Chili Lime Vegetable Fried Rice (Printable)
Zesty chili-lime fried rice with crisp vegetables, scallions, and sesame, ready in 30 minutes for an easy vegetarian main.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Rice
01 - 3 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice, chilled
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup carrots, diced
03 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 cup snap peas, sliced
05 - 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
06 - 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
→ Sauce & Flavorings
07 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
09 - 1 teaspoon lime zest
10 - 1 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce or Sriracha
11 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
12 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
→ Aromatics
13 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
→ Optional Additions
15 - 2 eggs, lightly beaten
16 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
# How-To Steps:
01 - Prepare all vegetables and aromatics before beginning the cooking process.
02 - Warm vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
03 - Add minced garlic and grated ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic.
04 - Introduce diced carrots and red bell pepper to the pan; cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
05 - Stir in sliced snap peas and thawed corn; stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
06 - If including eggs, push vegetables to one side, add eggs to the pan, and scramble gently until just set.
07 - Add chilled cooked rice, breaking up clumps, and toss thoroughly to incorporate with vegetables.
08 - Pour in soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, chili-garlic sauce, and toasted sesame oil. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and flavor is evenly distributed.
09 - Fold in sliced scallions (reserve some for garnish) and chopped cilantro if using. Adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, lime juice, or chili to taste.
10 - Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions and lime wedges as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The fresh lime and chili combination wakes up leftovers and makes veggies taste new again.
- It’s endlessly adaptable: perfect for clearing out your produce drawer or making the most of what’s in season.
02 -
- If your rice is even a bit warm or freshly cooked, it might clump and turn mushy when stir-fried.
- Adding the sesame oil off the heat preserves its lovely roasted flavor.
03 -
- Never underestimate how much flavor lime zest adds, but add it gently to avoid overpowering the dish.
- The little trick of adding half your scallions at the end keeps them bright and punchy, lifting every forkful.