When it comes to quick, delicious, and satisfying meals, Fried Rice is a classic go-to. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for using up leftover rice or vegetables in your fridge. Packed with flavors from savory butter, eggs, and a mix of fresh veggies, this fried rice recipe delivers a hearty, comforting dish that can be served on its own or as a side to complement any main course. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This Fried Rice recipe works because it combines simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together to create a savory and satisfying dish. The key to great fried rice lies in using day-old rice or slightly dried rice, which helps prevent the dish from becoming too soggy and allows it to absorb all the flavorful ingredients better.
The butter provides a rich and creamy base, while the eggs offer texture and protein. The addition of carrots, onions, and peas brings in freshness and sweetness, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. The garlic adds a fragrant note that takes the dish to the next level, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness. This recipe is customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or protein (like chicken or shrimp) to make it your own.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make this flavorful Fried Rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Fried Rice:
3 tablespoons butter, divided (for sautéing and added richness)
2 large eggs, whisked (for protein and texture)
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced (for sweetness and color)
1 small white onion, diced (for a savory depth of flavor)
1/2 cup frozen peas (for a pop of color and natural sweetness)
3 cloves garlic, minced (for a fragrant, savory base)
Day-old rice (preferably cold, about 3-4 cups) – this works best for fried rice since the grains are firm and separate.
Soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste (to season and enhance the flavors)
With these ingredients, you’ll be able to prepare a simple and delicious fried rice dish that’s ready in no time.
How to Make This Recipe
Making Fried Rice is easy and quick. Here’s how to prepare it:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Start by prepping all your ingredients before cooking. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and set them aside. Dice the carrots and onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your frozen peas. If you’re using leftover rice, make sure to break up any clumps. If you’re cooking fresh rice, let it cool and dry out for about 20 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan. Once melted, pour in the whisked eggs. Scramble the eggs gently until fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once it melts, add the carrots and onions. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Rice Next, add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any large clumps with a spatula. Stir the rice around the pan, ensuring it mixes well with the butter and vegetables. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to crisp up a bit and absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Season and Combine Add the frozen peas to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked eggs and mix everything thoroughly. Let the fried rice cook for another minute or two so the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Serve Once the rice is fully cooked and everything is well combined, remove from heat. Serve the fried rice immediately, garnished with additional soy sauce or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
While Fried Rice is an easy recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can take it from good to great:
Use Cold Rice: Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture and tends to become mushy. For best results, use day-old rice that’s been stored in the fridge. The rice will be firmer and easier to stir-fry, resulting in a better texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the rice in a crowded pan can lead to uneven cooking. If you’re making a larger batch, consider frying the rice in batches, so each grain gets a chance to crisp up and absorb the flavors.
Customize Your Fried Rice: This recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms. You can also add protein like chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to make it a complete meal.
Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. Depending on your preference, you can add a dash of sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Use High Heat: Stir-frying the rice over medium-high or high heat allows it to cook quickly and evenly. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too soft or mushy.
Add Garnishes: For a final touch, sprinkle chopped green onions, a few drops of sesame oil, or some toasted sesame seeds on top to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Fried Rice
Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:
Main Course: Fried rice is hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish. Pair it with a protein like grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp to create a filling and balanced meal.
Side Dish: Serve Fried Rice as a side to complement main dishes such as teriyaki chicken, egg rolls, or grilled fish. It pairs well with any Asian-inspired dishes, making it a great addition to your dinner table.
Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of soy sauce to elevate the flavors and add a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions
Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in several ways:
With Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, beef, or pork to create a hearty, balanced meal.
Add Extra Vegetables: For a healthier twist, add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas.
With Sides: Serve your fried rice with crispy spring rolls, egg rolls, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Time
Making Fried Rice is quick and easy. Here’s a breakdown of the time needed for each step:
Prep Time: 10 minutes (for chopping vegetables, whisking eggs, and breaking up rice)
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (for cooking vegetables, rice, and combining everything)
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
With just about half an hour, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to serve.
In conclusion, this Fried Rice recipe is a perfect go-to meal for those busy nights when you need something quick, delicious, and full of flavor. The combination of butter, eggs, garlic, and vegetables makes this dish rich in flavor while remaining light and fresh. Plus, the versatility of the dish allows you to customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a great option for a variety of occasions. Whether served as a main dish or a side, this fried rice will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.