Easy Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of those perfect dishes that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a midnight snack, Easy Fried Rice is here to save the day! It’s a versatile dish that allows you to use whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand, making it a fantastic way to clear out the fridge. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master, and the end result is a colorful, flavorful bowl of goodness that’s hard to resist.
Reasons to Love Easy Fried Rice
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Easy Fried Rice. Here are just a few:
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients based on what you have available, whether it’s leftover proteins or seasonal vegetables.
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze!
- Delicious Leftovers: Fried rice tastes just as good, if not better, the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Budget-Friendly: You can use inexpensive ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
What Goes In
To create this delectable Easy Fried Rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon neutral oil: This will be used for frying and adding flavor.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: These add richness and protein to the dish.
- 1 medium white onion, chopped: For a sweet and savory base.
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced: Their sweetness and crunch enhance texture.
- 1 cup frozen peas: A pop of color and nutrition.
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped: For aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger: Adds warmth and zest to the dish.
- 4 scallions, chopped: For a fresh and mild onion flavor, with dark green tops reserved for garnish.
- 4 cups cooked and chilled white rice: Day-old rice works best as it’s drier and won’t clump.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari: For that umami punch.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: For a touch of acidity.
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking, gather the following tools:
- Large skillet or wok: Essential for stir-frying the ingredients.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and scrambling.
- Cutting board and knife: To chop your vegetables.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure you get the right quantities of each ingredient.
- Mixing bowl: For beating the eggs.
From Start to Finish: Easy Fried Rice
Let’s dive into the cooking process with these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion, carrots, garlic, ginger, and scallions. This way, everything is ready to go when you start cooking. Make sure to have your cooked rice chilled and ready as well.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the beaten eggs. Stir gently to scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots are tender.
Step 4: Add the Peas and Ginger
Next, add the frozen peas and chopped fresh ginger to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice
Add the cooked and chilled white rice to the skillet. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and mix everything together evenly.
Step 6: Season the Rice
Pour in the soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together thoroughly, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
Step 7: Add the Eggs Back In
Finally, add the scrambled eggs back into the pan along with the chopped scallions (reserve some green tops for garnish). Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Easy Fried Rice hot, garnished with the reserved dark green tops of the scallions. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
If you’re looking to make this dish vegan or vegetarian, there are simple swaps you can make:
- Replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to create a similar texture.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini for added nutrients and variety.
Author’s Commentary
As someone who loves the simplicity and comfort of stir-fries, Easy Fried Rice holds a special place in my heart. It’s like a blank canvas—ready for you to add your personal touch. I love how versatile it is, and I’ve often used leftovers from previous meals to create a unique fried rice masterpiece. The combination of flavors, textures, and colors makes this dish not only satisfying but also visually appealing. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a meal that can come together in one pan? Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the fried rice for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave until hot or stir-fry in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the texture.
Reader Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before using it in this recipe, as the cooking time for brown rice is longer than white rice.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can use ground ginger as a substitute. About 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger is equivalent to one tablespoon of fresh ginger. However, fresh ginger will provide a brighter flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Easy Fried Rice ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to eat. It also works great as a meal prep option!
What proteins can I add to my fried rice?
Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Just make sure to heat them through along with the rice before serving.
Make It Tonight
Now that you have all the details to create your own Easy Fried Rice, it’s time to get cooking! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress friends at a gathering. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, Easy Fried Rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal tonight!
Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients - Start by chopping the onion, carrots, garlic, ginger, and scallions. Make sure to have your cooked rice chilled and ready as well.
- Step 2: Heat the Oil - In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and stir gently to scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables - In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots are tender.
- Step 4: Add the Peas and Ginger - Add the frozen peas and chopped fresh ginger to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through.
- Step 5: Incorporate the Rice - Add the cooked and chilled white rice to the skillet. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and mix everything together evenly.
- Step 6: Season the Rice - Pour in the soy sauce or tamari, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together thoroughly, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
- Step 7: Add the Eggs Back In - Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan along with the chopped scallions. Mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Step 8: Serve and Garnish - Serve your Easy Fried Rice hot, garnished with the reserved dark green tops of the scallions. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
- For a vegan option, replace eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
