Beetroot Fried Rice | Easy Lunch Box Recipe for Kids
Beetroot Fried Rice | Easy Lunchbox Recipe for Kids | with Step-by-Step Photos and Video. This Beetroot Fried Rice is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, making it a quick and wholesome meal for busy weekdays. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's perfect for school lunchboxes, after-school meals, office lunches, or a simple family dinner. The addition of eggs makes it more filling while providing a good source of protein, making every bite both nutritious and satisfying.
Getting kids to eat vegetables isn't always easy, especially when it comes to beetroot. If your little ones usually push it aside, this Beetroot Fried Rice for Kids might just change their minds. Made with leftover rice, fresh beetroot, eggs, and a few everyday ingredients, this naturally pink rice is colourful, delicious, and a fun way to add more vegetables to their plate.
The vibrant pink colour comes entirely from fresh beetroot—no artificial colours needed. The beetroot blends beautifully with the rice, creating a mild, slightly sweet flavour that even picky eaters enjoy. It's a simple trick that transforms an ordinary bowl of fried rice into something exciting for children while still being delicious enough for adults.
Whether you're looking for a healthy lunchbox idea, a creative way to serve beetroot, or a quick recipe the whole family will love, this easy Beetroot Fried Rice is sure to become a regular on your menu. Once your children see the beautiful pink rice on their plate, they may not even realise they're happily eating beetroot!
Why You'll Love This Beetroot Fried Rice
- Ready in just 10 minutes: With leftover rice already cooked, this quick and easy meal comes together in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy mornings, weeknight dinners, or last-minute lunches.
- Perfect for lunchboxes: This beetroot fried rice stays delicious even after it cools, making it an excellent choice for school lunchboxes, office lunches, or meals on the go.
- A fun way to enjoy beetroot: The naturally vibrant pink colour makes this fried rice especially appealing to kids while adding the goodness of fresh beetroot to every bite.
- Loved by kids and adults: Mild in flavour and packed with wholesome ingredients, this is a family-friendly recipe that everyone can enjoy together.
- Great for picky eaters: If your child usually avoids beetroot, this colourful fried rice is a delicious way to introduce more vegetables into their diet.
- Protein-rich and satisfying: Eggs add protein, making this a balanced meal that's filling enough for both children and adults.
- A smart way to use leftover rice: Turn yesterday's rice into a fresh, flavourful meal while reducing food waste.
- Made with simple everyday ingredients: Fresh beetroot, eggs, rice, and a few pantry staples are all you need to create this quick and nutritious recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe makes 1 serving, making it perfect for a single child or a quick light meal. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to make more servings for the whole family.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (recommended) – I love using coconut oil in this recipe because it adds a subtle, delicious flavour that pairs beautifully with beetroot. If you don't have coconut oil, sunflower oil or any neutral cooking oil works well too.
- 1 green chilli – I like to use one finely chopped green chilli for a mild kick. If you're making this for young kids or those who don't enjoy spicy food, simply slit the chilli lengthwise instead of chopping it. This infuses the oil with a gentle flavour, and you can easily remove the chilli before serving. For a spicier version, use two or three chopped green chillies.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion – Adds a mild sweetness and enhances the overall flavour of the fried rice.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander (cilantro) – Fresh coriander adds a lovely aroma and freshness. Reserve a little extra for garnishing before serving.
- ⅔ cup grated beetroot – Freshly grated beetroot cooks much faster than diced beetroot, making it ideal for this quick 10-minute recipe. It also blends beautifully with the rice, giving it a vibrant natural pink colour while making it easier for kids to eat.
- 1 egg – Adds protein and makes the fried rice more filling and satisfying.
- ½ cup cooked white rice – Leftover rice works best because the grains stay separate and absorb the flavours well. My leftover rice is cooked without salt, so I season it while making this recipe.
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly crushed black pepper, to taste
Recipe Tip
For the best flavour and texture, try to follow the cooking temperatures mentioned in each step. Cooking the beetroot over medium heat allows its moisture to evaporate without burning, while scrambling the egg over high heat keeps it soft and fluffy. Finally, giving the rice a quick toss over high heat at the end helps achieve the light, fluffy texture that's characteristic of a good fried rice.
Beetroot Fried Rice | Easy Lunch Box Recipe for Kids
Instructions
-
1
Saute the vegetables: Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon coconut oil. Once the oil is warm, add the green chilli (finely chopped or slit lengthwise), finely chopped onion, grated beetroot, and 1 tablespoon of chopped coriander leaves.
-
2
Reduce the heat to low and saute, stirring occasionally, until the beetroot is tender. As the beetroot cooks, it will naturally release moisture. Continue cooking until all the water has evaporated and the mixture looks dry. This step is important as it concentrates the flavours and prevents the fried rice from becoming soggy.
-
3
Scramble the egg: Crack 1 egg directly into the pan. Increase the heat to high and scramble the egg until it is fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Mix it well with the beetroot mixture so the egg is evenly distributed throughout the vegetables.
-
4
Add the rice and seasoning: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked leftover rice, salt, and freshly crushed black pepper. Gently mix everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the beetroot and egg mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavours while staying soft and fluffy.
-
5
Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavours while staying soft and fluffy.
-
6
Finish and serve: Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Saute the rice for 30 seconds, tossing gently to combine all the flavours and give the fried rice its perfect texture. Garnish with the remaining freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Notes
1. This vibrant Beetroot Fried Rice is perfect for school lunchboxes, office lunches, or as a quick and wholesome meal for the whole family.
2. For the best flavour and texture, try to follow the cooking temperatures mentioned in each step. Cooking the beetroot over <smedium heat allows its moisture to evaporate without burning, while scrambling the egg over high heat keeps it soft and fluffy. Finally, giving the rice a quick toss over high heat at the end helps achieve the light, fluffy texture that's characteristic of a good fried rice.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Leave a comment