Schezwan Fried Rice Recipe – Easy Vegetable & Basmati Rice Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Schezwan Fried Rice Recipe – Easy Vegetable & Basmati Rice Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a quick, flavorful meal that hits all the right spots. And honestly, nothing beats a good plate of Schezwan Fried Rice. I first made this when I was craving something spicy and comforting, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s so easy to customize, and perfect for using up leftover veggies. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Schezwan Fried Rice is a winner for so many reasons. It’s fast – ready in under 30 minutes! It’s packed with flavor thanks to the Schezwan sauce and a medley of fresh vegetables. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, making it a budget-friendly option. Honestly, who doesn’t love a delicious meal that doesn’t take all day to prepare?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Schezwan Fried Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 3.5 cups water
• ?? teaspoon salt (about 1 tsp)
• ?? teaspoon oil (about 1 tsp)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• ?? teaspoon garlic (about 2-3 cloves, minced)
• ?? cup french beans, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• ?? – ?? cup carrots, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
• ?? cup cabbage, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• ?? cup capsicum (green bell pepper), finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
• ?? cup spring onion whites, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 teaspoon celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Schezwan sauce
• ?? teaspoon black pepper (about 1/2 tsp)
• ?? teaspoon rice vinegar (about 1 tsp)
• 1-2 tablespoons spring onion greens, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Basmati Rice: Choosing the Right Grain

Basmati rice is key here. It’s long-grained, fluffy, and doesn’t get mushy easily. Look for aged basmati – it tends to be more flavorful and less prone to sticking.

Schezwan Sauce: Regional Variations & Spice Levels

Schezwan sauce is the heart of this dish! You can find it in most Indian grocery stores. Spice levels vary a lot between brands, so start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste. I personally love the Everest brand, but feel free to experiment!

Vegetable Options: Customizing Your Fried Rice

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the veggies! Broccoli, peas, and even cauliflower work beautifully. I sometimes add a handful of baby corn for extra crunch.

Oils: Selecting the Best Oil for Stir-Frying

For stir-frying, you want an oil with a high smoke point. Refined vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices. I usually use refined vegetable oil as it’s readily available.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Rice Prep: First, rinse your basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent stickiness. Then, soak it in water for 20-30 minutes. This makes the rice even fluffier. Drain well after soaking.
2. Cooking the Rice: In a pot, bring 3.5 cups of water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the drained rice, give it a stir, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the rice is al dente – slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the rice immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Spread it out on a plate to cool completely.
3. Veggie Chop: While the rice is cooling, let’s prep the veggies. Finely chop your french beans, carrots, cabbage, capsicum, mushrooms, spring onion whites, and celery. Everything should be bite-sized for easy stir-frying.
4. Stir-Fry Time: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add about 2-3 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for just a few seconds until fragrant – don’t let it burn! Now, add all your chopped vegetables and stir-fry on high heat until they’re lightly browned and slightly tender-crisp.
5. Sauce It Up: Add 2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce to the vegetables and stir-fry until everything is nicely coated. The aroma at this point is amazing.
6. Rice Integration: Gently fold in the cooked rice, making sure not to break the grains. This is where a good wok or large pan really comes in handy.
7. Seasoning & Finish: Season with salt (to taste – remember the sauce is already salty!), about 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
8. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with 1-2 tablespoons of chopped spring onion greens and serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Cold Rice is Key: Using cold, cooked rice is crucial for preventing mushy fried rice.
• High Heat is Your Friend: Stir-frying requires high heat to get that slightly charred, smoky flavor.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the vegetables get properly browned.

Variations

• Vegan Schezwan Fried Rice: This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check that your Schezwan sauce doesn’t contain any fish sauce or other animal products.
• Gluten-Free Schezwan Fried Rice: Most Schezwan sauces contain wheat. Look for a gluten-free Schezwan sauce or make your own!
• Spice Level Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 tablespoon of Schezwan sauce and add more gradually. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the heat.
• Festival Adaptations (e.g., Chinese New Year): This is a popular dish to serve during Chinese New Year, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. You can add shrimp or chicken for a more festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Schezwan Fried Rice is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Manchurian (vegetable, chicken, or paneer)
• Spring Rolls
• A simple cucumber and tomato salad

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh, though!

FAQs

What type of rice works best for fried rice?

Basmati rice is the gold standard! Its long grains and fluffy texture hold up beautifully during stir-frying.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to stir-fry everything fresh for the best flavor and texture.

How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Start with less Schezwan sauce and add more to taste. A pinch of sugar can also help balance the heat.

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Feel free to experiment! Broccoli, peas, baby corn, and cauliflower are all great additions.

Is Schezwan sauce naturally vegan/gluten-free?

Unfortunately, no. Most Schezwan sauces contain wheat and may also contain fish sauce. Look for vegan and gluten-free alternatives.

Enjoy your homemade Schezwan Fried Rice! I hope this recipe brings a little spice and joy to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!