Fried rice is the ultimate comfort food—a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftovers. With fluffy grains of rice, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings, this recipe offers a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s easy to customize and a hit with the whole family. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side, fried rice is guaranteed to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: A great way to use leftover rice and pantry staples.
- Customizable: Adapt ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil creates irresistible umami notes.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice: Day-old white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown or jasmine rice.
- Vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn are classic options, but feel free to get creative!
- Protein (Optional): Add chicken, shrimp, tofu, or eggs for a hearty twist.
- Seasonings: Soy sauce and sesame oil bring bold flavors to the dish.
Complete List of Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked protein (optional: chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
- Garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Prep Ingredients:
Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Chop all vegetables and protein before you begin. - Cook Aromatics:
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. - Add Vegetables:
Toss in peas, carrots, and corn. Stir-fry until they are tender yet slightly crisp. - Scramble Eggs:
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble gently. Mix with the veggies. - Combine Rice and Protein:
Add the rice and your choice of cooked protein. Stir-fry everything together, ensuring even mixing. - Season and Finish:
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to coat each grain, then sprinkle with black pepper. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy; day-old rice is drier and separates better.
- High Heat: Stir-fry over high heat for a lightly toasted, restaurant-quality texture.
- Work Quickly: Prep all ingredients beforehand since the cooking process is fast.
- Customize Ingredients: Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh flavors.
- Freeze: Fried rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the protein and double up on vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or Sriracha for extra heat.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Incorporate sweet pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Pair fried rice with these complementary dishes for a complete meal:
- Egg Rolls: Crispy and savory, they make a perfect side.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: A classic pairing for an Asian-inspired dinner.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A light, colorful addition to balance the meal.
FAQs About Fried Rice
Can I Use Fresh Rice?
Yes, but let it cool and dry slightly to avoid clumping.
What’s the Best Rice for Fried Rice?
Long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati work best due to their fluffy texture.
Can I Make It Without Soy Sauce?
Substitute soy sauce with tamari, coconut aminos, or Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor.
Is Fried Rice Healthy?
It can be! Use brown rice, increase the veggies, and reduce sodium for a healthier version.
Conclusion
Fried rice is a quick, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is versatile. Whether you’re repurposing leftovers or creating a fresh meal from scratch, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals, fried rice is a must-try dish. Whip it up today and enjoy a delicious bowl of comfort!
Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (day-old rice works best)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu) Optional
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all ingredients before starting. Ensure the rice is separated into individual grains for easy cooking.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in mixed vegetables, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble until cooked, then mix with the vegetables.
- Stir in Rice and Protein: Add the cooked rice and protein, stirring well to combine.
- Season and Serve: Drizzle soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper over the rice. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Day-old rice is ideal for this recipe as it’s less sticky and absorbs the sauce better.
- Adjust soy sauce and sesame oil based on your taste preference.
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