Name: Simple Egg Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 large eggs, beaten; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to whip up? Look no further than this recipe for Simple Egg Fried Rice. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a homemade dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked rice (leftover rice works best)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 large eggs, beaten

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

2 green onions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove the eggs to a plate and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onions are soft and translucent.

Stir-Fry the Rice: Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice, peas, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through.

Combine Ingredients: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Add soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.

Season and Serve: Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste. Just before serving, stir in the thinly sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color.

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some chopped cilantro or parsley over the fried rice just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.

Add a Kick of Heat: If you like your fried rice spicy, consider adding a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Serve with Condiments: Offer additional condiments like soy sauce, chili sauce, or sliced fresh chilies on the side, allowing each diner to customize their dish according to their taste preferences.

Pair with Side Dishes: Serve Simple Egg Fried Rice alongside your favorite Asian-inspired dishes such as stir-fried vegetables, teriyaki chicken, or spring rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.

Enjoy as Leftovers: This fried rice reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Storage Tips:

Cool Completely: Before storing leftovers, allow the fried rice to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the rice soggy.

Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the fried rice to airtight containers or resealable plastic bags for storage. Press out any excess air before sealing to help maintain freshness.

Refrigerate Promptly: Place the sealed containers of fried rice in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of cooking, to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.

Reheat Safely: When reheating leftover fried rice, make sure to heat it thoroughly until steaming hot to ensure food safety. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger batches in a skillet on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Avoid Freezing: While fried rice can technically be frozen for longer storage, the texture of the rice may become slightly mushy when thawed and reheated. For the best results, it’s recommended to enjoy leftover fried rice within a few days of cooking.

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FAQs:

Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice Instead of Leftover Rice?

Absolutely! While leftover rice is preferred for its slightly drier texture, you can certainly use freshly cooked rice for this recipe. To ensure the best results, spread the freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet and allow it to cool slightly before using it in the fried rice. This will help prevent the rice from becoming too sticky or clumpy during stir-frying.

Can I Substitute the Frozen Peas and Carrots with Fresh Vegetables?

Yes, you can substitute frozen peas and carrots with an equal amount of fresh vegetables if you prefer. Feel free to use any combination of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that denser vegetables may require slightly longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly to ensure all the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for Soy Sauce?

Yes, there are several gluten-free soy sauce alternatives available on the market, such as tamari or coconut aminos. These options offer a similar savory flavor to traditional soy sauce but are made without wheat. Be sure to check the label to verify that the product is certified gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.

Can I Make Simple Egg Fried Rice Ahead of Time?

While Simple Egg Fried Rice is best enjoyed fresh, you can make certain components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. For example, you can cook the rice and chop the vegetables in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. When ready to serve, simply proceed with the recipe as directed, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure everything is heated through. However, avoid fully assembling and cooking the fried rice ahead of time, as it may lose its desired texture upon reheating.

Conclusion:

Simple Egg Fried Rice is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your skillet and get ready to whip up a batch of flavorful fried rice that will leave your taste buds begging for more!