Chinese rice with vegetables

Chinese Vegetable Rice – a quick and delicious recipe

When we think of Chinese food, rich flavors, vibrant colors, and a variety of textures often come to mind. Chinese vegetable rice is a perfect choice for a quick lunch or dinner, offering an ideal balance between health and flavor. Additionally, this recipe is extremely versatile, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Necessary ingredients:

For the vegetables:
- ½ zucchini, diced
- 1 small carrot, diced
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 handful of sliced champignon mushrooms
- 2 Chinese aromatic mushrooms, sliced (rehydrated beforehand)
- 1 black Chinese mushroom, sliced (rehydrated beforehand)

For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- Salt, to taste
- A pinch of ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon five-spice mix (an aromatic blend usually including cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and pepper)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (preferably from Knorr)

Step by step to success:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Wash and dice the vegetables into medium-sized cubes for even cooking. It’s important for the vegetables to be similar in size for uniform cooking. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand and feel free to experiment!

2. Heating the wok: In a wok (or a deep skillet), add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Olive oil adds a pleasant and healthy flavor to the dish.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: Once the oil is hot, add all the prepared vegetables. Stir constantly to prevent sticking to the bottom of the wok. Let the vegetables sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crunchy.

4. Adding the spices: Once the vegetables are cooked al dente, it’s time to add the seasoning. Sprinkle salt to taste, ginger powder, and the five-spice mix. These flavors will give the dish an authentic and juicy taste.

5. The delicious sauce: Pour the soy sauce and sweet chili sauce over the vegetables, then add 150 ml of water. If you have rehydrated the mushrooms, use the water you soaked them in. This will add extra flavor to the dish. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

6. Thickening the sauce: To achieve a thicker consistency, add the cornstarch directly into the sauce. Stir quickly to avoid lumps forming. If necessary, adjust the seasonings to achieve the desired taste.

7. Serving the dish: Chinese vegetable rice is served hot, alongside fragrant Thai rice or any other preferred type of rice. This is a perfect combination that will make every bite full of flavor.

My personal tip is to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of the dish before serving for an extra crunch and an attractive visual appeal.

Nutritional information:
This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Zucchini and carrots are excellent sources of fiber, while mushrooms provide a significant amount of antioxidants. Depending on the amount of soy sauce used, this dish may contain sodium, so adjust the salt quantity accordingly.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables? Absolutely! This recipe is extremely versatile, so feel free to experiment with the vegetables you have in your fridge.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Yes! All ingredients are vegan, and the dish is perfect for a plant-based diet.
- How can I store leftovers? Chinese vegetable rice keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet to restore its texture.

Possible variations:
You can add tofu or tempeh for an extra protein boost. Also, add peanuts or pistachios for a crunchy taste. Another interesting idea is to add fresh pineapple for a sweet and savory contrast.

This Chinese vegetable rice recipe is not only simple and quick but also a wonderful way to enjoy fresh and healthy vegetables. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as a side, it is sure to be appreciated by the whole family. So, don’t wait any longer, prepare your ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal in just 15 minutes!