Description
This Better Than Takeout Fried Rice recipe offers a quick and flavorful homemade alternative to restaurant fried rice, featuring day-old rice, scrambled eggs, sautéed vegetables, and a perfect blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal or side that you can customize with your preferred protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 eggs, beaten
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 tsp ginger, grated (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Protein
- Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: If you are using leftover rice, break up any clumps to ensure even cooking and texture. For freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out slightly, which helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy when cooked.
- Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. Once done, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside for later use.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, setting the flavor base for your fried rice.
- Add Peas and Carrots: Stir in the thawed peas and carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and allow the vegetables to blend with the onion and garlic flavors.
- Combine the Rice: Add the rice to the pan, breaking up any remaining clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry the mixture for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice is coated evenly with oil and heated thoroughly.
- Season: Pour in the soy sauce and drizzle the sesame oil over the rice. If using, add the grated ginger at this point. Stir everything well to coat the rice evenly with the sauces and distribute the flavors.
- Add Eggs and Green Onions: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and fold them into the rice mixture. Stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Ensure everything is heated through and combined well.
- Serve: Serve the fried rice hot as a main dish or a side. Add your choice of cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired to make it more substantial.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps achieve the best texture, preventing sogginess.
- For gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Optional protein can be added to boost nutrition and make it a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce or pepper to taste.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for variation.
