Stir-Fry Rice and Vegetables: A Quick, Healthy, and Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight meal? Look no further than this stir-fry rice and vegetables recipe! This recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's easy enough for even the most novice cook to make. It's also incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for more or fewer people.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Use a high-heat oil like canola or peanut oil.
- 1 cup chopped onion: White or yellow onion works perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a beautiful color and sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: For a mix of textures and flavors.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Broccoli adds a nice crunch.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced: Choose baby carrots for easier prep.
- 2 cups cooked rice: Day-old rice works best as it's less likely to become mushy.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adjust to your preferred saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): For a richer, umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant, nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your liking.
- Optional additions: Consider adding things like peas, snow peas, mushrooms, or your favorite protein like chicken or tofu.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep your vegetables: Wash and chop all your vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
- Stir-fry the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the vegetables: Add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the wok. Stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Incorporate the rice: Add the cooked rice to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Season and finish: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately: Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a lot of vegetables, cook them in batches to prevent them from steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Use high heat: This helps to keep the vegetables crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Taste and adjust: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or other spices to enhance the flavor.
- Get creative with your vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions:
This stir-fry rice and vegetables recipe is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- A side of steamed rice: For a heartier meal.
- A protein of your choice: Add chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein.
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds: For added texture and flavor.
This recipe is a fantastic base for a quick and healthy dinner. Enjoy experimenting with different vegetables and proteins to create your own unique variations! Let us know in the comments what your favorite stir-fry combinations are!