Ni hao, Rice Cooker fans! Today, we’re excited to share with you a delicious and healthy recipe for Chinese zucchini rice. This flavorful dish combines tender zucchini, savory rice, and aromatic Chinese spices to create a truly irresistible meal. Best of all, it’s made right in your trusty rice cooker! So, let’s get started and bring a taste of China to your own kitchen. We’ve made this chinese zucchini rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

chinese zucchini rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 small diced zucchini to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until slightly tender.
  4. Add 2 cups of cooked rice to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
  5. Add 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the wok and stir-fry for an additional minute or until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
  6. Transfer the Chinese zucchini rice to a serving dish and enjoy!

chinese zucchini rice

How long does chinese zucchini rice last in the fridge?

Chinese zucchini rice typically lasts for around three to five days in the fridge after cooking. It’s important to store the rice in an airtight container to prevent moisture or bacteria from affecting its flavor and quality. When reheating the rice, it’s recommended to add a small amount of water or broth to help restore its texture and prevent it from becoming dry. If the rice has been left out at room temperature for an extended period of time, it’s best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

Click the banner below to find more of our favorite rice cookers!

ricecookers

Low calorie chinese zucchini rice recipe substitutions

To make this recipe lower calorie, some substitutions can be made. First, brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used instead of white rice. Brown rice is high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller longer, and cauliflower rice is low in calories and carbohydrates. Second, reduce the amount of vegetable oil used or switch to a non-stick spray to decrease the calorie count. Third, reduce the amount of oyster sauce used. Oyster sauce is a thick and syrupy sauce that is high in sugar and sodium, which can increase calorie intake. Instead of using oyster sauce, try using low sodium soy sauce or a combination of low sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Finally, increase the amount of vegetables in the recipe. Vegetables are low in calories, high in fiber and provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Adding more vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers or snap peas can increase the overall nutritional value of the dish while keeping the calorie count low.

What to serve with a chinese zucchini rice?

Chinese zucchini rice is a delicious and flavourful dish that can be served by itself or with a variety of sides. To complement its flavours and texture, you can pair it with stir-fried bok choy or other Asian greens, as well as garlic and ginger stir-fried green beans or roasted sesame broccoli. Additionally, steamed or pan-fried dumplings or egg rolls can also be served as a tasty appetizer to complete your Chinese-inspired meal.

Whats the best sauce for a chinese zucchini rice?

There are several sauces that can complement Chinese zucchini rice, but one of the best is a simple garlic sauce. To make this sauce, heat oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water. Stir until the sauce thickens, then pour it over the zucchini rice before serving. The garlic sauce adds a nice umami flavor to the dish and enhances its overall taste.

Chinese zucchini rice health benefits

Eating Chinese zucchini rice can provide several health benefits. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps promote feelings of fullness. Rice contains carbohydrates, providing the body with energy, while the added vegetables in this recipe boost the nutrient content of the dish. However, if you’re looking for an even healthier recipe, I would recommend trying a vegetable quinoa salad. Quinoa is a high-protein and fiber-rich grain that provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals. Combined with various vegetables, this salad offers a balanced and complete nutrient profile, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.

Click the banner below to find more of our favorite rice cookers!