This Easy Korean Veggie Fried Rice is colorful and packed with fresh veggies! You’ll find simple flavors that come together quickly for a tasty meal.
The best part? It’s a great way to use up leftovers! I often toss in whatever veggies I have on hand. Who knew cleaning out the fridge could be this delicious? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and won’t clump. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook it fresh and let it cool a bit before using it.
Gochujang: This Korean chili paste adds heat and depth. If you can’t find it, a bit of sriracha or another chili paste works in a pinch, though it won’t have the same flavor.
Vegetables: I used zucchini, carrots, and peas, but feel free to swap in what you have—bell peppers, broccoli, or even corn can work great!
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but if you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, go for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a good gluten-free choice too.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fried Rice?
The key to great fried rice is to ensure the rice is dry and to not overcrowd the pan. Here are some simple tips:
- Use a large skillet or wok so the rice can spread out and fry evenly.
- Cook on medium-high heat for that crispy texture—if it’s too low, it may steam instead of fry.
- Keep everything moving with a spatula to avoid burning. Let the rice sit for a few seconds for some nice browning, then stir again.
Following these steps ensures your fried rice stays colorful, full of flavor, and not mushy—just perfect every time!
Easy Korean Veggie Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrot
- 1/2 cup diced zucchini
- 1/3 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chili paste) or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (white and black mixed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Korean veggie fried rice takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. You can have a satisfying meal on the table in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot to get that fried rice texture!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Sauté for about 2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, zucchini, and green peas. Cook for another 4-5 minutes while stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still colorful.
4. Mix in the Rice:
Add your cooked rice to the skillet. Use the back of your spatula to break up any clumps, mixing everything together well.
5. Season It Up:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and gochujang. Drizzle this mixture over the rice and veggies in the skillet, making sure everything is evenly coated.
6. Crisp the Rice:
Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to get hot and slightly crispy on the bottom. This step gives it that perfect fried texture!
7. Final Touches:
Drizzle the sesame oil over everything. Stir well and taste your fried rice. Add salt and pepper if you need a bit more flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and sprinkle the green parts of the green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve hot as a main dish or as a tasty side!
Enjoy this simple, colorful, and flavorful Korean veggie fried rice that’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
FAQ for Easy Korean Veggie Fried Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes! Brown rice can be used, but it may require more cooking time. If using brown rice, ensure it’s fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the skillet for frying.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it in a skillet with a splash of water to steam it back to life!
What Can I Substitute for Gochujang?
If you can’t find gochujang, you can use Sriracha or another chili paste for a kick, though it will lack the authentic flavor. To get closer to the taste, mix some miso paste with a bit of vinegar and hot sauce as an alternative.
Can I Add Protein to This Fried Rice?
Absolutely! You can toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein. Just make sure to add it when you stir in the rice so it heats through evenly.
