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In recent years, there has been a notable shift in culinary trends, with vegetable-based dishes gaining immense popularity among food enthusiasts and home cooks alike. As more people become health-conscious, they are exploring creative ways to incorporate a variety of vegetables into their meals. This growing appetite for nutritious and flavorful dishes has paved the way for innovative recipes that don’t compromise on taste. One such dish is Zesty Zucchini Fried Rice—a vibrant and nourishing option that showcases the versatility of zucchini while delivering a satisfying and delicious experience.

Zucchini Fried Rice

Discover the vibrant flavors of Zesty Zucchini Fried Rice, a delicious, vegetable-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish showcases the versatility of zucchini and features aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger, along with nutritious additions such as bell peppers and peas. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it's a satisfying choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Enjoy a healthy twist on comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is tasty!

Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, grated

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for better texture)

1 cup mixed bell peppers, diced (use a combination of red, yellow, and green for color)

1 cup peas (fresh or frozen are both acceptable)

3 green onions, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 egg (for a non-vegan version)

Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis with a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a soggy fried rice texture.

    Scramble the Egg (Optional): If you are including an egg, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, crack the egg into the hot skillet, and scramble until just set. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate, setting aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, pour in the remaining olive oil and sesame oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously until the mixture is aromatic but not browned.

        Add Zucchini and Peppers: Incorporate the grated zucchini and diced bell peppers into the skillet. Stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender yet retains some bite. Avoid overcooking to keep the freshness vibrant.

          Mix in Rice and Peas: Add the cooked jasmine rice and peas to the skillet. Use a spatula to combine well, ensuring that the rice is heated through and the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout.

            Season the Rice: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, stirring to amalgamate all the ingredients thoroughly. Taste your dish and add salt and black pepper as needed. If you scrambled an egg earlier, fold it into the mixture at this point.

              Finishing Touch with Green Onions: Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the fried rice blend and give it a final stir. Allow everything to cook together for an additional minute until uniformly heated.

                Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and presentation. Serve your vibrant Zesty Zucchini Fried Rice hot and enjoy this delightful dish!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings