Peri Peri Veg Fried Rice with Paneer or Tofu

Peri Peri Veg Fried Rice with Paneer or Tofu: 15 minutes, quick, spicy, lip-smacking recipe perfect for busy days of weekend brunch. Combines rice (fresh or leftover), mixed vegetables, paneer (tofu or other vegan options), tossed with peri-peri seasoning, soy sauce and chili sauce. Great for packed lunches or meal prep too. 

Peri Peri Fried Rice (Veg)

If you’re someone who loves spicy, bold flavors and quick meals that don’t compromise on taste, this Peri Peri Fried Rice (Veg) recipe will hit all the right notes.

Packed with colorful vegetables, infused with the fiery kick of Peri Peri sauce, and ready in under 30 minutes – this is your perfect solution for a quick vegetarian dinner on busy weekdays.

Just last week, I was soooo tired from all the work and literally was in the angry state of mind (hungry + angry, you know the mood).

All I had was a bowl of leftover rice in the fridge, with some chopped veggies, and that’s when the Idea came up.

I tossed everything together, added some garlic, sauces, and the spicy ‘Peri Peri Seasoning’ and within 15 minutes, I was happily eating this steaming bowl of Peri Peri fried rice and watching my favorite sitcom.

The mood became happy and the tummy and soul were satiated with their spicy quick meal! That’s the beauty of this Indo-fusion rice recipe—it’s fast, flavorful, and customizable.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up something fun for the weekend, this spicy vegetable fried rice will be a new favorite in your kitchen.

It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like a restaurant dish but is made with everyday pantry staples.

Peri Peri Fried Rice Ingredients :

Here’s a list of simple ingredients to make this easy fried rice recipe:

• Cooked Rice (preferably day-old rice)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Bell Peppers (mixed colors, chopped)
• Carrots (finely chopped)
• Brocolli
• Sweet Corn
• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese or use Tofu)
• Garlic (minced)
• Oil (sesame or vegetable oil)
• Spring onions or coriander (chopped for garnish)

Seasoning & Sauces

• Peri Peri Seasoning (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Red Chili Flakes (use as per taste)
• Soy Sauce
• Red Chili Sauce

Optional Add-ins: mushrooms, baby corn, or vegan meat for extra protein and crunch.

Quick Fact: 

Did you know, Peri Peri (or Piri Piri) sauce originates from African-Portuguese cuisine.

It’s made from African bird’s eye chilies and has a distinctive tangy, spicy, and smoky flavor.

You’ll find it in bottles at supermarkets (like Nando’s Peri Peri sauce) as Seasonings too, and it works like magic in both veg and non-veg dishes.

In this recipe, the Peri Peri Seasoning is the hero—it adds depth and a bold, zesty punch to classic fried rice.

How to Make Peri Peri Veg Fried Rice – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Your Rice

Use cooked and cooled rice (leftover rice works best).

If cooking fresh, use the boiling method rather than the pressure cook or instant pot, as this method removes any extra starch.

Throw away the extra water once the rice is 99% done.

Then spread the rice on a sieved plate or bowl and let it cool so it doesn’t get mushy in the wok.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies

Heat oil in a large wok or skillet. Add garlic and sauté till fragrant.

Toss in onions, carrots, bell peppers, and other veggies of your choice.

Now, add the paneer or tofu or any other source of protein that you are using.

Stir-fry on high heat for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 3: Add the Seasoning & Sauces
Lower the heat slightly. Add Peri Peri seasoning and saute the veggies for 1-2 minutes.

Now, add soy sauce, chili sauce (and vinegar if using). Mix well and let it cook for a minute so the flavors come together.

Step 4: Add the Rice
Now, add the cooked rice and toss gently to coat every grain with the sauce and veggies. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Cook for 2-3 more minutes on high heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Switch off the heat and garnish with chopped spring onions or fresh coriander. Serve hot!

Everyday Or Special Date Recipe: 

One of the best things about this vegetarian fried rice is its versatility, You can even turn this into a Peri Peri rice bowl with avocado, salad greens, and a drizzle of yogurt or tahini.Meal Prep Tip.

Pair it with a bowl of yogurt or cucumber raita to cool the heat, or serve alongside spicy baked potato wedges for a full meal.

Make a large batch of this spicy vegetable fried rice and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It reheats beautifully and makes a perfect lunchbox idea for kids and adults alike.

Healthier Options: 

If you’re looking to make this a bit healthier, here’s what you can do:

• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

• Reduce the oil to 1 tsp and stir-fry the veggies in a non-stick pan.

• Add chickpeas or edamame for plant-based protein.

• Choose a low-sodium peri peri sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.

This Peri Peri Fried Rice (Veg) is more than just another rice dish. It’s comfort food with a global flair—spicy, satisfying, and totally fuss-free.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe delivers on flavor, speed, and simplicity.

So the next time you find yourself staring at a bowl of leftover rice and wondering what to do with it, remember this fiery, fusion-packed favorite.

Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your new weeknight go-to!

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