A simple and delicious fried rice recipe, perfect for using leftover rice and customizing with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
Ingredients:
- Rice: 2-3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, chilled)
- Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- Optional: green beans, corn, mushrooms
- Eggs: 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Soy Sauce: 2-3 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice all vegetables as indicated.
- Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl.
- If using day-old rice, break up any clumps with your hands.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
- Add the diced onions and carrots, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the bell pepper and minced garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the frozen peas, and cook until they are heated through.
- Add the Rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any remaining clumps.
- Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and slightly crisp up.
- Season and Combine:
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice and vegetables.
- Add the cooked scrambled eggs back into the skillet.
- Stir-fry everything together until well combined and the rice is evenly coated with soy sauce.
- Add the sesame oil, if using.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, corn, or mushrooms.
- Rice Type: Long-grain rice is generally preferred for fried rice, but you can use other types as well.
- Oyster Sauce: A tablespoon of oyster sauce can add a deeper umami flavor.
- Wok Hei: If you have a wok and a high-powered burner, you can achieve “wok hei,” a smoky flavor characteristic of restaurant-style fried rice.