Fried Rice
Fried rice is a quick, tasty meal that I love making anytime. You start with day-old cooked rice for the best texture. In a skillet, sauté diced onion, carrots, and green onions. Add minced garlic and ginger, then scramble in beaten eggs. Stir in frozen peas and the rice, seasoning with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s customizable too—use your favorite proteins or veggies. To discover more tips on making it perfect, keep going!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, you’ll love this fried rice recipe. It’s simple to prepare and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
The blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic creates a flavor-packed dish. You can customize it with your choice of proteins—like shrimp or chicken—and various vegetables, making it versatile for any taste.
This fried rice is reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout, and it pairs well with dishes like egg drop soup or kung pao chicken. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights or meal prep.
[DIRECTIONS]:
Recipe
Fried rice is a beloved dish that brings together the comforting flavors of savory soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and a medley of vegetables and proteins. This recipe isn’t only quick to prepare—taking about 20 minutes from start to finish—but is also highly customizable, allowing you to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge.
Whether you choose to enjoy it as a standalone meal or as a perfect side dish to accompany your favorite Asian-inspired entrees, fried rice is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Using day-old, cooked long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, guarantees that the grains remain fluffy and separate, giving you the ideal texture. This recipe includes a classic combination of vegetables, eggs, and seasonings that come together beautifully in one pan.
Feel free to enhance the dish with your choice of proteins or additional vegetables, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old cooked long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
- Ground white pepper, to taste
- Oil for sautéing (vegetable or sesame oil)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and green onion, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.
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Add the frozen peas and the day-old rice to the skillet. Stir everything together, breaking apart any clumps of rice, and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
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Pour in the tamari soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and season with salt and ground white pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and guarantee the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
Add the remaining chopped green onion for garnish.
- Serve the fried rice hot, either by spooning it into bowls or in a mound on plates for a more elegant presentation.
For best results, make certain to use day-old rice, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook rice ahead of time and spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry out for about 30 minutes before using.
Additionally, feel free to adapt the recipe by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables, and experiment with different sauces like oyster sauce or chili sauce for added flavor. Enjoy your homemade fried rice!
Final Thoughts
Cooking can be a rewarding experience, especially when it results in a flavorful dish like fried rice.
This recipe isn’t just quick but also versatile. You can add your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a great way to use leftovers.
Remember to use day-old rice for the best texture. Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze it for later.
When reheating, adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Cooked Rice That’s Not Day-Old?
I’ve tried using freshly cooked rice, and while it works, it can turn mushy. Day-old rice gives better texture. If you’re in a pinch, just spread the fresh rice out to cool first!
What Type of Oil Is Best for Frying?
When frying, I prefer using vegetable or sesame oil. They heat well and add a nice flavor. I’ve found they work perfectly in various dishes, making everything taste better and ensuring a great cooking experience.
How Do I Prevent the Rice From Sticking?
To prevent rice from sticking, I always use day-old rice. It’s drier and less sticky. Additionally, I guarantee I heat the pan well and add enough oil before cooking. This really helps!
Can I Make Fried Rice Without Soy Sauce?
I often skip soy sauce and use alternatives like coconut aminos or simply enhance flavors with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It’s all about balancing taste to create a delicious dish.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve With Fried Rice?
Picture a cozy dinner table, filled with laughter and warmth. I love serving egg drop soup or kung pao chicken alongside; they complement each other perfectly, creating a delightful dining experience that’s hard to forget.