Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and turn it into a delicious meal! Here’s a simple and tasty fried rice recipe that’s packed with flavor:
Simple Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice, as it’s drier and fries better)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or fresh if you prefer)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tbsp soy sauce (to taste)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the rice:
- If you’re using fresh rice, make sure it’s cooled down and broken up with a fork. Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less sticky.
- Cook the eggs:
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once hot, pour in the beaten eggs and cook, scrambling them until they are fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the frozen peas and carrots (if using fresh, cook them first) and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through.
- Fry the rice:
- Add the rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and starts to get a little crispy.
- Season the rice:
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil (if using). Stir everything together to evenly coat the rice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add more soy sauce if you like it saltier.
- Add the eggs back:
- Stir the scrambled eggs back into the rice, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with chopped green onions and serve immediately!
Optional Add-ins:
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu for extra protein. You can add them after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the rice.
- Spicy option: Add a bit of sriracha or chili paste to the soy sauce mixture for some heat.
- Other veggies: You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more variety.
This fried rice is quick, customizable, and full of flavor! You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. How do you usually like your fried rice—extra soy sauce, spicy, or with a little protein added?