Fried rice is a popular dish that many people enjoy. It combines delicious flavors and different ingredients in one easy recipe. You can whip up a batch of easy fried rice in no time, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a quick lunch. This dish is not only satisfying but also a great way to use leftover rice. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty meal!
Why Make This Recipe
Easy fried rice is a fantastic recipe for several reasons. First, it is quick and simple to prepare. You can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes! Secondly, it is a versatile dish. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Lastly, it’s budget-friendly. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feeds the whole family. What’s not to love?
How to Make Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice (long or short grain)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 Tablespoons lite soy sauce (more if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (or oyster sauce)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Place the cooked rice in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
- In a large skillet or wok, add the butter and heat it over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and carrots, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and frozen peas, cooking for another minute.
- Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, then pour the whisked eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs, then mix them with the veggies.
- Gently stir in the chilled cooked rice until well combined.
- Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Fried Rice
Easy fried rice is best served hot right out of the skillet. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein. To make it more visually appealing, serve it in bowls topped with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How to Store Easy Fried Rice
If you have leftovers, you can store fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in a skillet or the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Easy Fried Rice
- Make sure to use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky.
- Feel free to add any leftover meats or vegetables you have on hand.
- Customize the flavor by adding a splash of hot sauce or some chopped green onions as a garnish.
Variation
You can easily add proteins like diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to your fried rice. Just cook them first in the skillet before adding the vegetables, then follow the rest of the steps as usual.
FAQs
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, brown rice works great for fried rice. It may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Just leave out the eggs or replace them with a plant-based alternative.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- You can add chili sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to spice it up. Adjust to your personal taste.
Enjoy making this easy fried rice recipe! It’s a delightful dish that promises flavor and satisfaction, making it a favorite in any household.
Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice (long or short grain) Day-old rice works best.
- 2 Tablespoons butter For cooking.
- 2 large eggs (whisked) Optional for vegetarian variant.
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic To taste.
- 3 Tablespoons lite soy sauce Adjust to taste.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil Can replace with oyster sauce.
- Salt and Pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the cooked rice in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.
- In a large skillet or wok, add the butter and heat it over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and carrots, cooking for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and frozen peas, cooking for another minute.
- Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, then pour the whisked eggs onto the other side. Scramble the eggs, then mix them with the veggies.
- Gently stir in the chilled cooked rice until well combined.
- Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, tossing everything to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
