Easy Fried Rice
Are you tired of plain old white rice? Do you want to add a little flavor to your life without breaking the bank? Look no further than my easy fried rice recipe!
With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform boring rice into a delicious and satisfying meal that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds…let’s be real). Plus, it’s so easy even your cat could make it. Just kidding, don’t let your cat near a hot stove. But seriously, let’s get cooking!
Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 cup of cooked white rice preferably leftover and chilled
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup of frozen peas and carrots or any other vegetables you have on hand
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Crack the egg into the skillet and scramble it until it’s cooked through.
- Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they’re heated through.
- Add the chilled rice to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Add the soy sauce to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute until everything is well combined and heated through.
That’s it! Your easy fried rice is ready to enjoy. Serve it as a side dish with your favorite protein, or eat it as a meal on its own.
You can even customize it to your liking by adding different vegetables or proteins. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you. And who knows, maybe even your cat will be impressed (just don’t let them near the stove).
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice?
Sure, if you want to waste your time and end up with a mushy mess. Just kidding, but seriously, leftover rice is key to making good fried rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will stick together, making it impossible to achieve that classic fried rice texture. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
Can I use other vegetables besides peas and carrots?
Of course! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer. I like to use frozen peas and carrots because they’re easy and convenient, but you can use fresh rice or canned veggie as well. Just make sure to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Leftovers can also be used in this recipe, just make sure to reheat them to room temperature before adding cold rice to the dish.
What kind of protein can I add to my fried rice?
Anything goes, really. You can use leftover chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu – whatever you have in your fridge or freezer. Or, you can leave out the protein altogether and make it a vegetarian dish. The possibilities are endless!
Using a Wok
If you have a wok, it’s the perfect tool for making fried rice. The high sides of the wok make it easy to toss and stir the ingredients without making a mess.
Plus, the heat is evenly distributed so everything cooks quickly and evenly. Just make sure to keep the high heat and keep stirring so nothing burns. And if you don’t have a wok, don’t worry – a large skillet will work just fine too. So get ready to impress your taste buds with this easy and delicious fried rice recipe!
Other tools that will help you make Fried Rice
Aside from a wok or skillet, having a good spatula or wooden spoon is important when making fried rice. You’ll need something sturdy to stir and toss all the ingredients together.
A sharp knife for chopping vegetables and protein into small pieces is also essential. And if you’re using eggs in your recipe, a whisk or fork will come in handy for beating them before adding to the pan. With these tools and tips, you’ll be on your way to making perfect fried rice every time!
Types of Rice to use
The type of rice you use will affect the texture and flavor of your fried rice. Long-grain white rice is the most commonly used, but you can also try jasmine or basmati for a different twist. Just make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking and then let it cool completely before using in the recipe.
This will prevent clumping and help the grains separate during cooking. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to master the art of making easy and delicious fried rice with long grain rice at home!
Shrimp Fried Rice
Looking to add some protein to your fried rice? Shrimp is a great option! Simply sauté peeled and deveined shrimp in a pan until they’re pink and cooked through. Then, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add vegetables like peas and carrots (or any other vegetables you prefer) and cook until they’re tender.
Add cooked rice to the pan along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and any other seasonings you like. Finally, add the shrimp back in and stir everything together until it’s heated through. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious main dish with general tso’s chicken.
Veggies to use with Fried Rice
When it comes to veggies for your fried rice, the possibilities are endless. Some classic options include onions, garlic, carrots, peas, and corn. But don’t be afraid to get creative – try adding bell peppers, broccoli, or even kale for some added nutrients.
And if you’re short on time or fresh veggies, frozen mixed vegetables work great too! Just make sure to thaw them out before adding to the pan. With these tips and tricks, your fried rice will be packed with flavor and zucchini nutrition in no time. And if you’re in a hurry, you can always use a microwave to quickly cook the frozen veggies before adding them to the pan.
Nutrition
Fried rice can be a healthy meal option if made with the right ingredients. Using brown rice instead of white rice, such as jasmine rice, adds more fiber and nutrients, and adding in plenty of vegetables increases the vitamin and mineral content.
To keep it lower in calories, use a lean protein source like shrimp or tofu and go easy on the oil. Adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, and scallions can also enhance the flavor of the dish. Enjoy your homemade fried rice guilt-free!
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How do I prevent my fried rice from being too salty?
Ah, the age-old question. The key is to go easy on the soy sauce. Two tablespoons may not seem like a lot, but it can quickly make your fried rice too salty if you’re not careful. Start with one tablespoon and add more as needed, tasting as you go. And if you accidentally add too much soy sauce, you can balance it out with a pinch of sriracha or honey.
Adding Ham to rice
If you want to add bacon to your favorite Chinese restaurant’s fried rice, go for it! Just make sure to chop it into small pieces and cook it with the vegetables before adding the rice. That way, it’ll be evenly distributed throughout the dish. And if you’re worried about the saltiness, use a lower sodium ham or reduce the amount of soy sauce you use. Enjoy your delicious ham fried rice!
How do I achieve that classic fried rice texture?
The secret to achieving that perfect fried rice texture is to use cold, leftover rice and a hot wok or skillet. If your rice is too warm or your pan is not hot enough, your rice will steam instead of fry and you won’t get that crispy texture. And remember to break up any clumps of rice with a spatula or wooden spoon as you stir-fry. The practice makes the perfect way!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making easy fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and customize it with your favorite vegetables and protein. To prevent it from being too salty, start with a small amount of soy sauce and add more as needed while balancing out any excess with sugar or honey.
Achieving that classic fried rice texture takes practice, but using cold, leftover rice and a hot wok or skillet with the secret ingredient will give you the best results. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make your perfect fried rice.
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