Taiwanese veg Fried Rice

Taiwanese Veg Fried Rice Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Taiwan

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Taiwanese veg fried rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This dish is packed with vegetables and seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, giving it a unique and bold flavor.

History

Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian countries, including Taiwan. It is believed to have originated in China over 1,000 years ago as a way to use up leftover rice and other ingredients. Over time, different regions have developed their own variations of fried rice, including the Taiwanese version which often includes a mix of vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients

10 medium-sized mushrooms, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1.5 thumb-sized pieces of ginger, finely chopped
3 spicy red chili peppers, cut into thin strips
4 servings of rice (approximately the size of a breakfast bowl)
4 tbsp of soy sauce
1 handful of coriander, or as needed
oil for stir-frying, as needed

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a wok until it is hot, then add the mushrooms and bell pepper slices.
Cook until they are just done. Next, add the garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, and turn the heat down to medium. Stir in the rice and other ingredients in the wok well. Add the soy sauce and continue stirring.
When everything is well mixed, garnish with coriander and serve.

Variations

Add protein such as tofu, chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for variety.
Experiment with different seasonings such as oyster sauce or sesame oil for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use day-old rice for the best texture and flavor.

- Cut all the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.

- Stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to retain the crunchiness of the vegetables.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Taiwanese veg fried rice hot as a main dish or as a side dish with other Asian-inspired dishes such as stir-fried vegetables or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the key technique for this recipe, as it allows the ingredients to cook quickly and retain their crunchiness. Make sure to keep the heat high and stir constantly to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the mushrooms with any other vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and rice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This dish is best served fresh, so it is recommended to stir-fry it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Taiwanese veg fried rice with extra coriander leaves or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables. For a complete meal, serve it with a bowl of miso soup or a side of steamed dumplings.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the rice in a hot wok with a little oil until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g per serving

Fats

Fats: Approximately 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: Approximately 6g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the bell peppers and mushrooms, and vitamin K from the coriander.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. It is also important to check for any allergies to mushrooms or other ingredients.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Taiwanese veg fried rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with vegetables and seasoned with bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Taiwanese Veg Fried Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished browsing through a local farmer's market in Taipei. The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables caught my eye, and I couldn't resist purchasing a bundle of crisp green beans, a handful of plump cherry tomatoes, and a fragrant bunch of cilantro.

As I made my way back home, the aroma of the market's spices lingered in the air, inspiring me to experiment with new flavors in my kitchen. I decided to combine the fresh ingredients I had purchased with some leftover rice and create a delicious stir-fry dish. Little did I know that this impromptu cooking session would lead me to discover one of my favorite recipes of all time.

I started by heating a wok on my stove and adding a generous amount of oil. Once the oil was hot, I tossed in some minced garlic and ginger, allowing their fragrant aroma to fill the kitchen. Next, I added the green beans and cherry tomatoes, letting them sizzle and caramelize in the pan.

As the vegetables cooked, I remembered the countless hours I had spent in the kitchens of my mother and grandmother, watching them prepare traditional Taiwanese dishes with skill and precision. Their recipes had been passed down through generations, each dish telling a story of family, love, and tradition.

I added a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar to the vegetables, creating a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. Finally, I tossed in the leftover rice, stirring it carefully to ensure each grain was coated in the delicious sauce.

As the dish came together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. The colors of the vegetables popped against the white rice, creating a beautiful and appetizing presentation. I garnished the dish with a handful of fresh cilantro, adding a burst of freshness and herbaceousness to the final product.

I served myself a generous portion of the Taiwanese veg fried rice and took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami. The freshness of the vegetables paired perfectly with the richness of the rice, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting.

As I savored each bite, memories flooded back to me of all the moments I had spent in the kitchen, learning from the women who had come before me. I remembered the laughter, the stories, and the shared meals that had brought us together and shaped my love for cooking.

I knew that this recipe for Taiwanese veg fried rice would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that would not only satisfy my hunger but also nourish my soul. It was a reminder of the rich culinary heritage that I carried with me, a connection to my roots and a tribute to the women who had taught me everything I knew about cooking.

And so, as I finished my meal with a satisfied smile on my face, I made a promise to myself to continue exploring new flavors, experimenting with ingredients, and sharing my love for food with those around me. For in every dish I cooked, I carried the stories and traditions of my family, keeping them alive for generations to come.