Indian Fried Rice

Indian Fried Rice is a easy Indian recipe that serves 3. 227 calories per serving. Recipe by Pankaj Sharma on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 39 min

Cost: $2.12 total, $0.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g Cooked rice (preferably leftover rice) (Long-grain rice, cooled)
  • 50 g Cauliflower (Small florets)
  • 1 pièce moyenne Carrot (Julienned)
  • 1/4 tête White cabbage (Sliced into strips)
  • 1/2 pièce Onion (Thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 pièce Tomato (Diced)
  • 1 cuillère à café Tomato paste (Dilute with a little water)
  • 1 cuillère à soupe Water (for diluting the paste)
  • 1/2 cuillère à café Ground cumin
  • 1 cuillère à café Cumin seeds (For tempering)
  • 1 cuillère à café Curry powder
  • 1/2 cuillère à café Salt (or to taste)
  • 2 cuillères à soupe Vegetable oil (Preferably sunflower or canola oil)
  • 2 cuillères à soupe Fresh coriander (Coarsely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables and rice

    Slice the cabbage into strips, cauliflower into small florets, carrot into julienne, onion into dice, tomato into dice and chop the coriander. Set the cooked rice aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat the oil

    Pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil into the pan and heat over medium‑high heat.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: feu moyen‑vif

  3. Temper the cumin seeds

    Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: feu moyen‑vif

  4. Sauté the onion

    Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: feu moyen

  5. Stir‑fry the hard vegetables

    Add the carrots, cauliflower and cabbage. Stir‑fry over high heat for 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: feu vif

  6. Season with spices

    Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon curry, add 1 tablespoon water and salt. Mix, cover and cook for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: feu moyen

  7. Add the tomato paste and tomato

    Stir in the diluted tomato paste and fresh diced tomato. Mix for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: feu moyen

  8. Mix the rice

    Add the cooked rice and coat it well with the spices and vegetables. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: feu moyen

  9. Final cooking on low heat

    Cover the pan, reduce heat to low and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: feu doux

  10. Garnish and serve

    Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
227
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: vegetarian, vegan, low-calorie, low-fat

Allergens: vegetable oil (possible soy)

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Instead of Cooked rice (preferably leftover rice): Quinoa, Bulgur
  • Instead of Cauliflower: Broccoli
  • Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
  • Instead of White cabbage: Chinese cabbage (bok choy)
  • Instead of Onion: Shallot
  • Instead of Tomato: Canned tomato
  • Instead of Tomato paste: Tomato purée
  • Instead of Vegetable oil: Peanut oil, Coconut oil
  • Instead of Fresh coriander: Flat-leaf parsley

Equipment Needed

  • Large pan (or wok)
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring bowl (optional)
  • Small ladle (optional) (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

  • Temper the cumin seeds without burning them (step 3).
  • Final cooking on low heat to prevent the rice from becoming mushy (step 9).

Chef Tips from the Video

  • Leftover rice gives the best results because it is drier.
  • For more heat, add a pinch of red chili powder or finely sliced fresh chilies.
  • Serve with plain yogurt or raita to balance the spices.

Troubleshooting

The rice becomes sticky and mushy.

Use cooked and cooled rice, and add the rice over medium‑high heat to brown it quickly.

The vegetables are too soft.

Cook the vegetables over high heat and do not exceed the indicated time; keep cooking short to retain crunch.

The dish lacks flavor.

Adjust the salt, add a bit more cumin or curry, and finish with a splash of lime juice.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.

Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month, reheat in a pan with a drizzle of oil.

Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Cook the rice the day before and refrigerate for ideal texture.
  • Vegetables can be pre‑cut and stored in a bowl of cold water.

Last updated: September 6, 2026

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Indian Fried Rice

Recipe by Pankaj Sharma

A flavorful fried rice with Indian spices, featuring crunchy vegetables, cumin, curry, and fresh coriander. Ideal for a quick vegetarian dinner.

EasyIndianServes 3

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Source Video
3m
Prep
18m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.12
Total cost
$0.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Temper the cumin seeds without burning them (step 3).
  • • Final cooking on low heat to prevent the rice from becoming mushy (step 9).

Safety Warnings

  • • Very hot oil can splatter: keep your face away.
  • • Handle knives carefully when chopping vegetables.