Fried Rice
A quick, easy, and versatile Asian-inspired fried rice recipe that uses simple ingredients to create a flavorful, comforting, and customizable meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Rice
- 2 cups cooked chilled rice (preferably day-old jasmine or basmati)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
Eggs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Protein Options (choose one or mix)
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast or thighs
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1 cup firm tofu, diced
- 1 cup cooked pork, diced
Optional
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (for spicy version)
- Prep Your Ingredients: Ensure your rice is cold and preferably day-old to avoid mushiness. Chop all vegetables, mince garlic and ginger, and beat the eggs lightly.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in beaten eggs, scramble gently until just set, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the pan, then sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add diced vegetables and cook until tender-crisp.
- Add Rice and Protein: Increase heat to high, add cold rice and your choice of protein. Stir continuously to heat thoroughly and break up clumps.
- Season and Combine: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly. Return cooked eggs to the pan and fold everything together. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed.
- Finish with Freshness: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
- Cook on high heat to achieve a slight smoky ‘wok hei’ flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Add soy sauce gradually to avoid sogginess or oversalting.
- Prep all ingredients before starting as fried rice cooks quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: fried rice, quick fried rice, easy fried rice, Asian fried rice, customizable fried rice, leftover rice recipe