The Weeknight Warrior: Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Fried rice – a versatile and delicious dish that can be whipped up in no time using leftover ingredients. It's a perfect way to transform that leftover rice in your fridge into a satisfying and flavorful meal. This recipe is a great foundation, and feel free to get creative and personalize it with your favorite add-ins!
Ingredients:
- The Base:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (day-old or leftover works best!) – using slightly dried-out rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy in the stir fry
- The Flavor Builders:
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil – adds a nutty aroma and rich flavor to the dish
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed) – a convenient and colorful addition, offering sweetness and a satisfying crunch
- 1 small onion, chopped – adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – a must-have for its pungent aroma and savory taste
- The Protein Powerhouse (Optional):
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten – adds protein and a delightful texture variation
- The Finishing Touch:
- ¼ cup soy sauce – the classic savory element in fried rice, adding umami depth
Instructions:
- Heating the Wok: Get your wok or a large skillet ready for action by heating the sesame oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Sautéing the Vegetables: Add the thawed peas and carrots, along with the chopped onion, to the hot oil. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. The onions should soften and become translucent.
- Adding the Aromatic Touch: Once the vegetables are cooked, push them to one side of the wok or skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty space and stir-fry for 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Scrambled Egg Delight: Pour the slightly beaten eggs next to the garlic and scramble them until cooked through. You can break them up into small pieces or larger curds, depending on your preference.
- Introducing the Star: Now comes the magic! Push the scrambled eggs and vegetables to one side again. Add the cooked white rice to the empty space in the wok or skillet.
- Flavor Up!: Pour the soy sauce over the rice and stir-fry everything together for a couple of minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the delicious flavors of the sesame oil, vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce.
- Mixing it Up: Once everything is heated through and well combined, give your fried rice a taste. You can adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce or a sprinkle of salt and pepper to your preference.
- Customization is Key (Optional): The beauty of fried rice is its adaptability. Feel free to add your favorite protein or chopped vegetables! Here are some ideas:
- Diced cooked ham or chicken for extra protein
- Chopped green onions for a fresh touch
- Diced bell peppers for additional color and sweetness
- A drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick
- Serving Up a Weeknight Wonder: Serve your delicious fried rice hot and enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite protein dish. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips:
- Leftovers: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- The Importance of Day-Old Rice: Using day-old or leftover rice that's slightly dried out is ideal for fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and become mushy in the stir fry. If you only have fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it dry out for about 30 minutes before using.
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