Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- Push the garlic and onion to one side of the skillet and add the beaten eggs to the empty side. Allow the eggs to cook undisturbed for a few seconds until they start to set, then gently scramble them with a spatula until cooked through. Transfer the cooked eggs to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the diced carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to heat through and absorb the flavors.
- Stir in the thawed peas and cooked eggs, breaking the eggs into smaller pieces as you mix them into the rice.
- Drizzle the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice, and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the fried rice to a serving dish.
- Garnish the fried rice with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
- Serve the easy fried rice hot as a flavorful side dish or add cooked protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Enjoy your homemade easy fried rice, packed with flavor and ready in minutes!
FAQs:
1. What type of rice is best for making fried rice?
Answer: The best type of rice for making fried rice is day-old, cold, long-grain white rice, such as jasmine or basmati. Using rice that has been cooked and then cooled allows the grains to firm up, making them less likely to clump together and become mushy when fried. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to dry it out a bit before using.
2. Can I add other proteins to fried rice besides eggs?
Answer: Yes, you can add various proteins to fried rice, such as cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, or tofu. Make sure the protein is cooked before adding it to the fried rice. Leftover proteins work great in this dish and can be added towards the end of cooking to heat through without overcooking.
3. What vegetables can I add to fried rice?
Answer: You can add a variety of vegetables to fried rice, such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, onions, green beans, corn, and broccoli. Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient option. Fresh vegetables should be chopped into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Add vegetables based on their cooking time, starting with harder vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, and adding softer ones like peas and corn towards the end.
4. How do I prevent my fried rice from becoming too greasy?
Answer: To prevent fried rice from becoming too greasy, use a moderate amount of oil and make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding the rice. Use oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat, which helps prevent the rice from absorbing too much oil. If needed, you can drain excess oil from the pan before adding the rice.
5. What seasonings and sauces should I use to flavor fried rice?
Answer: The basic seasonings for fried rice typically include soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of salt and pepper. For additional flavor, you can add garlic, ginger, and green onions. Other sauces like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar can also enhance the taste. Adjust the seasonings to your preference, adding more or less to suit your taste. Mix the sauces well with the rice to ensure even distribution of flavors.