Step 1

Rinse rice very well till the water runs clear of starch. Soak rice in water for 30 mins. Drain and keep aside.

Step 2

In a pot, bring water to a gentle boil with salt and 2 to 3 drops of toasted sesame oil.

Step 3

Add the soaked and drained rice to the hot water.

Step 4

On a low to medium to medium-high heat simmer rice without the lid.

Step 5

When rice becomes al dente or just about cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Strain the rice in a colander or sieve.

Step 6

You can also gently rinse cooked rice in water so that they stop cooking and don't stick to each other. Cover the cooked rice and set aside until the rice cools completely. You can even refrigerate rice with a covered lid for 30 minutes.

Step 7

When the cooked rice is cooling, chop the veggies finely and keep aside.

Step 8

Remember to chop the french beans very finely. They take more time to cook than other veggies. You can also blanch them first and then cook. Another option is to add the beans first and then add the other vegetables.

Step 9

Heat oil in a wok or a pan. First add the star anise and fry for a few seconds or until the oil becomes fragrant.

Step 10

Add the garlic, ginger and sauté for some seconds. No need to brown the garlic.

Step 11

Add the spring onions whites and sauté for about 2 minutes.

Step 12

Then add finely chopped french beans.

Step 13

Stir fry french beans for 2 to 3 minutes over medium to medium-high heat.

Step 14

Add the remaining finely chopped veggies, including mushrooms and celery. Increase the heat to a high to thoroughly cook all of the vegetables.

Step 15

You have to continuously toss and stir while frying so that the veggies are uniformly cooked and do not get burnt.

Step 16

The vegetables have to be stir-fried, until they are almost cooked and yet retain their crunchiness and crispiness. Stir-frying vegetables on high heat takes about 4 to 6 minutes.

Step 17

Add the soy sauce, salt and pepper. Stir quickly and add cooked and cooled rice.

Step 18

Stir fry for a few minutes until the sauce has coated the rice well. Keep a check when adding salt, as soy sauce already has salt in it.

Step 19

Serve the veg fried rice hot as it is or with with your favorite Chinese side.

Step 20

Though fried rice tastes great on its own, you can pair it with Veg Manchurian, Gobi Manchurian, Chilli Paneer, Spring Rolls or Chilli Mushroom. More side recipes for veg fried rice are linked and listed in the main post.

Step 21

Vegetable fried rice stays good for a day when refrigerated. But I would recommend it to be eaten as soon as you make it since a few days old refrigerated rice is not good for health.