Szechuan Style Vegetarian Fried Rice Recipe
Szechuan Style Vegetarian Fried Rice is a fiery and flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine straight to your table. A true staple of Sichuan’s culinary repertoire, this dish combines aromatic vegetables with the distinctive zing of Sichuan chili oil and the bold, spicy kick of Sichuan chili sauce. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish will surely satisfy your cravings for something spicy, savory, and comforting. The combination of crisp vegetables, rice, and spices encapsulates the essence of the Sichuan region in every bite.
Cuisine: Sichuan
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (boiled) | 1 cup |
| Green beans (French Beans), finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Carrot (Gajjar), finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Dry Red Chilli, sliced | 2 |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 2 cloves |
| Ginger, finely chopped | 1 inch piece |
| Red Chilli Sauce (or Birds Eye Chili Sauce) | 2 teaspoons |
| Soy Sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper Powder | to taste |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice:
Begin by boiling the rice in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water. Cook it for 3 whistles, depending on the variety of rice you’re using. Once the pressure has been released, set the rice aside and allow it to cool completely. Using day-old rice helps the texture of the fried rice, so feel free to make the rice ahead of time. -
-
Chop and Prepare Vegetables:
While the rice is cooling, finely chop the green beans (French beans), carrot, and green bell pepper (capsicum). Set aside the vegetables. -
Cook the Aromatics:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic, sautéing them until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Then add the sliced dry red chilies and sauté them until they become crispy and aromatic, releasing their heat. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the chopped vegetables—green beans, carrot, and green bell pepper—to the pan. Stir-fry them for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked but still crisp-tender. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will enhance the dish’s visual appeal. -
Add the Sauces:
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the red chili sauce (or Birds Eye Chili sauce) and soy sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the sauces to coat the vegetables, infusing them with rich, spicy flavors. -
Mix in the Rice:
Add the cooled, boiled rice to the pan with the vegetables. Gently toss the rice to mix it with the vegetables and sauces. Make sure the rice is evenly coated with the spicy sauce mixture. This will ensure that every grain of rice is full of flavor. -
Season and Adjust:
Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and black pepper powder according to your preference. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add a little more chili sauce. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Szechuan Vegetable Fried Rice hot as a stand-alone dish or paired with your favorite sides or main course. This dish makes an excellent lunch or dinner, and the vibrant, spicy flavors will surely transport you to the heart of Sichuan.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Potassium | 300mg |
Cooking Tips:
- Day-Old Rice: Using day-old rice works best for fried rice as it is drier and less sticky, making it easier to toss and fry.
- Adjust the Spice: You can control the level of spice by adjusting the amount of red chili sauce and dry red chilies you use. For a milder version, use less chili sauce.
- Add Protein: If you’d like to add some protein to your fried rice, feel free to incorporate tofu or scrambled eggs.
- Fresh Vegetables: If you can, use fresh vegetables to get the best texture and flavor. You can also add additional vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or corn for variety.
Enjoy this fiery and flavorful Szechuan Vegetarian Fried Rice as a quick and satisfying meal. With its bold spices, vibrant vegetables, and deliciously addictive flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation!
