Simple Fried Rice Recipe with Basic Ingredients

A fried rice recipe that will transform the rice, eggs, and vegetables into a tasty meal in less than 25 minutes. Perfect for a hectic weekday, quick lunch, or a family meal. It only requires a large skillet, a few basic ingredients, and a few basic cooking methods. A large frying pan, a few ingredients, and some cooking knowledge are all that are needed.

Why Is This Fried Rice Recipe So Easy?

The recipe is easy to follow and readily customizable with common ingredients. Carrots, peas, corn, cabbage or bell pepper may be used. Everything depends on the chilled rice, the high temperature, and the correct time of sauce addition.

Instead, Food Network suggests cooking in portions and cooking with cold rice to avoid sogginess. If you don’t have a hot plate, a big skillet or pan will do the trick.

Prep the ingredients for Easy Homemade Fried Rice

Serves 4; About 25 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients List

• 3 cups of cooked and chilled long-grain rice.
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup of a mixed vegetable salad (peas, carrot, corn, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 cloves of garlic (chopped finely)
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• Add grated ginger (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• Black pepper, to taste

Ingredient tip: Jasmine rice’s long grains work well because they don’t lose their unique texture when fried. The eggs are a good source of protein, and the garlic, spring onions, and soy sauce are sources of umami taste. You can also use frozen vegetables for convenience.

Fried Rice Step by Step

Here’s how to make tempting rice, light eggs, and fluffy vegetables.

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

For the best texture, use cold cooked rice. Break large clusters apart with a fork and cook.

If it becomes necessary to cook rice that day, cook it in a thin layer so that it cools quickly. Refrigerate quickly and store in the fridge until ready for use. Don’t leave cooked rice at room temperature for extended periods of time.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

In a large frying pan on medium-high heat, warm the vegetable oil. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the pan.

Stir in the eggs and cook until set, 1-2 minutes. Slice them into little pieces and arrange them on a dish. This will prevent the eggs from being lost in the rice and make it soft.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining oil to the skillet. And the diced vegetables and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until they are soft.

Add the garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the mixed vegetables. Vegetables should only be cooked until they are crunchy; if they are fried for too long, their crispness will be lost.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Place the chilled rice in the skillet. If clumps are present, use a flat spatula to break them apart. Toss to incorporate the vegetables into the rice.

Add the rice to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, about 1 minute. Add rice to the pan; sauté until cooked, stirring often, for 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes. This will give the grains a light toast.

Do not overfill the pan. Cook rice in batches for recipes that call for double. Too many ingredients in a pan will steam and cause softness in the rice as well.

Step 5: Add the Sauce and Eggs

Drizzle the soy sauce on the sides of the hot pan. Stir to coat evenly with the rice mixture.

Place scrambled eggs back in the skillet. Add spring onions and sesame oil (if adding). Add all ingredients, cook for 1-2 minutes longer until rice is steamy on all sides.

Check whether any more salt is required by tasting. You may not need to add any seasoning as soy sauce is already salted.

How to Avoid Fried Rice from Getting Mushy?

Cooking is an art with right and wrong methods. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Use chilled rice: The surface moisture of chilled rice is less than that of freshly cooked rice.
• Stick to a large pan: Rice will fry, not steam.
• Be careful not to add too much water: Rice shouldn’t be too wet.
• Prep ingredients: Chop veggies and weigh sauce before putting into the pan.
• Don’t stir continuously: Allow the rice to cook for a little while so that the rice gets a lightly toasted texture.

If the rice is sticky to the hands just before cooking, break it apart, drain, and rinse off any excess water if possible. Do not add any water or sauce to loosen.

Which Vegetables Make The Best Fried Rice?

Choose vegetables that are quick to cook and will fit between the rice grains.

Good Vegetable Options

• Carrots and peas: Add colour, sweetness, and texture.
• Bell Peppers: Add a mild, sweet, and crunchy element.
• Onions: If finely diced, add flavour and cook quickly.
• Sweet corn: Provides pieces of sweetness.
• Flavor and texture: Mushrooms add a savory flavor and soft texture.

Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces to cook evenly. When using frozen vegetables, drain all of the ice.

Protein Boosts That Work Well

The amount of protein from rice, eggs, and vegetables is about 7-8 grams per serving. Final amounts will depend upon ingredients and serving size.

Cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame may also be included to increase the protein. If there is any chicken that you cooked a little too much, for instance, return it to the skillet when putting the eggs back in the skillet. Divide it up into small pieces, so it will heat more evenly.

Separately cook all meat or seafood before mixing with the rice. Make sure that it has a safe temperature on the inside.

Flavor Variations for Different Tastes

This is an easy, simple fried rice recipe for a variety of flavors.

• To make a spicy version: Stir in chili flakes or a small amount of chili sauce.
• For a bit of garlic flavour: Add another clove of garlic, chopped.
• If vegetarian: Set aside the eggs and top with tofu or edamame.
• Begin with a tablespoon of soy sauce and continue to add depending on your taste preference for a milder taste of soy.
• Slowly add the sauce. This will make it easier to control the amount of salt and prevent the rice from becoming flooded.

Finally

A simple and easy recipe to make fried rice with few ingredients and leftover rice. Make chilled rice and cook vegetables and eggs in stages; make sure the pan is hot for the best texture. Top with preferred veggies or protein and season to taste. This fried rice recipe is a quick and easy, flavorful home-cooked dish for any time.