Easy Vegetable Rice Lunches That Save Time & Money
Vegetable rice dishes are quick, affordable, and highly adaptable. With cooked rice, everyday vegetables, and simple seasonings, you can create multiple lunch options without extra effort. These recipes are ideal for busy weekdays and leftover rice.
1. Classic Vegetable Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice – 2 cups
- Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas) – 1 cup
- Garlic – 2 cloves, finely chopped
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce – 1½ tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
Method:
Heat oil, sauté garlic. Add vegetables and stir-fry. Add rice and soy sauce; toss on high heat.
2. Garlic Butter Vegetable Rice
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice – 2 cups
- Mixed vegetables – 1 cup
- Butter – 1½ tablespoons
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Method:
Melt butter, sauté garlic and vegetables. Add rice, season, and toss well.
3. Mexican-Style Veg Rice
Ingredients:
- Uncooked rice – 1 cup
- Vegetable broth – 1¾ cups
- Corn – ½ cup
- Cooked beans – ½ cup
- Chopped tomatoes – ½ cup
- Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
Method:
Cook rice in vegetable broth. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until rice is done.
4. Coconut Vegetable Rice
Ingredients:
- Uncooked rice – 1 cup
- Coconut milk – 1 cup
- Water – ¾ cup
- Mixed vegetables – 1 cup
- Salt – to taste
Method:
Cook rice with coconut milk and water. Add vegetables, salt, fluff, and serve.
5. Veggie Tomato Rice
Ingredients:
- Uncooked rice – 1 cup
- Tomato purée – 1 cup
- Mixed vegetables – 1 cup
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Paprika or red chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
Method:
Cook rice with tomato purée, vegetables, oil, and spices until fluffy and aromatic.
6. Asian-Style Veg Rice
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice – 2 cups
- Mixed vegetables – 1 cup
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Rice vinegar – 1 teaspoon
Method:
Stir-fry vegetables in sesame oil. Add rice, soy sauce, and vinegar. Toss briefly.
7. Spinach Vegetable Rice
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice – 2 cups
- Mixed vegetables – 1 cup
- Spinach (chopped) – 1 cup
- Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Method:
Sauté vegetables, add spinach until wilted. Fold in rice and season.
