Easy Fried Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Fried Rice is all about convenience and flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can easily swap in your choice of vegetables, proteins, or seasonings based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s quick to make, requiring just one pan and minimal ingredients. Whether you’re using up leftover rice or cooking it fresh, this fried rice is a foolproof way to create a tasty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled, day-old rice works best)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.

3. Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.

4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them into the vegetables.

5. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

6. Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use either white or brown rice for this recipe. Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and easier to stir-fry without getting too mushy.

2. Can I add meat or tofu to this fried rice?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu to the fried rice for added protein. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the rice when you combine the ingredients in step 5.

3. What kind of vegetables can I use?

You can use any vegetables you prefer or have on hand. Common options include peas, carrots, corn, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even leftover roasted vegetables. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience.

4. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced chili peppers to the stir-fry. Adjust the heat level to your liking.

5. Do I need to use sesame oil?

Sesame oil adds a distinct, nutty flavor to the fried rice, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or substitute with more vegetable oil.

6. Can I use other types of soy sauce?

Yes, you can use tamari or low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer. Just be mindful of the saltiness if using low-sodium options.

7. Can I freeze leftover fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze fried rice for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, microwave or stir-fry after thawing.

8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! This fried rice can easily be made vegetarian by skipping the egg or replacing it with scrambled tofu. Just use plant-based oil and soy sauce to keep it vegan.

9. What’s the best way to cook rice for fried rice?

For the best fried rice, use rice that’s been cooked and cooled, preferably a day ahead. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky for stir-frying. If you’re in a hurry, spread fresh rice on a baking sheet to cool it quickly.

10. How can I make this fried rice more flavorful?

You can add more seasonings like garlic powder, ginger, or a splash of rice vinegar to enhance the flavor. For a more savory taste, try adding a bit of hoisin sauce or a splash of fish sauce in place of the oyster sauce.

Conclusion

Easy Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that you can easily adapt to suit your preferences. Whether you’re using leftover rice, adding your favorite vegetables, or making it a complete meal with protein, this recipe is the perfect solution for busy nights or when you need a simple yet delicious dish. It’s easy to customize, and you can make it as mild or spicy as you like. Try it today for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Easy Fried Rice

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• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Easy Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes. Perfect for using up leftover rice, this versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and seasonings. Whether as a side or main dish, it’s a delicious and easy solution for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled, day-old rice works best)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

• Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.

• Add the minced garlic and mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

• Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them into the vegetables.

• Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

• Pour the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil over the rice. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, making sure the rice is evenly coated with the sauces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

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Notes

Use day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice tends to be too soft and sticky for stir-frying.You can easily add protein like chicken, shrimp,  or tofu for a heartier dish.Adjust the soy sauce to your taste, and make it spicier with red pepper flakes or sriracha.