This fried rice recipe is packed with colorful veggies and tender chicken or shrimp for a tasty meal. It’s quick to make and tastes way better than takeout!
I love making it on busy nights because I can use leftover rice. It’s a fun way to clean out the fridge and enjoy a delicious meal in no time. Plus, who doesn’t love fried rice? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Jasmine Rice: This rice is fluffy and aromatic, which makes it perfect for fried rice. If you don’t have jasmine, use basmati or even long-grain rice. Just make sure it’s chilled, as fresh rice can turn mushy.
Vegetable Oil: I love using sesame oil for a richer flavor, but vegetable oil works just fine. You can also try canola or grapeseed oil if you prefer a neutral taste.
Eggs: They’re a must for adding protein and richness. If you’re egg-free, you can skip them or use a plant-based egg substitute.
Carrots and Peas: These add color and sweetness. Feel free to swap them with other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli based on your taste.
Soy Sauce: This is where the flavor really comes from! For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. Adjust the amount based on how salty you like it.
How Do I Get the Rice Perfectly Fried Without Being Soggy?
The key to great fried rice is using chilled, day-old rice. This helps the grains stay separate and prevents it from becoming mushy. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
- Don’t rush the frying! Heat the skillet before adding the rice.
- Break up clumps with a spatula as you stir to help it fry evenly.
- Allow the rice to sit in the pan for a minute before stirring to develop a slight crispness.
Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for added depth)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fried rice takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 25-30 minutes to whip up this amazing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Eggs:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked. This will only take a few minutes! When done, remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
2. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Now, toss in the diced onions and garlic. Stir-fry these until they are fragrant and the onions are translucent, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Adding Carrots and Peas:
Next, add the diced carrots to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften. Then, stir in the thawed peas and cook for another minute to warm them through.
4. Mixing in the Rice:
Now it’s rice time! Add the chilled rice to the skillet. Break apart any clumps with your spatula and stir-fry the rice until it’s heated through and starts to brown slightly, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
5. Combining Everything:
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and mix everything well. Now, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and toasted sesame oil (if desired). Stir everything to evenly coat the rice and veggies with the sauces.
6. Final Touches:
Finally, stir in the sliced green onions and season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last good mix and then remove it from the heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your better-than-takeout fried rice immediately and enjoy! It’s perfect as a main dish or as a side to your favorite Asian cuisine.
FAQ
Can I Use Leftover Rice for This Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, using day-old chilled rice is ideal because it’s less sticky. If you don’t have leftover rice, just cook some and spread it on a baking sheet to cool quickly before using it in this recipe.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
Feel free to mix and match! You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini, or even swap the carrots and peas for your favorites. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding the rice.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply skip the eggs or use a vegan egg substitute. Replace the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or just add extra soy sauce for flavor without the meat!
How Should I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or heat it in a skillet with a splash of water to revitalize the rice.
