Easy Fried Rice
Easy Fried Rice is a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes! This dish is perfect for using leftover rice from your fridge, making it not only time-efficient but also cost-effective. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, Easy Fried Rice offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have at home, allowing you to use up leftovers.
- Flavorful Dish: With the combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this fried rice delivers a burst of umami flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Easy Fried Rice is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals.
- One-Pot Cooking: You can prepare this meal in one skillet or wok, which means less cleanup afterward.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking Easy Fried Rice, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure you enjoy cooking.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Whisk for eggs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for cooking ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Allows easy mixing of ingredients while preventing them from sticking to the pan.
Ingredients
Easy restaurant style fried rice that you can make at home in 20 minutes! The perfect way to use up leftover rice sitting in the fridge.
Rice and Eggs
- 4 cups cooked rice (long or short grain)
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1-2 teaspoons minced garlic
Seasoning
- 3 Tablespoons lite soy sauce (more if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (or oyster sauce)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
How to Make Easy Fried Rice
Step 1: Chill the Rice
Place the cooked rice in the refrigerator to chill until ready to use. Chilled rice helps prevent clumping during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- Place butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add onion and carrots. Cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in garlic and peas, mixing well.
Step 3: Scramble the Eggs
- Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet.
- Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side of the skillet.
- Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then stir them into the vegetable mixture.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gently stir in the chilled rice. Mix well so all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or main meal!
How to Serve Easy Fried Rice
Easy Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as a side or a main, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
As a Side Dish
- With Grilled Chicken: Pairing fried rice with grilled chicken adds protein and flavor.
- Alongside Egg Rolls: The crispy texture of egg rolls complements the soft rice perfectly.
- With Stir-Fried Vegetables: Balance the meal with colorful stir-fried veggies for added nutrients.
As a Main Course
- Topped with Fried Eggs: Add an extra layer of richness by topping your fried rice with a sunny-side-up egg.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Serve the fried rice in lettuce leaves for a refreshing twist.
- With Tofu or Shrimp: For a complete meal, include sautéed tofu or shrimp mixed into the fried rice.
With Sauces
- Soy Sauce Drizzle: A simple drizzle of soy sauce can enhance the flavors significantly.
- Chili Sauce Kick: For spice lovers, add chili sauce on top for a fiery finish.
How to Perfect Easy Fried Rice
To achieve restaurant-quality Easy Fried Rice, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Cold Rice: Using chilled leftover rice prevents clumping and ensures even cooking.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat gives your fried rice that desired smoky flavor.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking to streamline the process.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to prevent steaming instead of frying.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Fried Rice
Easy Fried Rice pairs well with numerous side dishes that can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables or meat provide a delightful crunch.
- Hot and Sour Soup: This flavorful soup adds warmth and zest to your meal.
- Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry: A healthy option that brings freshness and color to your plate.
- Sesame Noodles: These cold noodles offer a contrasting texture and flavor profile.
- Sweet and Sour Chicken: A classic dish that adds sweetness and tanginess to balance the rice.
- Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings are perfect for dipping into soy sauce alongside fried rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Easy Fried Rice from good to amazing. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold rice: Cold rice can become mushy when cooked. Always use rice that has been chilled in the refrigerator for the best texture.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Overcooking can lead to soggy veggies. Stir-fry them just enough to remain crisp and vibrant.
- Neglecting seasoning: Skipping seasonings will make your dish bland. Don’t forget soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Not stirring enough: If you don’t stir frequently, you risk uneven cooking. Ensure all ingredients get well-mixed for consistent flavor and texture.
- Adding too much liquid: Excessive soy sauce or oil can make the dish greasy. Use these sparingly to keep your fried rice light and enjoyable.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Easy Fried Rice
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Easy Fried Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil and stir-fry until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Fried Rice:
How do I make Easy Fried Rice taste better?
You can enhance the flavor by adding more soy sauce or incorporating different vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Can I use brown rice for Easy Fried Rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well too but may require a longer cooking time due to its denser texture.
What can I add to Easy Fried Rice?
You can customize it by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein.
Can I make Easy Fried Rice in advance?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Easy Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Its versatility allows for endless customization; feel free to add your favorite proteins or vegetables. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-style dish at home!
Easy Fried Rice
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Easy Fried Rice is the perfect quick meal that transforms leftover rice into a flavorful dish in just 20 minutes. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on what’s in your fridge, making it both a time-saving and cost-effective option. Bursting with umami flavors from garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, Easy Fried Rice delights family members of all ages. Whether served as a side or a main course, this one-pot wonder simplifies cleanup while satisfying your cravings for comfort food.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice (long or short grain)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons lite soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chill the cooked rice in the refrigerator until ready to use; this prevents clumping.
- Heat butter in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and peas, mixing well.
- Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, pour whisked eggs into the empty side, and scramble until fully cooked.
- Combine chilled rice with vegetables and eggs; mix thoroughly.
- Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
