This quick and easy fried rice is a game-changer! Packed with colorful veggies and your favorite protein, it’s a tasty meal that beats takeout, hands down.
Honestly, making it at home means you can add extra soy sauce—because who doesn’t love a little extra flavor? Plus, it’s a perfect way to use up leftovers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Day-old rice is perfect since it’s drier and won’t clump together. If you don’t have any leftover, you can cook fresh rice, but let it cool beforehand. You could also use brown rice for a healthier option!
Vegetable Oil: This is for frying. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, you can use olive oil. Just remember that it has a lower smoke point, so keep an eye on it while cooking.
Eggs: They add protein and richness. If you’re vegan, you can skip the eggs or use scrambled tofu as a substitute to maintain some texture.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: These are quick, but feel free to use any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, corn, or broccoli work well. Just chop them finely for even cooking.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Coconut aminos is another great alternative if you want a soy-free option. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
How Do I Ensure My Fried Rice is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your fried rice just right can be tricky, but here are some simple steps to help:
- Use day-old rice; it’s the best! Fresh rice can become mushy.
- Heat your pan to medium-high before adding oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough before cooking your eggs for that delicious scramble.
- Don’t rush the steps! Let the onions cook until they’re soft and fragrant before adding other ingredients. Each step enhances the flavor.
- When adding the rice, break up clumps with a spatula and stir continuously. This ensures even heating and a nice toasted texture.
- Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty flavor. It takes the dish to another level!
Easy Homemade Fried Rice Better Than Takeout
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious fried rice recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a quick meal!
Instructions:
1. Scramble the Eggs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside for later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes. After that, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in the frozen peas and carrots mix. Let them cook until warmed through, approximately 2-3 minutes. This will add color and nutrition to your fried rice.
4. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Now it’s time to add the cooked rice. Break up any clumps using a spatula and stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes. This step helps to heat the rice evenly and gives it a nice toasted flavor.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and stir to combine all the ingredients. Then pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil (if you’re using it). Stir well so that the rice gets a nice even coating of flavor.
6. Finish and Serve:
Add the sliced green onions and mix everything together one last time. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the fried rice hot right from the pan. Enjoy your delicious homemade fried rice that’s better than takeout!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Fried Rice
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, day-old rice is preferred because it’s drier and prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don’t have any, just cook fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, and let it cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can add or substitute any vegetables you like! Bell peppers, broccoli, corn, or snap peas all work well. Just make sure to chop them into small, even pieces for consistent cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! You can easily make vegan fried rice by omitting the eggs and adding extra veggies or even scrambled tofu for protein. Just ensure your soy sauce is also vegan-friendly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
