Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional protein additions: shrimp, chicken, pork, or tofu (pre-cooked)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit. Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
- Add the cooked and cooled rice to the pan with the vegetables.
- Break up any clumps of rice and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to get slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Add the Sauces and Eggs
- Stir in the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix everything well to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
- Optionally, add a protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky. Day-old rice works best because it’s firmer and easier to stir-fry.
- High Heat: Use medium-high heat to get a good sear on the rice and vegetables for that crispy texture.
- Soy Sauce Adjustment: If you like it saltier, add more soy sauce to taste. For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Variations
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Keep it simple with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snow peas.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Add small chunks of pineapple to give the rice a sweet and savory flavor.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice
- Quick and Easy: A simple dish that comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Make it your own with various vegetables, proteins, and seasonings.
- Great for Leftovers: Use up leftover rice and veggies in a delicious way!
Enjoy your homemade fried rice! 🍚
