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Fried Rice

Fried Rice

Fried Rice is a quick, versatile, and flavorful dish combining fluffy day-old rice, fresh vegetables, eggs, and savory soy sauce. Perfect as a main course or side dish, it’s easy to customize with proteins and seasonings for a restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups day-old cooked rice (preferably chilled overnight)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter version)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil

Optional Protein Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu, diced

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Chopped green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Thinly sliced red chilies
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Dice carrots and other vegetables into small pieces. Beat eggs in a bowl. Ensure rice is pre-cooked, cooled, and ideally refrigerated overnight for best texture.
  2. Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Quickly scramble the beaten eggs until just set but still tender and fluffy. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the pan. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in diced carrots and peas, cooking just until they start to soften but maintain a slight crunch.
  4. Stir-Fry the Rice: Break up any clumps in the cold rice and add it to the pan. Stir constantly to coat the rice with oil and aromatics, breaking apart any stubborn clumps to achieve perfect grain separation.
  5. Season Your Fried Rice: Pour in soy sauce and stir thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly. Return cooked eggs to the pan and fold them into the rice along with chopped green onions (white parts during cooking, green parts at the end) for freshness.
  6. Add Optional Proteins (If Using): Stir in pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the last step to heat through and incorporate.
  7. Finish and Serve: Drizzle a little sesame oil over the fried rice for aroma and depth. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, sesame seeds, or red chilies. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use day-old rice because freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky for frying.
  • Cook over high heat for a proper sear and authentic wok flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
  • Add ingredients in stages to keep textures distinct and flavors balanced.
  • A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds irresistible aroma and depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried rice, easy fried rice, quick dinner, Asian rice dish, stir-fry rice, vegetable fried rice, gluten free fried rice