Unlock the comfort of a homemade meal with this quick and easy fried rice recipe. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe puts leftover rice and vegetables to good use. With a few simple steps, you'll have a flavorful dish packed with veggies, protein, and the savory tastes of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are quite common and can be found in your pantry or local supermarket. However, sesame oil and soy sauce are two ingredients you might need to pick up. Sesame oil is a flavorful oil commonly used in Asian recipes, and soy sauce is a staple condiment that adds a savory, umami flavor.
Fried Rice Recipe Ingredients
Canola oil: A versatile and neutral oil that's good for high heat cooking like frying.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish.
Ginger: Gives a warm and spicy flavor.
Green onions: They add a nice crunch and fresh flavor.
Frozen carrots and peas: These add color and a variety of textures to the dish. They're also an easy way to add more vegetables to your meal.
Eggs: Add richness and protein to the dish.
Cooked chicken: A great source of protein and adds flavor to the rice.
Soy sauce: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish, giving it a savory umami taste.
Sesame oil: Adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish.
Cooked white rice: The main ingredient of the dish. Day-old rice is best as it's dryer and will fry up nicely.
One reader, Karyn Ching says:
This quick and easy fried rice recipe is a game-changer! It's so simple to make and tastes amazing. The combination of flavors is perfect, and it's a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Key Techniques for Making Delicious Fried Rice
How to heat the oil and aromatics: Heat the canola oil in a wok or nonstick pan over medium-high heat, then add the garlic, ginger, and the white portion of the green onions. Cook until fragrant.
How to cook the vegetables: Add the frozen carrots and peas to the pan and cook until heated and softened.
How to cook the rice: Add the cold cooked white rice to the pan and continue to cook until the rice is slightly crisped and brown. Avoid stirring too much to allow for a little bit of caramelization.
How to incorporate the eggs and sauces: Once the rice is cooked, add in the cooked egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
How to garnish: Garnish the fried rice with the remaining green onion and sesame seeds if desired.
How To Make Quick and Easy Fried Rice
When having a barbecue, a plate of savory fried rice can heighten the appetite. Learn how to make this quick and easy dish and prepare it for the outing!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspcanola oil
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- 2tspginger,minced
- 2green onions,sliced and separated
- ¾cupfrozen carrots,or diced fresh
- ¾cupfrozen peas
- 2eggs,cooked and chopped
- 1cupchopped cooked chicken,optional
- 3tbspsoy sauce
- ½tspsesame oil
- 3½cupscold cooked white rice
Instructions
-
Heat oil in a wok or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add in garlic, ginger and the white portion of the green onions. Cook until fragrant.
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Add carrots and peas, cook until heated and softened.
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Add rice continue to cook until rice slightly crisped and brown. Don’t stir too much, to get a little bit of caramelization.
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Add in cooked egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
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Garnish with remaining green onion and sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250.98kcal
- Fat: 6.05g
- Saturated Fat: 1.19g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.60g
- Carbohydrates: 35.88g
- Fiber: 1.84g
- Sugar: 1.82g
- Protein: 12.04g
- Cholesterol: 70.82mg
- Sodium: 507.32mg
- Calcium: 31.68mg
- Potassium: 223.28mg
- Iron: 2.69mg
- Vitamin A: 159.09µg
- Vitamin C: 4.70mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Fried Rice Technique
When preparing your fried rice, it's crucial to use cold cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and can result in a mushy texture. Ideally, cook your rice the day before and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow the grains to dry out and firm up, ensuring a perfect texture for your fried rice. If you're in a pinch and need to use fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and place it in the fridge for a few hours to help remove some of the moisture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Quick and Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all ingredients before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process smoother.
Use leftover rice: Utilize leftover rice from a previous meal to skip the step of cooking rice from scratch, saving both time and effort.
One-pan method: Opt for a one-pan cooking method to minimize the number of dishes and utensils used, reducing cleanup time.
High heat: Cook the ingredients on high heat to quickly stir-fry and achieve that classic fried rice flavor in less time.
Frozen veggies: Use frozen carrots and peas instead of fresh ones to skip the time-consuming process of chopping and preparing vegetables.
Egg shortcut: Consider using pre-cooked or pre-scrambled eggs to save time on the egg preparation step.
Substitute Ingredients For Quick and Easy Fried Rice Recipe
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is a suitable substitute for canola oil in fried rice, as it has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor.
frozen carrots - Substitute with fresh carrots: Fresh carrots can be used as a substitute for frozen carrots, providing a crisp texture and vibrant flavor to the fried rice.
frozen peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can be used as a substitute for frozen peas, adding a pop of color and a slightly different flavor to the fried rice.
chopped cooked chicken - Substitute with tofu cubes: Tofu cubes can be used as a substitute for chicken, providing a vegetarian option with a similar texture and protein content.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, can be used as a substitute for soy sauce in the fried rice recipe.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice can be used as a substitute for white rice, offering a nuttier flavor and additional fiber and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Serve Fried Rice
Elevate the rice: Mold the fried rice into a small bowl and carefully invert it onto the center of the plate to create a neat, rounded mound.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped chives and a light dusting of sesame seeds for an elegant touch.
