5-Ingredient Veggie Fried Rice (Family-Style)

This is a fridge-clearing, family-style dinner that comes together in one pan and lets everyone build their own bowl from the same base.

Ingredients (serves 4)

  • 2 cups cooked, cooled rice (day-old rice works best)
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrot), or fresh, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari, plus extra to serve on the side
  • 1 tbsp sesame or vegetable oil
  • Optional bowl toppings: shredded cheese, extra fried egg, chopped cucumber, sliced avocado

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set, then push to one side of the pan.
  2. Add the vegetables and rice, breaking up any clumps, and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until heated through.
  3. Stir the egg back through, then add the soy sauce and toss to combine.
  4. Serve the fried rice base in the middle of the table with the optional toppings on the side, so everyone can build their own bowl.

Why family-style matters here: serving the base plain, with the extras on the side rather than mixed in, means a child who wants "just rice and egg" can have exactly that, while everyone else builds something different from the same pot.

Make it your own: this recipe is really a formula, swap the vegetables for whatever's in the crisper drawer, and the protein for whatever your family already eats. It's a good one to make on repeat without it ever feeling repetitive.

Looking for more meals like this? Our free Family-Style Recipe Ebook has 10 more simple, adaptable recipes.