Easy Fried Rice Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that is as easy as it is delicious? Look no further than this Easy Fried Rice recipe. Whether you're working with leftovers, looking to make a quick dinner, or craving a customizable meal, fried rice is always a winner. The best part? You can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients to suit your preferences.

In this blog post, I’ll take you step-by-step through a fried rice recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking equipment, you’ll have a savory, satisfying dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 cups cooked rice (white or brown – your choice!)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (regular or toasted for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups frozen peas & carrots (or any veggies you prefer!)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 cups ground chicken, beef, pork, or any protein of your choice (optional, but highly recommended for added richness)

Equipment Needed:

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Spatula for stirring

How to Make Easy Fried Rice:

1. Prep Your Rice:

For the best fried rice, it’s ideal to use chilled rice. This can be either cooked the day before or earlier in the day and refrigerated. The slightly drier, cold rice is easier to fry and will give you that perfectly crispy texture without becoming mushy.

2. Heat Your Pan:

Place your large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan and let it heat up. Once hot, toss in the frozen peas and carrots along with the minced garlic. Stir continuously to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. This step adds a fragrant, savory aroma to the dish, so don’t rush it!

3. Cook the Veggies:

Keep the heat medium-low as you cook the peas, carrots, and garlic together. After about 3-4 minutes, the veggies will begin to soften. Stir often and keep a watchful eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning.

4. Cook the Eggs:

Now that the veggie mixture is ready, push it to the side of the pan to make room for your eggs. Add another tablespoon of sesame oil to the center and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs in the pan until fully cooked, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine the Ingredients:

Once the eggs are scrambled, mix them with the cooked veggies. Then, add in your pre-cooked rice, soy sauce, and any meat or protein you’d like to include. If you’re using ground meat (such as chicken, pork, or beef), make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the pan.

6. Stir and Heat:

Turn the heat down to low and stir everything together. Let the rice and ingredients heat through, stirring occasionally to ensure all flavors are well combined. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and your fried rice will be ready to serve.

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Customizing Your Fried Rice:

The beauty of fried rice lies in its versatility. You can customize it in so many ways based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Meat Options: Feel free to substitute the ground meat with any protein you like. Leftover roasted chicken, shredded short ribs, or even chopped ham can add a new twist. You could also add shrimp (just chop it small to ensure it cooks through). Pair with Sesame Chicken, Bang Bang Chicken Skewers or sweet chili chicken egg rolls.
• Veggie Variations: If you have any veggies that you enjoy, such as bell peppers, corn, or green onions, feel free to toss them in. Just be mindful that water-heavy vegetables (like tomatoes or zucchini) may release too much moisture and affect the texture of your rice.
• Soy Sauce Substitutes: For a gluten-free version, swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
• Different Oils: While sesame oil is traditional and brings amazing flavor, you can also use peanut oil or canola oil if you don’t have sesame on hand.

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Tips for the Best Fried Rice:

• Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky for fried rice. Day-old rice (or rice that has been chilled for a few hours) works best because it’s drier, and each grain is more separate.
• Keep the Heat Medium-Low: It’s easy to get impatient and turn the heat up too high, but this will cause the garlic to burn or the rice to crisp unevenly. Keep it at medium to low heat and stir gently.
• Add Flavors Gradually: Soy sauce and seasoning can be added to taste, so start with a little and add more if necessary. This allows you to control the saltiness and avoid over-seasoning.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Fried Rice:

This recipe is not only quick and easy but also a great way to use up leftovers and clean out your fridge! Whether you're feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile fried rice will hit the spot. It's budget-friendly, customizable, and absolutely packed with flavor.

So next time you're looking for a simple, satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, whip up this Easy Fried Rice. It’s the perfect base for creating a meal that’s entirely your own, and it comes together in no time!

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