Denise's Saffron Vegetable Fried Rice

Infused with the warm, golden hues of saffron and bursting with colorful, crisp vegetables, Denise's Saffron Vegetable Fried Rice is a vibrant and aromatic twist on a classic dish. This easy-to-make recipe features fragrant basmati rice simmered with delicate saffron threads, then stir-fried with a medley of fresh carrots, bell peppers, peas, and punchy ginger-garlic aromatics. Soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil lend a savory depth, while green onions add a fresh, peppery finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning vegetarian side dish. Enjoy a restaurant-quality fried rice that’s as bold in flavor as it is in color!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3.5 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 cups frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 3.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice and saffron threads, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and absorbs the liquid. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool slightly.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the diced carrot and red bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.

Step 6

Add the frozen peas, minced garlic, and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the cooled saffron rice to the skillet, spreading it evenly over the surface.

Step 8

Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Step 9

Use a spatula to gently mix the rice and vegetables, stirring continuously to combine and heat through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1771.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1063.9

Total Fat 42.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 22.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2993.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 146.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.6g	0%
Total Sugars 19.3g
Protein 27.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 223.8mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 1256.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.7%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 54.2%