Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 4
Turn leftover rice into a delicious, budget-friendly meal with this Simple Fried Rice recipe! 🍚✨ Made with minimal ingredients like day-old rice, vegetables, and soy sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Customize it with whatever you have on hand, making it a versatile and cost-effective option that’s packed with flavor and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
🔥 Core Ingredients:
☑ 3 cups cooked, day-old rice (preferably cold) 🍚
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 vegetable oil 🫒
☑ 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
☑ 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
☑ 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh—like carrots, peas, bell peppers, or corn) 🥕🌽
☑ 2 eggs, lightly beaten (optional for added protein) 🍳
☑ 3 tablespoons🥄 soy sauce or tamari 🍱
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 sesame oil (optional for extra flavor) 🌿
☑ Salt & black pepper to taste 🧂
🔥 Optional Add-ins:
☑ Green onions, chopped for garnish 🌱
☑ Red chili flakes for heat 🌶️
☑ Tofu, chicken, or shrimp for extra protein 🍗🍤
👨🍳 Cooking Steps
🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Rice
1️⃣ Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Break up any clumps with your hands or a fork.
🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
1️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and golden.
🥕 Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
1️⃣ Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp.
🥚 Step 4: Add the Eggs (Optional)
1️⃣ Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space.
2️⃣ Scramble the eggs until cooked through, then mix them with the vegetables.
🍚 Step 5: Stir-Fry the Rice
1️⃣ Add the cold rice to the pan, stirring well to combine with the veggies and eggs.
2️⃣ Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
3️⃣ Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, making sure everything is evenly coated and heated through.
🌿 Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.
2️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy your budget-friendly, flavorful meal!
Fast, flavorful, and wallet-friendly—this Simple Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food made from pantry staples. 🍳🍚