Description
Easy Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying stir-fried dish made with day-old rice, colorful vegetables, eggs, and savory seasonings. This versatile recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a delicious way to use up leftovers, delivering classic Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Rice and Eggs
- 4 cups cooked and chilled rice
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil and scramble eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them gently until just cooked through. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook vegetables: Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are heated through and tender.
- Add rice: Stir in the chilled cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even heating and to slightly crisp the rice.
- Combine and season: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, then add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sliced green onions. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste and serve the fried rice immediately while hot.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best for achieving the perfect texture as it is drier and less sticky.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein and variation.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on your preferred saltiness.
- Use a large skillet or wok to allow even stirring and prevent overcrowding.
- For a vegan version, omit eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
