Fried Rice

– **Quick and Easy**: Fried rice is a fast and easy dish to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have much time to cook.

– **Uses Leftovers**: One of the reasons fried rice is so popular is that it’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice. You can even use other leftovers like cooked chicken, vegetables, and meat.

– **Customizable**: You can easily make this dish your own by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Whether you prefer it vegetarian, with shrimp, or with chicken, the choice is yours.

– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: Fried rice stores well in the fridge and can be reheated the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option.

### Ingredients for Fried Rice

To make a delicious fried rice dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

– **2 cups of cooked rice** (preferably cold, as it fries better)
– **2 tablespoons of vegetable oil** (or sesame oil for more flavor)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves of garlic**, minced
– **1 cup of mixed vegetables** (like peas, carrots, and corn, or any vegetables you prefer)
– **2 large eggs**, beaten
– **1 cup of cooked protein** (chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu)
– **2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce** (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
– **1 teaspoon of sesame oil** (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper**
– **1/2 teaspoon of salt** (adjust to taste)
– **Chopped green onions** for garnish

*Optional Add-ins:*
– **Chili sauce or sriracha** (for a spicy kick)
– **Ginger**, grated (for added warmth and flavor)
– **Oyster sauce** (for extra umami)

### How to Make Fried Rice

#### 1. **Prepare the Rice:**
If you’re using leftover rice, make sure it’s cold. Freshly cooked rice can be used, but it’s best to let it cool down or chill it in the fridge for a few hours. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy when stir-frying. If you don’t have leftovers, cook your rice and let it cool before using.

#### 2. **Cook the Eggs:**
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them. Cook until the eggs are fully set and lightly browned. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.

#### 3. **Stir-Fry the Vegetables:**
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add your mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or any other veggies you like). Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3–4 minutes, until they’re heated through and slightly tender.

#### 4. **Add the Rice:**
Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan, breaking it up gently with a spatula or spoon. Stir the rice with the vegetables, ensuring the rice is evenly mixed and heated through.

#### 5. **Season the Fried Rice:**
Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and toss everything to combine. Add the sesame oil (if using), pepper, and salt. Continue to stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavors and get slightly crispy in places.

#### 6. **Add the Cooked Protein:**
Once the rice is well-seasoned, add your cooked protein (such as chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu). Stir everything together, making sure the protein is well distributed throughout the fried rice. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through.

#### 7. **Add the Scrambled Eggs:**
Finally, return the cooked eggs to the pan. Stir to combine them with the rice, breaking them up into smaller pieces.

#### 8. **Serve and Garnish:**
Once everything is cooked and well mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped green onions and, if you like it spicy, drizzle with some chili sauce or sriracha. Serve immediately and enjoy!

### Tips for the Best Fried Rice

– **Use Cold Rice**: Cold rice is ideal for fried rice because it doesn’t clump together, making it easier to stir-fry and get that perfect texture. If you’re in a rush, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool for a bit before using it.

– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: When stir-frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as it can make it harder for the rice to fry properly. If you have a large batch, consider cooking it in batches.

– **Use a Wok or Large Pan**: A wok or large skillet will give you more room to stir the rice and vegetables evenly. The wide surface area helps to get a nice crisp on the rice without it steaming in its own moisture.

– **Experiment with Sauces**: While soy sauce is a classic choice, you can experiment with adding a splash of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a bit of fish sauce to enhance the flavor of the fried rice.

– **Add Fresh Herbs**: Garnishing your fried rice with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the savory rice perfectly.

### Conclusion: The Perfect Comfort Food

Fried rice is one of those dishes that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and customize it with your favorite proteins, veggies, and seasonings. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple meal or want to impress your family with a flavorful dinner, fried rice is always a win.

With its savory, satisfying flavors and customizable nature, fried rice is a perfect addition to your cooking repertoire. Try making it today, and you’ll see why this humble dish has become a favorite all over the world.