Dive into a Chinese-inspired culinary journey with our Easy Fried Rice Recipe. Its adaptability will surely impress you – feel free to mix in a range of proteins from chicken, shrimp, and pork to beef, tofu, or even an array of colorful vegetables. Not only is its rich flavor a crowd-pleaser, but this recipe is also so straightforward that you’ll have a delightful dish ready in just 15 minutes.
Do you prefer your dish with an extra touch of protein? We’ve got you covered with our variation of easy chicken fried rice recipe with egg. Are you looking to save time and utilize handy ingredients? Our method of incorporating frozen vegetables will come to your rescue, ensuring you get a delicious outcome every time, even if you’re in a hurry.
Through this guide, we’ll delve deep into the core fried rice ingredients, offering insights from the classic Chinese rice recipe to variations like egg fried rice. So, gear up and get your wok ready, as we embark on a culinary journey to perfect the art of making the most delightful fried rice dish!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients in this Easy Fried Rice Recipe:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (best if left overnight in the fridge)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.)
Instructions in fried rice:
- Prep the Rice: If you can, use rice that has been cooked and refrigerated overnight. This helps it become less sticky and better for frying.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir fry until they’re translucent and aromatic.
- Add Vegetables: Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet and add the frozen mixed vegetables to the other side. Stir fry until they’re warmed and slightly crispy.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the vegetables and onions to the side, and pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Let them sit for a few seconds and then scramble them until fully cooked.
- Mix Everything: Add the rice to the skillet. Mix everything together.
- Season: Pour the soy sauce over the rice. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and veggies.
- Add Protein: If you’re using a protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it now and stir well.
- Finish: Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with the sliced green onions.
- Serve: Serve your fried rice hot. It goes well with other dishes or can be enjoyed on its own!
Remember, the beauty of fried rice is its flexibility. You can customize it based on what you have in your fridge or according to your preferences. Enjoy your meal!
Ultimate Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Wok or Large Skillet/Frying Pan Ideal for stir-frying as it provides even heat distribution. If you don't have a wok, a large frying pan can also work.
- 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon Useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.Bowl: To beat the eggs before adding them to the pan.
- 1 Knife & Cutting Board For chopping the onions, mincing the garlic, and slicing the green onions.
- 1 Measuring Cups & Spoons To measure out ingredients like rice, soy sauce, and oil.
- Optional If adding protein like chicken or shrimp, you may need additional equipment like a separate pan for cooking the protein, unless you cook it in the wok/skillet first before adding the other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (best if left overnight in the fridge)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or sesame oil Better Sesame oil
- 1 White onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- 2 eggs beaten
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- Optional: protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Rice: If you can, use rice that has been cooked and refrigerated overnight. This helps it become less sticky and better for frying.2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.2 tbsp Vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Cook Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir fry until they're translucent and aromatic.1 White onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Add Vegetables: Push the onion and garlic to one side of the skillet and add the frozen mixed vegetables to the other side. Stir fry until they're warmed and slightly crispy.½ cup frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
- Scramble Eggs: Push the vegetables and onions to the side, and pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Let them sit for a few seconds and then scramble them until fully cooked.2 eggs
- Mix Everything: Add the rice to the skillet. Mix everything together.
- Season: Pour the soy sauce over the rice. Stir well to evenly coat the rice and veggies.3 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- Add Protein: If you're using a protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it now and stir well.Optional: protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.)
- Finish: Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with the sliced green onions.2 green onions
- Serve: Serve your fried rice hot. It goes well with other dishes or can be enjoyed on its own!
Notes
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried. Day-old rice that’s been cooled and dried out slightly works best, as the grains stay separated and firm.
- High Heat is Key: To achieve that restaurant-quality “wok hei” or the smoky aroma imparted from the wok, ensure you’re cooking on high heat. This quick cooking also retains the freshness of the ingredients.
- Prep Ahead: Make sure all your ingredients are chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. Fried rice cooks quickly, and having everything at hand ensures you don’t overcook any component.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If you’re making a large batch, it might be better to cook in smaller portions. Overcrowding the pan can steam the ingredients rather than fry them, which can result in a mushy texture.
- Egg Technique: Push the rice to the side of the wok or skillet, then pour the beaten eggs into the cleared area. Let them set a little, then scramble and mix into the rice. This gives a nice distribution of egg throughout the dish.
- Season Towards the End: Add the soy sauce and other seasonings towards the end of the cooking process to maintain the vibrant color and texture of the ingredients.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like green onions or cilantro can add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
- Texture Variation: Incorporate a mix of textures to make the dish interesting. For example, adding some toasted cashews or peanuts can provide a crunchy contrast.
- Use Quality Soy Sauce: Opt for a good quality soy sauce. Light soy sauce gives a salty flavor, while dark soy sauce imparts a richer color and slightly sweeter taste.
- Add a Dash of Sesame Oil: Just a little drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end can elevate the flavor profile immensely.
In the end, mastering this Easy Fried Rice Recipe is all about blending simple ingredients with the right techniques. Whether you’re revisiting this classic dish or trying it for the first time, this recipe promises a delicious and fulfilling meal every time. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this culinary delight as much as we do. Remember, the best meals are often the simplest. Happy cooking!
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