Garden Fried Rice
This easy Garden Fried Rice recipe is a quick and flavorful meal loaded with zucchini, carrots, fluffy rice, and eggs tossed in savory soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or using leftover rice, this homemade vegetable fried rice is simple, comforting, and ready with everyday ingredients.
Equipment
- Rice cooker or medium pot
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups white rice cooked according to package directions
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 zucchinis chopped
- 1½ cups carrots chopped
- 4 eggs whisked
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
Cook the Rice
- Cook the rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, set aside.
Cook the Carrots
- Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped carrots and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
Start the Fried Rice
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked rice and stir gently to warm through.
Add the Eggs
- Pour the whisked eggs into the pan. Stir continuously until the eggs are fully cooked and evenly mixed with the rice.
Add the Vegetables
- Stir in the cooked carrots and chopped zucchini. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the zucchini is tender.
Finish & Serve
- Add soy sauce and stir well to combine. Serve warm and enjoy!
For the best restaurant-style Garden Fried Rice, use cold day-old rice straight from the refrigerator — chilled rice fries better, stays fluffy, and gives your homemade vegetable fried rice the perfect texture without becoming soggy.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it stays fluffy and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- For the best homemade vegetable fried rice, cook the rice ahead of time and chill it before stir-frying.
- This easy Garden Fried Rice recipe is perfect for using leftover rice and extra vegetables from the fridge.
- Add peas, mushrooms, corn, or green onions for even more flavor, texture, and color.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want a lighter, less salty fried rice recipe.
- Cook the eggs directly in the pan with the rice for classic restaurant-style egg fried rice texture.
- Zucchini cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking to keep the vegetables tender and fresh.
- This quick vegetarian fried rice can easily be turned into a complete meal by adding chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- A large skillet or wok works best for achieving evenly cooked fried rice with great texture.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with sesame oil or top with sliced green onions before serving.
- This family-friendly fried rice recipe is great for busy weeknight dinners, meal prep, and easy lunches.
- Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat fried rice in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture and flavor.
- This budget-friendly rice recipe uses simple pantry ingredients while still delivering comforting flavor.
- Garden Fried Rice makes an easy meatless dinner recipe that is filling, colorful, and satisfying.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!