Incorporate color and texture: Place a vibrant edible flower on top of the rice for a pop of color and a delicate, sophisticated appearance.
Emphasize balance: Arrange a few microgreens on the side of the plate to add a fresh, vibrant element and enhance the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Leave a portion of the plate uncovered to create a sense of openness and allow the dish to stand out as the focal point.
Consider the plate shape: Choose a round, shallow plate to showcase the fried rice and create a visually appealing presentation.
Attention to detail: Wipe the edges of the plate to ensure a clean, polished look before serving to the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Fried Rice
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used for stir-frying, steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking, and roasting nuts.
- Nonstick pan: A pan with a non-stick coating that allows for easy cooking and cleaning, perfect for frying and sautéing without food sticking to the surface.
- Canola oil: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, ideal for stir-frying and frying due to its ability to withstand high heat without burning.
- Chopping board: A sturdy surface for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients, ensuring safety and precision in food preparation.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and mincing a wide variety of ingredients, essential for efficient meal preparation.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for flipping, lifting, and spreading ingredients in the pan, perfect for stir-frying and mixing rice.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients, essential for beating eggs and creating a uniform texture in the fried rice.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to accurately measure small amounts of ingredients, ensuring the right balance of flavors in the fried rice.
- Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and serving, perfect for mixing the fried rice and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, ideal for cooking rice and other grains, ensuring even heat distribution for perfectly cooked rice.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Fried Rice
Let the fried rice cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy and soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled fried rice to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried rice:
- Divide the cooled fried rice into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen fried rice can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated fried rice, microwave it in a covered dish or pan until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently.
To reheat frozen fried rice, you can either:
- Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or skillet as mentioned above.
- Directly reheat the frozen fried rice in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally until it's hot and steaming. You may need to add a splash of water to help rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out.
When reheating, feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to revive the flavors if needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Fried Rice
- The best way to reheat leftover fried rice is in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan and heat until shimmering.
- Add the leftover fried rice to the hot pan and spread it out in an even layer. Allow the rice to sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to crisp up on the bottom.
- Using a spatula, stir the rice and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy in spots. This should take about 3-5 minutes total.
- If the rice seems dry, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten it and create a bit of steam.
- For added flavor, you can stir in some additional soy sauce, sesame oil, or oyster sauce to taste.
- If you have any leftover vegetables or proteins, such as eggs, chicken, or shrimp, you can add them to the pan and stir to combine and heat through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the fried rice in the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated through.
- Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to reheat the rice until it is steaming hot throughout to ensure food safety.
- Serve the reheated fried rice immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired.
Interesting Trivia About Fried Rice
Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian countries and is often made with leftover rice to reduce food waste. It's a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and sauces to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Making Fried Rice at Home
The quick and easy fried rice recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as rice, frozen vegetables, and chicken, are budget-friendly and easily accessible. With a Verdict rating of 8, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal at an approximate cost of $10 for a household of 4 people.
Is Fried Rice a Healthy or Unhealthy Dish?
The quick and easy fried rice recipe is a relatively healthy dish, with a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Here are some positive aspects of the recipe:
- The use of canola oil, which is low in saturated fat and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
- The inclusion of garlic and ginger, which have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
- The addition of frozen carrots and peas, providing a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- The use of chicken as a lean protein source
- The incorporation of eggs, which are nutrient-dense and provide essential amino acids
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The recipe relies on white rice, which is a refined carbohydrate. Substituting brown rice or quinoa would increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
- The sodium content may be high due to the use of soy sauce. Opting for a low-sodium soy sauce or using less of it could help reduce the overall sodium intake.
- The recipe could benefit from the addition of more vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli, to increase the variety of nutrients and fiber.
To make the fried rice even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Use a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce the sodium content
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas
- Opt for a healthier cooking oil, such as avocado oil or coconut oil, which have higher smoke points and are rich in healthy fats
- Add some chopped nuts or seeds, like cashews or pumpkin seeds, for extra protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch
Editor's Opinion: Why This Fried Rice Recipe Stands Out
This quick and easy fried rice recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of garlic, ginger, and green onions adds a depth of savory aroma, while the addition of carrots, peas, and chicken provides a satisfying balance of vegetables and protein. The method of crisping the rice creates a wonderful contrast in texture, and the final touch of soy sauce and sesame oil brings everything together with a burst of umami. It's a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side.
Enhance Your Quick and Easy Fried Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Fried Rice
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Quick and Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Why trust this Quick and Easy Fried Rice Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of Asian flavors and wholesome ingredients, ensuring a satisfying and flavorful meal. The use of soy sauce and sesame oil infuses the dish with authentic taste, while the addition of chicken and eggs provides a hearty protein boost. The inclusion of garlic and ginger adds aromatic depth, and the incorporation of frozen carrots and peas guarantees freshness. With its simple yet effective cooking method, this recipe promises to deliver a delicious and convenient fried rice dish that users can trust and enjoy.
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