Fried Rice
This fried rice is your go-to option for a quick, satisfying meal that’s full of flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. It starts with cooked rice, preferably leftover, which gets stir-fried with mixed vegetables and your choice of protein—like eggs, tofu, chicken, or shrimp. A splash of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil bring out classic umami depth, while green onions or garlic add a fresh bite. This dish is endlessly adaptable based on what you have in your fridge and works perfectly as a stand-alone vegetarian main or a flavorful side to your favorite Asian dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- ¾ cup chopped yellow or white onion
- 2 medium carrots chopped into ¼-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup frozen peas do not thaw
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked chilled white rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 green onions chopped optional
Instructions
- Warm the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrot. Sauté the vegetables for about three minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness.
- Lower the heat slightly to medium-low, then stir in the minced garlic and frozen peas. Continue cooking for another two minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the peas to heat through.
- Move the vegetables to one side of the pan, creating space on the other side. Add the butter to the empty side and let it melt completely. Crack in the eggs and cook them gently, stirring slowly to scramble them until they are just set.
- Combine the scrambled eggs with the sautéed vegetables. Then add the cooked rice, a splash of soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir the mixture well and cook until everything is evenly combined and the rice is hot all the way through.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, fold in some freshly chopped green onions for a pop of flavor and color just before serving.
Notes
1 cup uncooked rice will yield 3 cups cooked rice. See How to Cook Rice.Starting with 1 cup of uncooked rice will give you about 3 cups of cooked rice, which is the perfect amount for this recipe. If you need guidance on how to prepare rice for the best texture and flavor, be sure to check out the full instructions in the How to Cook Rice guide.