Fried Rice

Fried Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect as a side or even a main course. You can customize it by adding proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or keep it simple with just veggies. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade fried rice:

Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice for the best texture)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers)
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Protein (optional): chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu (about 1 cup, diced and cooked)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice:

• If you’re using fresh rice, let it cool slightly before cooking. However, day-old rice works best because it’s drier and prevents the fried rice from becoming too soggy. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread fresh cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool it down.

2. Cook the eggs:

• Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
• Add the beaten eggs and scramble them, cooking for 1-2 minutes, until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables:

• In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add the mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and heated through.

4. Fry the rice:

• Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and get slightly crispy in some spots.

5. Season the fried rice:

• Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the rice evenly with the sauce.
• Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a little extra flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

6. Combine and serve:

• Stir the cooked eggs back into the rice and mix to combine.
• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Optional Add-ins:

• Proteins: You can add diced chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu to make it a more substantial meal. Simply cook the protein separately, and add it in when you mix the eggs back into the rice.
• Extras: For additional flavor, you can add a handful of cashews, cooked bacon bits, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce.

Tips:

• Rice texture: The key to great fried rice is to use rice that isn’t too wet or sticky. Day-old rice that’s been refrigerated works best because the grains separate easily.
• Adjust seasoning: You can adjust the amount of soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce based on your taste preferences.
• Add heat: If you like spicy fried rice, add a bit of chili paste or fresh chopped chilies during cooking.

Fried Rice is incredibly versatile, and with this basic recipe, you can create your own version by adding different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for using up leftover rice! Enjoy!