Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Rice

Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and flavorful Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Rice, a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. Packed with tender-crisp veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots, this dish is elevated by juicy pineapple chunks and a homemade sweet-and-sour sauce featuring pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of brown sugar. Ready in just 35 minutes, this stir-fry-style recipe is quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, whether you prefer white or brown rice. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a finishing touch, it’s a gluten-free-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as bold in color as it is in taste. Ideal for vegans and vegetarians, this dish makes a wholesome, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
• 0.5 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 green onions (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the rice ahead of time according to package instructions if not already cooked. Set aside.

Step 2

Wash and chop the vegetables: dice the bell peppers, slice the carrot into thin matchsticks, and trim the snap peas.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, light brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, and water until smooth. This is your sweet and sour sauce.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the vegetable oil.

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 7

Stir in the pineapple chunks and pour the sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly.

Step 8

Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well, ensuring the rice is fully coated with the sauce and combined with the vegetables.

Step 9

Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to heat the rice through.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a pinch of sugar for sweetness.

Step 11

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1711.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1576.6

Total Fat 30.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1754.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 298.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.3g	0%
Total Sugars 86.3g
Protein 29.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 315.2mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 1704.6mg	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: 17.5%

Protein: 7.4%

Carbs: 75.1%