This healthier vegetarian take on classic fried rice uses orzo instead of rice and a rainbow of fresh vegetables! You’ll only need a few ingredients and 30 minutes to put it on the dinner table.
So I’m unreasonably and slightly terrifying-ly excited about the contents of this skillet, guys.
It’s freaking FRIED RICE MINUS THE RICE. With a new-and-improved method of using orzo which is kiiiiiiiinda a faux rice only it’s actually pasta which = real-deal carbs which ultimately = score.
I’m hoping my excitement is contagious because I can’t possibly be the only one excited about all the possibilities this orzo skillet holds.
It’s quite LITERALLY a skillet full of New Years diet goals.
Minus the actual diet part because trust me, this does noooooot taste like deprive-yoself food.
But then again, I’m not in the habit of making deprive-yoself food around here anyway.
There’s no logic to that, right??
Okay, focusing our undivided attention on this orzo skillet now. We gotta talk.
And by talk I mean talk fast and then eat. Obviously.
Here’s how it goes down, guys >>> Rice got the boot in fried rice to make way for orzo.
Orzo lived happily ever after in one big skillet house amongst a rainbow of veggies, eggs, and aaaaaaaall the other things you find in fried rice.
It was obviously a glorious union. This whole process went down in under 30 minutes too for the record.
The fried orzo skillet process was then made complete by “accidentally” falling facefirst into the skillet.
Don’t question fate, please. Just roll with it.
And in case you missed my point…you are going to freaking.love.this.skillet!!
Rainbow Vegetarian Fried Orzo Skillet
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Ingredients
- 2 carrots peeled and diced into 1/4-in cubes
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 large eggs lightly beaten
- 12 oz cooked orzo pasta
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute carrot, onion, and broccoli in 1 tablespoon oil until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer until fragrant. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
- In same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Pour beaten eggs into the skillet and let cook, pushing edges to center with a spatula until fully cooked. Transfer to a cutting board and slice eggs into bite-sized pieces.
- Transfer veggies back to skillet and add orzo, cooked egg, peas, green onion, soy sauce, ginger, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat orzo skillet through over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Need more veggie options? Try this killer chili next!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Ok this is just brilliant, Sarah! Fried rice is my favorite, but I would’ve never thought to try it with orzo. And ready in just 30 minutes? Sign me up! Love the pretty colors and delicious flavors in here!
Ashley - The Recipe Rebel says
This is kind of blowing my mind, Sarah! How utterly brilliant! And I have half a bag of orzo in the pantry begging to be used. Love!
Annie says
I love colorful meals! And this one looks delicious!
annie says
I want to dive into this pile of golden carbs and swim around like scrooge mcduck!
Manali@CookWithManali says
I love all the pretty colors in this dish!
Agness of Run Agness Run says
I simply love the look of this recipe! Colorful and delicious!
Maria says
This recipe is awesome! My family loves it and my college kids, who are vegetarian, ask for it all the time. It’s quick ,easy, and full of flavor. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
That makes me so happy to hear, Maria! So glad your family enjoys this recipe!
Carmen says
Just wondering… The orzo has to be already cooked BEFORE it’s added into the pan with all the yummy veggies correct? Really want to try this recipe.
Sarah says
Yes, that’s correct, Carmen. The orzo should already be cooked. 🙂
Tracy says
Thanks for clarifying, the recipe does not say to add cooked orzo.
Sarah says
The recipe does state “cooked orzo” in the ingredient list, Tracy.
sue a warner says
Just made the fried – orzo – skillet….. AMAZING
My son that balks at all my cooking (because I am vegan) just woofed the rest of this dish… No leftovers for me! I omitted the eggs. Thanks for sharing
Sarah says
My husband and I LOVE this recipe! It’s a regular on our meal schedule and always tastes amazing. Thank you so much for the tasty recipe!!I marinade chicken breast in teriyaki sauce and add it. I definitely give this a 5!
Sarah says
I love the sound of teriyaki chicken in this fried orzo, Sarah! Definitely trying that myself next time I make this. 🙂
Liz says
Great family recipe, perfect amount for 4 people. My kids loved it!
Sarah says
Glad to hear this orzo was a hit with the family, Liz! 🙂
Shelly Caristo says
This looks yummy, but I cannot eat soy sauce. Can I use chicken broth instead of the soy sauce?
Sarah says
Chicken broth would be fine, however, have you ever tried Amino’s soy sauce? It’s a very close healthier substitute. 🙂
Melanie says
Have always loved orzo and this one is no exception. Great variety of flavours. Could use other veggies too. my dinner guests have an intolerance for onion & garlic so I left those out & cutback on the soya sauce but there was still lots going on.. thanks for new orzo idea.
Christina Dorich says
Looks delicious! Any suggestions for other meatless dishes to serve with this?
Matt Snyder says
The only issue I have with this is that it is unclear with the amount of orzo. Is it 12oz of cooked orzo, 12 oz(weight) uncooked ~2C, or 12oz volume uncooked (1 1/2C)
Sarah says
Hi Matt – it is 12 oz in weight of uncooked orzo.