Here’s a Fried Rice recipe that is so delicious and easy to make, you won’t want to lose it! This dish is quick, flavorful, and can be customized to your taste with your favorite proteins and vegetables. Perfect for using leftover rice, this fried rice is a complete meal or a side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired dishes.
Fried Rice – Don’t Lose This Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably day-old rice for better texture)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrot (optional, for color and crunch)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (or any other vegetable you like)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Protein of your choice (chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu – optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
- If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice ahead of time and let it cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This prevents it from getting mushy when frying.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them, stirring occasionally until they are fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet or wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the diced onions, carrots (if using), and garlic, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
- Add the peas and cook for another minute.
4. Add the Rice:
- Add the chilled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spoon or spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly heated and slightly crispy in places.
5. Flavor the Rice:
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Add the Scrambled Eggs:
- Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and toss everything together until the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is well mixed, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and serve hot.
- Optionally, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
Tips:
- Rice Consistency: Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s drier, which prevents the dish from being too soggy. If using fresh rice, let it cool completely before using.
- Add-ins: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. You can also add protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a heartier meal.
- Heat Level: For a spicy kick, you can add some chili paste, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers to the frying vegetables.
- For Extra Flavor: A splash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce can bring even more umami to the fried rice.
Enjoy:
This Fried Rice is a perfect dish to make with ingredients you already have in your kitchen, and it’s so versatile that you can adapt it to whatever you’re craving. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll want to keep this recipe close! Whether as a quick dinner, side dish, or a way to use up leftovers, this fried rice will become a staple in your cooking rotation.