Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, this Fried Rice Recipe is your ticket to a quick, satisfying meal that brings the taste of a restaurant favorite right into your kitchen. With its delightful combination of garlic, scallions, and a hint of sesame, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds, thirds, and even more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This fried rice recipe can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt it to include your favorite vegetables or proteins, letting you tailor it to your taste.
- Deliciously Satisfying: With its savory blend of garlic, soy, and sesame, every bite is mouthwateringly good.
- Affordable: Using leftover rice and simple ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly dish everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a delicious fried rice dish relies on a few key ingredients that harmonize perfectly. Each element adds a unique touch, from the savory depth of soy sauce to the aromatic lift of garlic.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the rice with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Scallions: These provide a fresh, mild onion taste and a pop of color.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-temperature cooking and doesn’t overpower the dish.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These add sweetness and texture, making the dish vibrant.
- Cold cooked rice: Cold rice keeps the grains separate, preventing mushiness.
- Soy sauce: Adds a salty, savory depth typical of fried rice.
- Sesame oil: A finishing touch for a distinct nutty aroma and taste.
Variations
Fried rice is a canvas you can paint with different colors and flavors. Feel free to experiment with these variations to cater to your dietary preferences or simply to try something new.
- Protein Packed: Toss in some diced chicken or shrimp before serving to add a boost of protein.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use more veggies like bell peppers and broccoli for a crunchy, nutritious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for some extra heat.
How to Make Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by mincing the garlic and slicing the scallions. Keeping the white and green parts separate adds layers of flavor as they cook at different stages.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in your wok. Add the garlic and the white parts of the scallions followed by peas and carrots. Stir-fry them until they are thawed and aromatic.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add the cold rice into the wok, breaking up any clumps with your fingers as you go. Let the grains absorb the flavor from the veggies and soy sauce.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice to one side of the pan, add a dash more oil, and scramble the eggs until they’re soft and fluffy. Mix them gently into the rice to combine.
Pro Tips for Making Fried Rice Recipe
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist. Using chilled, day-old rice helps it fry up without clumping.
- High Heat Cooking: A hot wok or pan is essential for getting that perfect fried rice texture, so don’t shy away from cranking up the heat.
- Break Rice Clumps: Use your fingers to separate any rice clumps before adding them to the pan for the best texture.
- Proper Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the soy sauce and salt for a balance that’s just right for you.
How to Serve Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Top your fried rice with the green parts of the scallions for a fresh finish. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a fun crunch too.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of stir-fried broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad, balancing the rich flavors of the fried rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your fried rice in small bowls or tao dishes for individual portions, or mound it high on a serving platter. For a buffet, consider a toppings bar where diners can customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave for a quick meal.
Freezing
You can freeze your fried rice for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your fried rice on the stove, adding a splash of oil or water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
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Can I use freshly cooked rice?
It’s best to use chilled, day-old rice as it will fry more evenly. Fresh rice is typically too moist and can become mushy.
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What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you’re out of sesame oil, you can skip it or use a few drops of toasted walnut oil for a similar nutty note.
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How do I prevent rice from sticking?
Ensure your pan or wok is hot before adding the rice and be sure to use enough oil to coat the rice as it fries.
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Is fried rice gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify any additional flavorings are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Rice Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, perfect for those moments when you crave something comforting yet quick. I encourage you to try this flavorful dish and experiment with your own favorite variations. Happy cooking!
Print
Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: about 5 cups 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This delicious homemade fried rice recipe is quick, flavorful, and customizable. Using simple ingredients like garlic, scallions, peas, carrots, and rice, it comes together in just about 15 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a quick lunch, this dish can be easily adapted to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 medium scallions
Oil and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper, plus more as needed
Proteins and Rice
- 4 cups cooked cold brown or white rice (preferably medium grain)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (do not thaw)
Eggs and Finishing Touches
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Mince the garlic cloves finely. Thinly slice the scallions crosswise into rounds, keeping the white parts separate from the green parts for garnish and seasoning.
- Cook Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic, scallion whites, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are thawed and fragrant.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Add the cold cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your fingers as you add it. Toss everything together, then stir in soy sauce, kosher salt, and white pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the empty side, then crack the eggs directly into the oil. Scramble the eggs gently, cooking until almost set, then incorporate into the rice mixture.
- Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat. Drizzle the sesame oil over the fried rice and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with the reserved green scallion parts for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked white rice with day-old rice for the best texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or cooked chicken for variation.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of oyster sauce or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
