This Easy Fried Rice is like a mini party in your pan! With colorful veggies and tender rice, it’s a quick and tasty dish that feels like a special treat right at home.
Honestly, who doesn’t love fried rice? I can whip this up in no time, and it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies. Plus, it always gets my whole family smiling! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked White Rice: Day-old rice is key for fluffy fried rice! It’s less sticky and makes it easier to stir-fry. If you’re in a pinch, you can use freshly cooked rice, but spread it out on a tray to cool before using.
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil works great, I like to use sesame oil for its nutty flavor. If you’re avoiding oils, try a non-stick spray or broth for sautéing.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness. If you prefer a milder taste, go for green onions or shallots instead.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: This mix saves time! You can use any frozen or fresh veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or broccoli. Just chop them small!
Eggs: They give protein and richness. You can skip them for a vegan option or substitute with scrambled tofu.
How Do I Get the Fried Rice Just Right?
The secret to great fried rice lies in the cooking technique. Start with chilled rice to avoid clumps. Heat your skillet or wok on medium-high; a hot pan is essential for a good stir-fry.
- First, cook the eggs quickly and set aside. This keeps them fluffy.
- Then, sauté the onions until they’re soft. This enhances the flavor.
- Add your frozen veggies next. They should be bright and tender.
- Finally, add the chilled rice in small batches, allowing it to fry and heat without steaming.
- Mix in the soy sauce gradually; taste as you go for seasoning.
Keep stirring on high heat to prevent sticking and blend all those wonderful flavors. Enjoy your homemade fried rice that tastes even better than takeout!
Better Than Takeout Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice, ideally day-old and chilled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Fried Rice takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking, so you’ll have a delicious meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Make sure your rice is cooked and chilled in the fridge ahead of time. Day-old rice works best because it’s less sticky and easier to fry.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just cooked. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the finely diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots mix, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the veggies are heated through and bright in color.
5. Add the Rice:
Now, it’s time to add the chilled rice! Break up any clumps and stir-fry it with the vegetables for about 5 minutes, ensuring that everything is heated and well mixed.
6. Combine the Eggs and Green Onions:
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet along with the sliced green onions. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
7. Season the Rice:
Pour the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce evenly over the rice mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat every grain of rice and vegetable with flavor.
8. Final Touches:
Give the fried rice a taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Stir-fry for one more minute to combine all the flavors well.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the fried rice from heat and serve it hot. You can garnish it with extra green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil for that final touch!
Enjoy your homemade fried rice that beats takeout any day!
FAQ for Better Than Takeout Easy Fried Rice
Can I Use Different Types of Rice?
Absolutely! While white rice is traditional, you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure the rice is cooked and chilled before using to avoid clumping.
Can I Substitute the Eggs for a Vegan Option?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to achieve a similar texture. Just cook until set and mix them in as you would with eggs.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered bowl or sauté in a skillet with a little bit of oil to revive the flavors.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Fried rice is very versatile. Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. Just make sure to chop them small and cook them until tender before adding the rice.
