Easy freezer-friendly rice in the middle of the week? Yes, please! Let’s batch-cook my Vegetable Rice recipe to show you just how simple it is:
Freezer-Friendly Vegetable Rice Recipe
4
servings5
minutes10
minutes15
minutesA healthy, hearty, and freezer-friendly vegetable fried rice that’ll jazz up any mealtime!
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Ingredients
1 tbsp 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
2 2 Garlic Cloves, Crushed
1 tsp 1 tsp Ginger, Minced
Ā½ Ā½ Onion, Finely Diced
250 g 1 3/8 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables
300 g 2 cup Cooked and Chilled rice
2 tbsp 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp 1 tsp Sesame Oil
3 3 Eggs, Whisked
Directions
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over a very high heat. You want it to get to the point where it is almost smoking.
- Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. After they start to sizzle, reduce the heat and fry them for one or two minutes or until aromatic and softened, being careful not to burn the garlic or ginger as it will go bitter.
- Add the vegetables (I use frozen, but you can use a mix of fresh veggies, too) and then cook them until theyāre defrosted and the water has evaporated. Keep stirring the mixture in the pan as this takes place.
- Add the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil – cook for a further one or two minutes, which should be long enough to ensure the flavours mingle well in the pan.
- Move the rice to one side of the pan, and pour the egg into the other. Stir the egg constantly to scramble it.
- Finally, mix everything to create one cohesive side dish. You can now serve it up or allow it to cool before freezing it.
How to Freeze It
So you now want to freeze my vegetable fried rice? Let me walk you through it step by step:
- Portion
Portion the rice into airtight containers. Aim to leave as little headspace as possible to prevent moisture from meddling with the rice’s texture. - Cool
Patience is a virtue! Let the rice cool down completely before you seal the containers. We don’t want a warm, humid environment that’s inviting to bacteria. - Seal
Seal those containers tight to keep out any fridge odours that might want to mingle with the rice. - Freeze
Finally, place your containers in the heart of your freezer, as far away from the frost edges as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep your dish tasting fresh.
Yes, freezer bags work particularly well for freezing individual portions of fried rice. Simply cool the rice, then portion it into bags before sealing them up tight whilst removing as much air as possible.
Need More Info?
We have a dedicated guide to freezing rice, outlining the best ways to freeze it, how long it can be frozen and how to defrost it:
How to Use It
And when you’re ready to enjoy your rice from the freezer, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Remove Lids
Start by removing the lid from the container, or at least crack it open to avoid any steam-induced drama in the microwave. - Microwave
Pop the rice into the microwave for thirty-second intervals, giving it a good stir in between. Keep this up until your rice is piping hot throughout. - Serve
Serve your rice straight away while it’s still hot. It’s perfect as a side to a comforting curry or stew, or even as a main dish!
How to Tweak It
Want to jazz it up a bit? Here are a few ways I love to tweak my fried rice:
Add Spice
Feeling fiery? Drizzle a bit of sriracha over your dish for an extra kick. It’s amazing how a little heat can totally transform your meal!
Include Protein
To make your dish even more satisfying, toss in some tofu for a vegan twist, or maybe some chicken or prawns if you’re a meat lover like me.
Drizzle With Sauce
Although sriracha would be the go-to option, there are so many other delicious sauces you can drizzle over your fried rice. How about some extra soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a peanut sauce for a rich, nutty twist?
Throw In Nuts
Adding chopped cashews, peanuts, or almonds can bring a delightful crunch and a new layer of flavour to your dish.
Try a Different Grain
For a different texture and flavour, replace some or all of the rice with another grain, like quinoa or farro. Even swapping white rice for brown rice is a great way to mix it up.
Add Pickled Veggies
Adding pickled vegetables, like pickled radishes or cucumber, can add a zesty, tangy contrast to your fried rice. Contrast is a great way to elevate any dish.
