky. Use day-old, refrigerated rice!

Ingredients

  • 300 g cooked rice (completely cold, fridge-cold!)
  • 200 g mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, sweetcorn - frozen is fine)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (e.g. sesame or sunflower)
  • 1 stalk spring onion (optional)