Description

The BEST Easy Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and customizable dish that transforms leftover rice into a savory meal. Packed with vegetables, savory soy sauce, and your choice of protein, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice:
3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, leftover rice works best)
2 tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1/2 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any mixed vegetables you like)
2 large eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Protein:

Cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu.

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Instructions

Prepare the Rice: Break up the cold rice with a fork to separate the grains. Cold rice works best for fried rice as it’s drier and less sticky.
Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in peas and carrots (or your choice of veggies) and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Scramble the Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the skillet, and add a little more oil if needed. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan and scramble for 1-2 minutes until cooked. Mix the eggs with the vegetables.
Add the Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan and break up any clumps. Stir to combine with the vegetables and eggs.
Season the Fried Rice: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and white pepper. Stir to coat the rice evenly in the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to crisp up and absorb the flavors.
Add Protein: Stir in cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, ) and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.) and cook for another 2 minutes to heat throu
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn for a veggie-packed fried rice.Spicy: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for extra heat.Extra Flavor: Add sesame seeds, five-spice powder, or red pepper flakes for more depth of flavor.Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.Storage: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.