Knowing what veggies go in fried rice can be the difference between a delicious dish and a complete disaster.

And while you may be tempted to just throw in whatever you have lying around (I see you, leftover broccoli), I’m here to show you that there are certain vegetables that work best.

So, whether you’re looking for a veggie-packed dish or something with a little bit of everything, read on for my top 15 picks.

What Vegetables Go in Fried Rice?

The best vegetables for fried rice are the ones that are small in size and have a high water content. This includes vegetables such as peas, carrots, corn, and diced potatoes. You can also add in some leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.

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Here are 15 vegetables that go well in fried rice:

1. Carrots

Carrots add color, texture, and sweetness to fried rice.

I like to julienne my carrots so they are in thin strips that cook quickly and evenly.

You can add them when you first start cooking the rice, or towards the end if you want them to have a little more crunch.

2. Peas

Peas are like little balls of flavor and they go well in all sorts of dishes, but I especially love them in fried rice.

To add them to my fried rice, I simply cook the rice as usual and then stir in a cup or so of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking.

The peas add a lovely sweetness and pop of color to the dish.

3. Corn

Corn is known for its summer sweetness, but did you know that it can also be used in savory dishes?

Fried rice is the perfect example.

The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the rice and other ingredients.

To add corn to your fried rice, simply cook it with the other vegetables.

I like to add a little bit of butter to my corn before adding it to the pan so that it gets nice and crispy.

4. Green Beans

Nobody will go home hungry when you add green beans to your fried rice.

They also have a high water content, which makes them perfect for stir-frying.

To add green beans to your fried rice, start by blanching them in boiling water for two minutes.
Then remove them from the heat and shock in ice water.
After that, simply add them to your pan when you’re stir-frying your rice.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli has a bad rep for being a bit bland, but I think that’s because people don’t know how to cook it properly.

When stir-frying broccoli, you want to make sure the florets are cut into small pieces so they can cook evenly.

I like to add a bit of garlic and ginger to my stir-fry for extra flavor.

And if you’re looking for something a little different, try adding some dried cranberries or chopped almonds for a bit of sweetness and crunch.

6. Cauliflower

Cauliflower soaks up flavors very well, making it a great addition to fried rice.

I like to add cauliflower that has been roasted with garlic and ginger.

To roast the cauliflower, I cut it into small florets and toss it with olive oil, garlic, ginger, and salt.
Then I bake it in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it is tender.

7. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are earthy, savory and a little bit sweet.

They are the perfect addition to any dish, but they especially shine in fried rice.

I like to add mushrooms to my fried rice because they add so much flavor and depth of character.

Plus, they’re really good for you!

To add mushrooms to your fried rice, simply sauté them in a little bit of oil until they’re cooked through.
Then add them to your rice along with the other ingredients.

8. Zucchini

Zucchini might not pack the same nutritional punch as some other vegetables, but it more than makes up for it in versatility.

This summer squash can be grilled, roasted, sauteed, or even eaten raw.

It’s a great addition to fried rice because it holds up well to cooking and has a mild flavor that won’t overwhelm the other ingredients.

I like to add zucchini to my fried rice along with some onions, garlic, and a protein like chicken or shrimp.

9. Yellow Squash

Why not add some beautiful color to your fried rice with some yellow squash?

Simply dice the squash into small pieces and add it in when you are stir-frying the rice.

Yellow squash has a delicate flavor that will not overpower the other ingredients in the dish.

10. Eggplant

Eggplant has a funny texture – it’s spongy, yet firm, and soaks up flavors like a dream.

I love adding eggplant to fried rice because it gives the dish an extra layer of complexity.

To prepare the eggplant, I like to dice it into small cubes.
Then, I add it to the pan with a little bit of oil and cook it until it’s soft.
Once the eggplant is cooked, I add in the rice and other vegetables and spices.

11. Spinach

Spinach is a powerhouse of a vegetable.

It is packed with nutrients like vitamins, as well as minerals.

Spinach is also low in calories and has a high water content, making it a great choice for those watching their weight.

When it comes to cooking, spinach is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Fried rice is one of my personal favorites.

To add spinach to your fried rice recipe, simply sauté the spinach in a little oil until it is wilted then add it to the rest of the ingredients.

For something a little different, you could also try adding some chopped spinach to your omelet or quiche recipe.

Or for a healthy snack, try dipping some raw vegetables in a spinach dip.

12. Kale

Kale has a strong flavor, so it’s best to use it in small amounts.

Try adding kale to your fried rice recipe in one of these three creative ways:

Stir-fry kale with the other vegetables in the recipe.
Add finely chopped kale to the rice before stir-frying.
Use kale leaves as a wrap for the fried rice.

13. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard has a bitter taste when eaten raw, but when cooked, it takes on a sweeter flavor.

It’s a great leafy green to add to fried rice because it wilts down quickly and doesn’t have a strong taste that will overpower the other flavors in the dish.

To add Swiss chard to your fried rice, start by sautéing the chard in a bit of oil until it’s wilted down.
Then, add in your rice and other ingredients as usual.

14. Collard Greens

Raw collard greens are bitter, but not quite as bitter as kale.

They have a slightly sweeter flavor and are more tender than kale.

Collard greens are a good source of vitamins.

Collard greens can be eaten raw, but they are often cooked.

They are popular in southern United States cuisine, where they are often boiled with ham hocks or bacon.

15. Cabbage

Raw cabbage leaves are pretty peppery in flavor, but when they’re cooked, they take on a sweeter, nuttier taste that’s perfect in fried rice.

To prep cabbage for fried rice, start by chopping it into small bite-sized pieces.

Then add it to the pan towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t get mushy.

FAQ

What Vegetables Go in Chicken Fried Rice?

Some common vegetables that are used in chicken fried rice include onions, green onions, peas, carrots, and celery. You can really use any type of vegetable that you like or have on hand. Just make sure that they are all chopped into small pieces so that they will cook evenly.

What Vegetables Go in Shrimp Fried Rice?

Since shrimp fried rice is a stir-fry, you’ll want to use vegetables that cook quickly. This usually means that you’ll want to use veggies that are either already in small pieces or can be easily cut into small pieces. Common vegetables in shrimp fried rice include onion, green onion, carrot, celery, and peas.

What Vegetables Go in Hibachi Fried Rice?

Some of the most popular vegetables for hibachi fried rice include onion, carrot, zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms. You can really use any type of vegetable that you like or have on hand. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so that they cook evenly.

What Vegetables Go in Pork Fried Rice?

Since pork has a strong flavor, it goes well with a variety of vegetables. The most popular vegetables in pork fried rice are onions, green onions, peas, carrots, and bean sprouts. You can also add other vegetables to your liking, such as mushrooms, broccoli, and cabbage.

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