Sugar-Free Sweet and Sour Rice
Discover the perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors with this Sugar-Free Sweet and Sour Rice recipe! Made with wholesome brown rice, vibrant stir-fried vegetables, and a naturally sweetened sauce using unsweetened pineapple juice, this dish is both health-conscious and packed with flavor. Fresh ginger and garlic bring a zesty kick, while tamari and rice vinegar provide that classic sweet and sour tang—all without any added sugar. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this plant-based recipe is easy to prepare in just under an hour and can be garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for extra flair. Serve up this guilt-free delight for a nutrient-packed, flavorful meal that the whole family will love!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Brown rice
- 2 cups Water
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks (unsweetened, with juice reserved)
- 3 tablespoons Rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons Tomato paste (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium Carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium Green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small Zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 2 stalks Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the reserved juice from the pineapple chunks (approximately 1/4 cup), rice vinegar, tamari or soy sauce, tomato paste, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined and set aside.
In a small saucepan, create the cornstarch slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Gradually whisk this into the prepared sauce mixture. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Then, add the red and green bell peppers, zucchini, and pineapple chunks. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly and simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
To serve, divide the cooked rice among four bowls or plates. Top each portion with the sweet and sour vegetable mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Enjoy your Sugar-Free Sweet and Sour Rice as a wholesome, flavorful meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
693 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.1 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1504 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 120.7 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.8 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.7 g | ||
| Protein | 17.7 g | 35% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 215 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1863 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
