🇮🇳 Vegetable Fried Rice

Indian Vegetable Fried Rice is a vibrant, stir-fried rice dish made with fragrant basmati or jasmine rice, colorful vegetables, and a bold blend of Indian spices. Unlike traditional Asian fried rice, this version is infused with cumin, garlic, chili, and warming masalas for a uniquely desi twist. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and pairs beautifully with yogurt, curries, or grilled proteins. Our version uses Usha’s Curry Starter and Keema Masala Powder for a shortcut to rich, layered flavor—no chopping or guesswork required.

What Makes It Indian?

Unlike Chinese-style fried rice that uses soy sauce and sesame oil, Indian Vegetable Fried Rice builds flavor from:

• Whole spices like cumin seeds or mustard seeds
• Aromatics like garlic, onions, and green chilies
• Spice powders like turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, or curry powder
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint
• Sometimes a tadka (tempered spice oil) is used at the beginning

🥕 Typical Ingredients

• Cooked rice (Basmati is common but I like Jasmine)
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, beans)
• Onion, garlic, green chilies
• Ground spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, sometimes chaat masala or pav bhaji masala)
• Ghee or oil for stir-frying
• Cilantro and lemon juice for garnish

🔥 Variations

• Paneer Fried Rice – adds Indian cheese cubes
• Tandoori Fried Rice – includes marinated/grilled veggies or protein
• Spicy Schezwan Fried Rice – Indo-Chinese fusion with fiery chili garlic sauce
• Curry Fried Rice – like your recipe! Using a curry base instead of raw spices

Print Recipe

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Curry Starter

🇮🇳 Vegetable Fried Rice

Cooking Method: Stovetop Cuisine: Indian Courses: Lunch, Main Course, Sides Recipe Keys: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 4

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This isn’t your average vegetable fried rice. With just 8 oz of Usha’s Curry Starter and a little Keema Masala Powder by Usha's Kitchen, you’ll transform humble veggies and leftover rice into an aromatic, crave-worthy meal that comes together in one wok. The Curry Starter infuses the dish with rich, layered spices—without being overly hot—making it perfect for families, spice-sensitive eaters, or anyone craving a quick and comforting global twist. Serve it solo or as a side with your favorite curry, grilled protein, or a dollop of plain yogurt.

Ingredients purchased from Usha's Kitchen or make your own

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Servings

• 8 oz Curry Starter (by Usha's Kitchen)

• 1.5 tsp Keema Masala Powder (by Usha's Kitchen)

Fresh Ingredients

• 1 Serrano Chili Pepper (optional)

• ¹⁄₄ cup raw peanuts ((optional))
• 10 oz frozen green beans ((boiled until soft and drained))
• 4 cups Jasmine Rice ((cooked and preferably cold or day-old))
• ¹⁄₄ tsp Salt ((adjust to taste))
• Chopped green onions or cilantro ((garnish))
• Lime or Lemon Wedges ((garnish))

Instructions

1. Heat 8 oz of Usha’s Curry Starter in a large wok or skillet

2. Add Peanuts and Serrano chili if you like it spicy (remove the Serrano after 3 minutes of cooking)

3. Continue to stir-fry nuts until golden

4. Add the Keema Powder 

5. Stir-fry 1 minute 

6. Add Vegetables 

7. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes 

8. Add a squeeze of lemon (optional) and add the salt

    

9. Add the cooked rice and break up any clumps. Stir-fry until everything is well combined and the rice is heated through (about 3–4 minutes).
10. Adjust salt if needed.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.
12. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
13. Add the boiled and drained Veggies (I like the carrots, peas, corn, and green beans combination found in the freezer section of your local grocery store).

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 937.01kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13.86g22%

Saturated Fat 1.89g10%

Sodium 188.7mg8%

Potassium 1084.37mg31%

Total Carbohydrate 187.06g63%

Dietary Fiber 35.39g142%

Sugars 3.84g

Protein 24.99g50%

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Vitamin A 20.61 IU

Vitamin C 10.5 mg

Calcium 392.59 mg

Iron 19.88 mg

Vitamin E 15.55 IU

Vitamin K 88.7 mcg

Thiamin 1.29 mg

Riboflavin 0.28 mg

Niacin 11.09 mg

Vitamin B6 0.43 mg

Folate 79.68 mcg

Phosphorus 479.24 mg

Magnesium 223.05 mg

Zinc 5.17 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

• Use a wide pan or wok to prevent steaming
• Stir constantly to evenly coat rice in spices
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if doubling

Keywords: Vegetable Fried Rice, Curry Fried Rice, Usha’s Curry Starter Recipe, Easy Fried Rice, Indian-Inspired Fried Rice, Mild Curry Rice, One-Pot Vegetarian Dinner, Fried Rice with Curry Flavor

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