| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 8g | 1.5g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 4g | 12g | 0.8g |
Why I Love Chinese Vegetarian Jade Vegetable Fried Rice
My heart melts for the homey charm of corn casserole and the warmth of a hearty beef stew, but every so often, I get bitten by the travel bug…culinarily speaking, that is. This time around, I’m taking you all on a much-needed flavor vacation to the orient with a dish that’s delightful in its simplicity yet packed with an array of vibrant vegetables: the Vegetarian Jade Vegetable Fried Rice.
Savoring the Jade: A Harmony of Flavors
This oriental delight is as versatile as it is bold. What I love about this recipe is just how adaptable it is. If you’re like me, a Midwesterner who appreciates farm-fresh ingredients, you’ll delight in the fact you can use almost any seasonal produce you have on hand. Whether it’s those hearty carrots you just pulled from the soil, or the green peas you have in the freezer from last summer, Vegetarian Jade Vegetable Fried Rice takes it all in with open arms.
The combination of natural sweetness from the carrots, the slight spice of bell peppers, the refreshing crunch of cucumber, and the satisfying savouriness of green peas make every bite a taste sensation.
As a devout lover of church potlucks and family meals, I particularly enjoy how this recipe brings people together. It truly captures the essence of sharing a simple, home-cooked meal with loved ones, much like my own experiences growing up in Nebraska.
The (Not So) Secret Ingredient
There is a secret weapon in this dish that adds an extra layer of warm, deep flavor – sesame oil. It works together with minced garlic, grated ginger and low-sodium soy sauce to create an enchanting Oriental melody of flavor.
The beaten eggs folded through the rice add a richness and depth and are a wonderful vehicle for integrating all the other flavor-boosting ingredients. And if you’re feeling bold or want a bit of extra umami, why not add a splash of oyster sauce? It’s optional, though, so vegetarians don’t worry; this dish is just as flavorful without it.
The inspiration for this recipe came from none other than Martin Yan, the world-renowned Chinese American chef. His approach to cooking: simple, fresh and full of flavor, has influenced how I create my own recipes. So, why not join me in splitting the wok and embracing the vibrant flavors of the Orient, right from the comfort of your own kitchen?
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup diced carrot
- 3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced broccoli
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for strict vegetarians)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, cucumber, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Saute these for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are softened.
Step Two
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, creating a space in the center. Pour the beaten eggs into this space and scramble them. Once the egg is fully cooked, mix it in with the vegetables.
Step Three
Add the thawed peas and the three cups of cooked jasmine rice to the pan, stirring to combine everything properly. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Step Four
Pour the low-sodium soy sauce, the remaining sesame oil, and the oyster sauce (if using) over the rice and vegetables. Season with white pepper and salt to taste. Stir everything until the soy sauce and sesame oil are evenly distributed over the rice and vegetables.
Step Five
Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the dish, stir it once more, and then remove from heat.
Step Six
Serve the Vegetarian Jade Vegetable Fried Rice warm. Enjoy this colorful and hearty dish that’s perfect as a main or side dish. It can also be customized with additional vegetables or tofu for more protein.
