Fried Rice

Fried Rice is a beloved dish that’s both easy to prepare and versatile. It’s the perfect meal for using up leftover rice, and with a few fresh ingredients, it transforms into a flavorful and satisfying dish. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served as a side to complement your favorite Asian-inspired dishes, this fried rice recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. The combination of crisp vegetables, savory soy sauce, and a rich hint of sesame oil makes this dish irresistible.

What’s great about fried rice is its ability to be customized based on what you have on hand. You can add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or keep it simple with just the vegetables for a delicious vegetarian meal. The key to perfect fried rice is using day-old rice, which gives the dish the perfect texture and prevents it from becoming too soggy. This recipe uses a combination of eggs, peas, and a flavorful mix of seasonings to elevate the rice and turn it into a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fried Rice recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make in under 30 minutes. It’s a one-pan dish that’s quick, simple, and perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying and full of taste. The mix of vegetables, including carrots, onions, and green onions, adds a nice crunch and sweetness, while the tamari soy sauce and toasted sesame oil create a savory umami flavor that brings everything together. Plus, you can make it your own by adding extra vegetables, protein, or spice according to your preferences. It’s a versatile and delicious meal that will impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

• Avocado oil
• Small onion (diced)
• Large carrot (diced)
• Green onions (white and green parts separated)
• Garlic cloves
• Minced ginger
• Large eggs (beaten)
• Frozen peas
• Cooked white rice (preferably day-old rice)
• Tamari soy sauce
• Toasted sesame oil
• Kosher salt
• Ground white pepper

Variations

While this Fried Rice recipe is delicious as is, it’s also highly adaptable to suit your tastes. If you prefer a protein-rich dish, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For an extra layer of flavor, toss in a handful of mushrooms, bell peppers, or snow peas. You can also spice up the dish with a touch of chili paste or sriracha for heat. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, ensure that your tamari soy sauce is certified gluten-free or opt for coconut aminos. For a vegan version, simply skip the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu. The options are endless, making this recipe perfect for any dietary preference.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are ready. Dice the onion, carrot, and green onions, and mince the garlic and ginger. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set them aside. If you’re using frozen peas, thaw them under warm water or in the microwave.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and stir well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic and ginger to become fragrant.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, creating space in the center. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble them, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked.

Step 5: Add Rice and Peas

Add the cooked, day-old rice to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula to avoid clumps. Stir in the thawed peas, ensuring the rice is evenly mixed with the vegetables and eggs.

Step 6: Season the Rice

Pour the tamari soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over the rice, stirring to coat evenly. Season with kosher salt and ground white pepper to taste. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Add Green Onions and Serve

Once the rice is fully heated and seasoned, stir in the green parts of the green onions. Give everything a final mix, and your fried rice is ready to serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can make the fried rice soggy. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet to cool and dry it out a bit before using.
• For an authentic flavor, use tamari soy sauce for depth and complexity. If you prefer a gluten-free version, make sure your tamari is certified gluten-free or use coconut aminos as a substitute.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables—aim for a tender-crisp texture to maintain their natural sweetness and crunch.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer a saltier flavor, you can add more soy sauce, or for more umami, a splash of fish sauce (if not vegan).
• To prevent the eggs from overcooking, scramble them quickly and keep them soft and tender by not leaving them in the pan for too long.

How to Serve

Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. It’s great as a main course or as a side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired recipes. Serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables, grilled meats, or tofu for a complete meal. You can also top it with a fried egg for extra richness. For an added crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a few extra green onions on top. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or miso soup to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water to help rehydrate the rice and keep it from drying out.

Freezing

Fried rice can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of water or oil to prevent it from becoming dry.

Reheating

To reheat fried rice, place it in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of water or oil to help rehydrate the rice and stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes, adding a small amount of water to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice for a heartier and more nutritious version of fried rice. Just make sure the rice is cooked and cooled before using.

2. Can I make fried rice without eggs?

Yes, you can easily omit the eggs for a vegan version of fried rice. You can replace them with scrambled tofu if you prefer a similar texture.

3. Can I add other vegetables to this fried rice?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, peas, corn, mushrooms, or spinach, to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful.

4. How do I make the fried rice spicier?

If you like spicy food, add a splash of sriracha, chili paste, or red pepper flakes to the fried rice to give it an extra kick.

5. Can I use a different type of oil?

While avocado oil is ideal for stir-frying due to its high smoke point, you can also use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for a slightly different flavor.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this fried rice recipe is gluten-free if you use tamari soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Be sure to check the labels to ensure the tamari is gluten-free.

7. Can I add a protein to this fried rice?

Yes! You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, tofu, or even tempeh to the fried rice to make it more filling and protein-packed.

8. How do I prevent the rice from being too sticky?

Be sure to use day-old rice, as it has less moisture than freshly cooked rice. If using fresh rice, let it cool and dry out a bit before using.

9. Can I make this dish in advance?

Fried rice can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to a month.

10. How can I make the fried rice more flavorful?

If you like a richer flavor, you can add a small amount of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a dash of fish sauce (if not vegan). Adjust the tamari soy sauce and sesame oil to your taste.

Conclusion

Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and versatile dish that’s perfect for using up leftovers and making a satisfying meal with minimal effort. With its fragrant vegetables, savory tamari soy sauce, and rich sesame oil, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy. Customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices to suit your taste, and you’ll have a delicious, balanced meal ready in no time. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal, this fried rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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