This fried rice is colorful, quick, and oh-so-tasty! With tender veggies and fluffy rice, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
I love how simple this dish is. You can toss in whatever leftovers you have lying around—ideal for clearing out the fridge! I often pair it with my favorite sauce for an extra kick! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky. If you’re in a pinch, you can use freshly cooked rice but make sure to cool it down first. Jasmine or basmati rice can also bring a nice aroma!
Vegetable Oil: This is great for frying due to its high smoke point. You can substitute with canola, peanut, or sunflower oil if you prefer. Each will have a slightly different flavor, but they all work well.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor! If you are out of onions, shallots or leeks are good substitutes, or you could skip it entirely for a simpler version.
Eggs: They add richness and protein. If you want to make this dish vegan, you can use scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water for a similar texture.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: This combination is super convenient. You can mix in any other veggies you like—bell peppers, broccoli, or corn work great too!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Fried Rice?
Fried rice can seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can master it! The key is in the preparation and cooking method.
- Start with cooked rice that’s been refrigerated. It helps reduce moisture, preventing clumping.
- Heat your skillet or wok well before adding oil. This ensures an even cook and nice stir-fry effect.
- Keep your ingredients moving in the pan! Stir continuously to mix everything well.
- Feel free to customize the veggies or proteins based on what you have on hand. This recipe is super flexible!
With practice, you’ll be whipping up fried rice like a pro! Enjoy!
Better Than Take-Out Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried rice recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s a quick meal, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something tasty without a lot of effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Oil:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before moving to the next step!
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 30 seconds until everything smells wonderful.
3. Scrambling the Eggs:
Push the cooked onion mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until they are just set and cooked through. Then, mix everything together!
4. Adding the Rice:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet followed by the cold cooked rice. Stir everything well to combine, breaking apart any clumps of rice so that it mixes evenly with the eggs and veggies.
5. Mixing in the Veggies:
Now, add in the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and the veggies are tender.
6. Flavoring the Rice:
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you’re using it) over the rice mixture. Stir continuously to ensure that all the rice and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Seasoning:
Add salt and pepper to taste. You can always adjust this based on your preference for saltiness.
8. Finishing Touches:
Finally, stir in the green parts of the green onions and drizzle a little sesame oil over the rice for extra flavor if you like!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this tasty fried rice hot, using chopsticks or your favorite utensils. Enjoy your homemade fried rice that’s better than take-out!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook and may require slightly more liquid. Ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the fried rice for the best texture.
What if I Don’t Have Leftover Rice?
No problem! You can cook fresh rice and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Spread it out on a baking sheet to help it dry out a bit, which prevents it from becoming mushy when fried.
How to store leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry it on the stovetop until it’s heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to help maintain moisture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or corn. This dish is very versatile, so use whatever you have on hand!
