Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick, colorful dinner that bursts with flavors and textures, the Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl is everything you’re looking for. This recipe brings together fluffy jasmine rice, crisp-tender veggies, your choice of protein, and a mouthwatering soy-oyster sauce blend. It’s speedy enough for busy weeknights yet vibrant and customizable for special occasions. Whether you’re craving comfort or something healthy and satisfying, this Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl is about to become a regular favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes are a handful of staple ingredients to create a bowlful of comfort that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Each component has a special role, adding a layer of flavor, a pop of color, or a satisfying texture that makes this dish so addictive.
- Jasmine rice: Lightly fragrant and fluffy, it’s the perfect bowl base and soaks up those delicious sauces.
- Sesame oil: Brings amazing nutty aroma and depth right from the first sizzle in the wok.
- Garlic: Classic and essential, garlic brings its unmistakable rich aroma and warmth.
- Ginger: Adds a gentle, sharp zing that brightens up each bite beautifully.
- Carrots: With their sweet crunch and cheerful color, carrots are a must for both texture and looks.
- Bell peppers: These bring a juicy bite and vivid color, making the bowl even more tempting.
- Bok choy: A leafy green that offers a mild flavor and delicate crunch; don’t skip it!
- Green onions: Fresh and zesty, they’re perfect for finishing the dish with a fresh edge.
- Cooked chicken or tofu (optional): Choose your favorite for protein; both work deliciously and make the bowl hearty.
- Soy sauce: Salty and rich, it’s the backbone of the dish’s savory character.
- Oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian): For glossy, umami goodness that ties everything together.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to balance out all those bold flavors.
- Chili garlic sauce (optional): For a kick of heat that wakes up your tastebuds (add as much or as little as you like).
- Sesame seeds: The sprinkle on top for subtle crunch and an elegant finish.
How to Make Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Begin your Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl journey by heating up the sesame oil in a big skillet or wok over medium heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This step is where all the flavor magic begins—your kitchen will smell incredible already!
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add your carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy straight into the fragrant oil. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to turn vibrant and slightly tender, but still keep some of their crunch. This is the texture that makes every forkful (or chopstick-ful!) exciting.
Step 3: Add Protein (if Using)
Mix in the cooked chicken or tofu at this point. If you’re keeping things vegetarian or vegan, tofu works perfectly and absorbs all the beautiful flavors from the pan. Give it a quick toss with the veggies to get everything mingling.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rice
Now, add your day-old jasmine rice to the pan. This is the trick for perfect fried rice texture—leftover rice won’t turn mushy. Stir everything together, breaking up any rice clumps so each grain soaks up those aromatic oils and veggie juices.
Step 5: Season and Finish the Bowl
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin), rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce if you fancy extra heat. Toss well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often. When everything’s steaming hot and glossy, remove from the heat. Finish with a generous sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds to bring your Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl to life.
How to Serve Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a few finishing touches! A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions not only looks beautiful but adds pops of crunch and freshness. For an added wow factor, a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper is totally optional and completely delicious.
Side Dishes
The Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl is incredibly satisfying on its own, yet pairing it with a light soup (like hot and sour or miso), refreshing cucumber salad, or even steamed edamame turns dinner into a true feast. Even simple dumplings or spring rolls make a lovely starter or accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
This bowl is your playground—try layering each veggie in neat stripes for rainbow effect, or serve in a big platter for everyone to mix their own servings. For gatherings, prepare a DIY “rice bowl bar” with various toppings and sauces, letting everyone customize their Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl, simply let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your leftovers will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Although freshly made is best, you can freeze portions of this rice bowl for future busy nights. Pack into single-serving containers, making sure to press out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to one month. Vegetables may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors remain fantastic.
Reheating
To bring your bowl back to life, reheat in the microwave or toss it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. Stir frequently until everything is heated through. Finish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While jasmine rice provides the classic aroma and stickiness, you can swap in brown rice or even quinoa for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. The key is to use day-old, chilled rice for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply use tofu for protein and choose hoisin sauce over oyster sauce. Every other ingredient is plant-based, so the Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl easily fits into a vegan diet.
What other vegetables go well in this rice bowl?
Feel free to get creative! Snap peas, mushrooms, baby corn, zucchini, or even spinach can be delicious additions. This is a great way to clean out your fridge and add variety to every batch.
Can I meal prep Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl for the week?
Definitely. Prepare a big batch, portion it out in containers, and store them in the fridge for grab-and-go lunches. Keep garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds separate to sprinkle just before eating.
How spicy is the Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl?
The heat level is totally up to you; the chili garlic sauce is optional. Omit it for a family-friendly, mild version, or add more if you like a good kick. Each bowl can be adjusted to taste!
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredible about a meal that’s as comforting as it is vibrant, and the Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl always delivers on both fronts. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight dinner or jazz it up for a cozy get-together, this bowl is customizable, satisfying, and flat-out delicious. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a spot in your regular recipe rotation!
Print
Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. Loaded with colorful vegetables, protein, and flavorful sauces, this dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Jasmine Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped bok choy
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Protein (optional):
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken or tofu
Sauces:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional)
Garnish:
- sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the sesame oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Sauté aromatics: Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Add carrots, bell peppers, bok choy; cook until tender.
- Add protein and rice: Stir in chicken/tofu and rice, heat through.
- Season: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, chili sauce; toss to coat.
- Finish and serve: Cook briefly, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for better texture.
- Customize with favorite vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or corn.
- For a vegan version, substitute tofu and use hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
