“Fried rice” and “healthy” don’t typically make it into the same sentence, but if you’re looking for a healthier version of the Chinese food staple, you’ve come to the right place. Instead of the typical vegetable oil that’s used in Asian restaurants, which can be inflammatory, this healthy fried rice recipe uses unrefined coconut oil. Coconut oil supports metabolism, immunity, and brain health, plus it’s an anti-inflammatory. (Here’s 10 Things You’re Not Doing with Coconut Oil, But Should.)
Then, instead of cooking refined white rice, this version uses brown (though black is even better if you have it), which has added protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. All that doesn’t even include the fact that this recipe is heavy on the vegetables, so you end up getting more fiber per serving than you would with a mostly rice dish. Translation: You’ll feel full faster, eat less rice, and be one step closer to filling your daily veggie quota. Oh, and did we mention this dish comes together fast, whether you make it as a side dish or your main meal? Yeah, go ahead and start cooking now.
Healthy Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
1/2 cup thinly sliced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups sliced cremini mushrooms
1 ½ cup chopped mixed vegetables (can use frozen pea and carrot mix)
¼ cup slivered almonds
3 cups pre-cooked long-grain brown or black rice
¼ tsp black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil; swirl. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry 1 minute. Add mushrooms, veggies, and almonds; stir-fry 3 minutes. Add rice; stir-fry 1-2 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper before serving.