Easy Vegetarian Fried Rice with Eggs and Peas Recipe

Ever stare into your fridge at a motley crew of leftovers and wonder if they can become something truly delicious? This isn’t just a way to use up that lingering rice; it’s a fast, flavorful meal that might just become your new family favorite. This recipe for Vegetarian Fried Rice with Eggs & Peas is my absolute go-to when I need something satisfying on the table in a flash. It’s a complete, protein-packed supper that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This

This dish is the ultimate weeknight champion. It’s a no-fuss, one-pan wonder that comes together in about 20 minutes, making it the definition of easy weeknight dinners. But the best part? It’s incredibly forgiving and flexible. Don’t have peas? No problem. Want to add some crunch? Toss it in. It’s a fantastic base for all sorts of dinner ideas. Plus, with eggs as the main protein, it falls squarely into the category of cheap dinners for a family that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. So good.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable), divided: For cooking the eggs and frying the rice without smoking.
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Our star protein, adding richness and heartiness.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion: The aromatic base that builds foundational flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential punch of savory goodness.
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Adds a bright, zesty kick that wakes up the whole dish.
• 4 cups cooked and cooled white or brown rice (day-old is best!): The key to perfect, non-mushy fried rice.
• 3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed: For little bursts of sweet, vibrant green.
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Drizzled at the end for a deep, nutty aroma.
• 2 thinly sliced green onions: For a fresh, crisp garnish.

Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step

1. First, grab your largest skillet or wok and place it over medium-high heat. Let it get properly hot—this is crucial for that classic fried rice texture.
2. Add one tablespoon of the neutral oil and swirl it around the pan. Pour in your beaten eggs and let them set for about 30 seconds before scrambling them with your spatula. Cook until they’re just set but still soft, then quickly scoot them onto a clean plate. We’ll come back to them!
3. In the same pan, add the remaining two tablespoons of oil. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to turn translucent. Now, add the garlic and ginger and cook for just one more minute until incredibly fragrant. Don’t let the garlic brown!
4. Time for the rice! Crumble it into the pan with your hands to break up any clumps. Toss it with the onion mixture and then let it sit undisturbed for a minute to get a little crispy on the bottom. This is a pro move for great texture.
5. Give the rice a good stir again. Now, add the thawed peas and the cooked eggs back into the pan. Drizzle the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil all over everything.
6. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is piping hot and beautifully combined. Taste it. Does it need a touch more soy sauce? Go for it! You’re the chef.
7. Take the pan off the heat and immediately garnish with those lovely green onions. Serve it up right away while it’s hot and perfect.

Vegetarian Fried Rice Cooking Techniques

Getting that authentic fried rice taste and texture is all about a few simple techniques. First, use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice steams in the pan and turns mushy, while cold rice fries up with individual, distinct grains. Second, make sure your pan is seriously hot before you add anything. This sears the ingredients quickly instead of steaming them. And third, don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in two batches to make sure every grain of rice gets its moment of glory on the hot surface. Honestly, this makes all the difference between good fried rice and great fried rice.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. It’s a perfect canvas for cleaning out the veggie drawer. For more healthy dinner ideas, try adding a handful of shredded carrots with the onions, or toss in some finely chopped broccoli florets. If you’re not a pea person, sweet corn or edamame are fantastic swaps. For a different protein, crisp up some cubed tofu or add a can of drained chickpeas. And if you’re craving more substance, a can of drained and rinsed black beans works wonders. For a flavor twist, a splash of chili crisp or sriracha at the end will give it a wonderful, spicy kick.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This fried rice is a complete meal all on its own, making it one of the ultimate lazy dinners. But it also plays well with others! For a simple pairing, I love serving it with a side of crispy baked tofu or a quick cucumber salad dressed with a little rice vinegar and salt. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, it’s a terrific side dish for other dinner dishes like teriyaki-glazed roasted cauliflower or some simple veggie spring rolls. It’s so, so versatile.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers keep beautifully, making them a fantastic next-day lunch. Let the rice cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, the stovetop is your best bet for restoring that just-cooked texture. Just warm a little oil in a skillet over medium heat and stir-fry the leftovers until hot. You can also use the microwave—sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the rice in a bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second bursts, fluffing with a fork each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use freshly cooked rice? You can, but I don’t recommend it for the best results. Fresh rice has too much moisture and will steam and clump together in the pan, leading to a gummy texture. If you’re in a real pinch, spread your freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to cool it down quickly and evaporate some of that surface moisture.
• What other quick dinner ideas work with this recipe? This is a fantastic base for a quick meal! It’s easy to turn into a fun “breakfast for dinner” by topping it with a fried egg, or you can add different frozen vegetable blends to keep it simple. It’s one of those supper ideas that you can customize based on what you have.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use a certified gluten-free tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, this entire dish is completely gluten-free and still packed with flavor.