If you’re in the mood for an Asian-inspired fried rice dish but don’t have access to soy sauce, we have some great alternatives. These soy sauce substitutes will add the same umami flavor as regular soy sauce without the cost or hassle.
Be mindful that any substitution will affect the flavor, so for best results use one to two tablespoons of substitute for every teaspoon of soy sauce in your recipe.
Stir-Fry Vegetables with Soy Sauce
Stir-frying vegetables is an efficient, healthy, low-calorie meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Not only is it fast and simple to do, but the flavors are amazing as well!
It’s also an ideal way to utilize any leftover veggies in your fridge. Serve it over rice, noodles or even protein like chicken or beef!
Begin by rinsing and cutting all your vegetables into similar-sized pieces. Try to keep them as bite-size pieces so they don’t become soggy or mushy during preparation, which makes the dish much harder to consume.
Divide your vegetables into two piles – quick-cooking veggies like greens, bell peppers and scallions go in one pile; heartier veggies like broccoli, mushrooms and cauliflower go in the other. Doing this helps ensure that the heartier vegetables don’t overcook while you wait for the quick-cooking veggies to finish cooking.
Once the vegetables are separated into these two piles, stir fry them with some oil in a wok or skillet over high heat, but not so high that it burns them. Then add your sauce and stir until all vegetables are tender crisp!
Addition of soy sauce to vegetables is an ideal way to enhance their flavor and give it extra depth. Vegans can substitute vegetable broth or water for soy sauce, creating a vegan alternative.
Vegetable stir fries can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, though it’s best to make them fresh to maintain their nutritional value. Alternatively, they can also be frozen if desired.
When using fresh ingredients, flash blanch them briefly in boiling water for two to three minutes before rinsing them with ice water to stop cooking and remove moisture. This is a common technique used in restaurants which will preserve your vegetables’ nutrition.
Once your vegetables are done, add them to a skillet or wok with the sauce and stir until thoroughly coated in it. Be sure to stir frequently so the sauce doesn’t clump or burn, and add it at the end of cooking time in order to prevent overcooking your veggies.
Egg Fried Rice
Egg fried rice is an irresistibly flavorful and filling breakfast, brunch or dinner dish that’s great for the family. To make it extra substantial, add extra vegetables like carrot, onion or bell pepper for extra crunchiness.
This dish is a popular choice for children and those on a budget, as it requires minimal ingredients and preparation. The main components are rice, eggs and soy sauce – some versions being simple while others may include specific spices and aromatics.
For this dish, you’ll need long or medium grain white rice as they tend to separate during stir fry cooking. Furthermore, you’ll need garlic, green onions and soy sauce for flavoring the dish.
To prepare the dish, heat oil in a wok over high heat until it begins to smoke. Whisk in the eggs and scramble until they are light brown in color but still moist.
Once the eggs are done cooking, remove them from the pan and set aside. Next, add rice and quickly mix until evenly coated with egg mixture. If there are clumps present, push them apart using a spatula.
Once all the rice has been mixed together, add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if desired). Mix thoroughly before adding sesame oil and white pepper for seasoning.
Finally, add the green onions and stir until fully combined. This will guarantee that the rice has cooked through and been properly seasoned.
This dish is ideal for those on a diet or looking to shed some pounds, as it’s low in calories. Vegans can even make this vegan by substituting the eggs with smoked tofu or five-spice tofu.
Egg fried rice is an integral component of Chinese cuisine and can be enjoyed as either the main course or side dish. It pairs perfectly with soups and stews, making it a great choice for dinner parties as its presentation makes an impressive statement. Plus, egg fried rice takes only minutes to make so you can have it any time you please – day or night!
Fried Rice with Bell Peppers
Fried rice is not only an efficient use of leftovers, but it can also serve as a satisfying meal in and of itself. The key to creating an excellent fried rice recipe lies in using quality ingredients: protein and various veggies provide nutrients while keeping calories at a minimum.
This is especially true for a recipe like this one, which features colorful bell peppers and broccoli. Not only is the result healthy and delicious, but you’ll want to serve it up for lunch or dinner – the whole family will love it!
Make this quick and effortless fried rice recipe the star of any party! Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave to serve with Asian-inspired meals like chicken pad Thai or Kung Pao chicken.
Making delicious fried rice starts with high heat and adding just the right amount of sauces. Doing this ensures the grains remain grainy, non-sticky and tender without getting soggy in the middle.
Cooking over high heat isn’t the only key to creating a great fried rice; the right type of oil also plays an important role. Fat in the oil provides a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the rice’s taste.
You can use neutral-flavored oils such as vegetable or canola oil, but many Chinese chefs prefer lard for its more robust flavor. You could also combine oils like peanut and sesame to further enhance the dish’s aroma and texture.
Another essential ingredient that adds subtle aroma to the rice is garlic, while scallions (green onions) play an equally important role. Experiment with different amounts of both for maximum flavor!
This delicious fried rice recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and takes only 30 minutes to make! Perfect for busy weeknights, you can customize the dish by adding your favorite add-ons!
Ginger Garlic Fried Rice
Ginger garlic fried rice is an easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish that can be served as either a side or main course. The fresh ginger, garlic, and onions add extra flavor to this rice.
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and the ingredients can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Plus, it’s an ideal choice to ensure a nutritious meal for yourself and your family.
To start making this delicious rice, begin by cooking the ginger and garlic in oil until they are crisp and brown. Transfer them to paper towels and season lightly.
While the garlic and ginger are cooking, cook the leeks in the same oil for 10 minutes until tender and translucent. Finally, mix together rice and vegetables together, stir, season to taste with soy sauce and sesame oil, then serve immediately.
This flavorful fried rice is the ideal pick for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with nutrients like ginger and garlic, making it an ideal meal that you’ll look forward to eating every night.
This recipe offers an interesting alternative to traditional fried rice and can be enjoyed as is or topped off with vegetables. You could also experiment by adding different types of meat like chicken or shrimp for variety.
You can substitute the soy sauce with oyster sauce or Sriracha; both of these sauces have a spicy kick to them, so you’re sure to enjoy this recipe.
Add some spice to your diet with this vegan rice recipe featuring veggies and garlic ginger tofu! It’s a super-quick, healthy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
This fried rice contains ginger, an excellent source of vitamin C and iron that can help strengthen your immunity while decreasing inflammation.
No matter if you’re making it for yourself or your family, this ginger garlic fried rice will surely please everyone! The flavors of ginger, garlic, and onions will bring warmth from within out.
For an even simpler option, you can use a microwave-safe bowl to melt butter and cook the ginger and garlic in. This will save time while still ensuring your rice has plenty of seasoning.