Fried rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be prepared quickly using simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or create a delicious meal from scratch, this easy fried rice recipe will guide you through the process. The beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

For the Base:

3 cups of cooked and cooled white rice (preferably day-old)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Vegetables:

1 cup of frozen peas and carrots mix
1/2 cup of bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup of green onions, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
1/2 cup of corn kernels (optional)

Proteins (optional):

1 cup of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, diced or shredded
4-5 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Seasoning and Sauces:

3 tablespoons of soy sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of white pepper (optional)
Salt to taste

Garnishes:

Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds (optional)
A squeeze of lime (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Rice: If you haven’t done so already, cook your rice and allow it to cool. It’s best to use day-old rice because it’s drier and will absorb flavors better without becoming mushy.

Vegetables: If using fresh vegetables, chop them into small, uniform pieces. Thaw frozen vegetables by leaving them at room temperature for a few minutes or by rinsing them under warm water.

Proteins: Prepare your choice of protein by cooking it thoroughly. For example, if using chicken, cook it in a pan with a little oil until browned and fully cooked, then set aside.

2. Heat the Pan:

In a large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The key to great fried rice is high heat, so make sure your pan is hot before adding ingredients.

3. Cook the Eggs:

Pour the beaten eggs into the hot pan. Allow them to set for a few seconds, then scramble gently until fully cooked. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté Aromatics:

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

5. Add Vegetables and Protein:

Add the peas and carrots mix, bell peppers, corn (if using), and any other vegetables you like. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
If you’re adding proteins like chicken, shrimp, tofu, or bacon, toss them into the pan now and stir to combine.

6. Incorporate the Rice:

Break up any clumps in your cooled rice with your fingers or a fork before adding it to the pan. Add the rice in batches if necessary, stirring to ensure each grain is coated with the oil and vegetables.
Stir-fry for another 5 minutes, pressing the rice against the pan with your spatula to help it absorb the flavors and achieve a slight crispiness.

7. Season the Rice:

Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice. Sprinkle in the black pepper and white pepper if desired. Stir well to evenly distribute the sauces and seasoning.
Taste the rice and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce or salt if necessary.

8. Combine Everything:

Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan, breaking them up into smaller pieces as you mix them into the rice. Stir everything together for another minute, ensuring the eggs are evenly distributed.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the pan from heat and garnish the fried rice with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
Serve hot, with a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh citrusy kick.

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can become mushy when fried. Day-old rice is drier, making it perfect for frying.
High Heat is Key: Cooking on high heat helps to quickly stir-fry the ingredients without overcooking them. It also helps in achieving a slight crispiness in the rice.
Customize Your Ingredients: Fried rice is a versatile dish. Feel free to add any leftover vegetables or proteins you have on hand. Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to create your version.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, fry the rice in batches to ensure even cooking and to avoid steaming the ingredients.

This easy fried rice recipe is not only quick and simple to make but also a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and create a flavorful, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a main course, fried rice is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!