Easy Fried Rice Recipe

$- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn) - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon citrus zest - 2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice - Salt and pepper, to taste - Optional garnishes (e.g., cilantro, lime or orange slices) Easy fried rice is a simple dish. You need some key ingredients for great flavor. You should use jasmine rice. It adds a nice texture. Cooked rice is best if it’s a day old. This helps it fry better. You will also need oil. It helps to cook the vegetables and eggs. A medium onion and minced garlic bring in lots of flavor. Mixed vegetables add color and nutrition. You can use frozen peas, diced carrots, and corn. They cook quickly and taste great. Don’t forget the eggs! They add protein and richness to the dish. Soy sauce gives fried rice its savory taste. The citrus zest and juice add a bright, fresh flavor. You can use lime or orange, depending on your taste. Lastly, season with salt and pepper for a balanced taste. - Alternatives for cooked jasmine rice - Other vegetable options - Protein boosts such as chicken or shrimp If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use long-grain rice or brown rice. These options work too. You can also mix in other vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be fun choices. Looking for protein? You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Just chop them small and toss them in with the veggies. This makes the dish heartier. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your cooking! To make great fried rice, start with the rice. Use cooked jasmine rice that is day-old. This rice is drier and will fry better. If you use fresh rice, it may turn mushy. Next, chop your vegetables. You can use any mix you like. I often choose frozen peas, diced carrots, and corn. Dice one medium onion finely and set it aside. This will add a nice flavor to your dish. For cooking, grab a large skillet or a wok. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and clear. Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until you smell that wonderful aroma. Next, add your mixed vegetables. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. You want them tender and warm. Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour in 2 beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked. After that, mix the eggs in with the vegetables. Add 3 cups of cooked jasmine rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Make sure the rice mixes well with the eggs and veggies. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of citrus zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh citrus juice. Stir everything together to blend the flavors. Let the rice cook for another 3-5 minutes. This will help it get a nice crisp on the bottom. If you want, cover the skillet for a minute to create some steam. Before serving, taste your fried rice. Add salt and pepper to suit your taste. Just before serving, fold in some sliced green onion for a fresh touch. If you want a pop of color, add fresh cilantro on top. To achieve that crispy texture, let the rice sit in the pan a bit longer. You can also stir less frequently after adding the rice. This allows it to crisp up nicely. Enjoy your delicious fried rice with vibrant, zesty flavors! Using day-old rice is key for great fried rice. Freshly made rice is too wet. It clumps together and doesn’t fry well. Day-old rice dries out a bit in the fridge. This gives it a better texture and allows it to fry up nice and crisp. Heat management is also very important. Use high heat when cooking. This helps to add flavor and keeps the rice from getting soggy. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding oil. When the oil shimmers, it is ready for the next steps. One common mistake is using wet rice. Wet rice can make your dish mushy. Always use rice that has dried a bit in the fridge. If you don’t have day-old rice, try spreading fresh rice on a plate. Let it cool for 30 minutes before using. Another mistake is overcooking vegetables or eggs. For the best taste, cook your veggies until they are just tender. If you cook them too long, they lose their crunch and color. Scramble the eggs quickly, then mix them into the rice. This keeps them fluffy and light. To add aroma and depth of flavor, use fresh herbs and spices. A bit of ginger or sesame oil can elevate your dish. Adding a splash of rice vinegar can also add zing. You can customize flavors with spices. Try adding chili flakes for heat or turmeric for color. You can even add different sauces, like teriyaki, for a twist. Experimenting with flavors makes your fried rice unique and exciting. {{image_4}} Fried rice is super fun because you can change it up! One tasty option is Sizzling Citrus Fried Rice. This style adds bright flavors with citrus zest and juice. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe: - 3 cups cooked jasmine rice - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup mixed vegetables - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon citrus zest - 2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice - 1 green onion, sliced thinly - Salt and pepper, to taste - Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped You can also try other flavor profiles. Think teriyaki fried rice with sweet soy sauce. Or, go Thai basil for a fresh twist! Just swap out the soy sauce for a different sauce to fit your taste. If you're vegetarian or vegan, you can adapt fried rice easily. Skip the eggs and use tofu for protein. Just scramble the tofu instead of the eggs. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It gives a similar taste without the gluten. Using seasonal veggies makes fried rice even better! In spring, add asparagus and peas. In summer, toss in fresh corn and bell peppers. In fall, try squash or sweet potatoes. Adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro gives a nice pop of flavor. This keeps your fried rice fresh and exciting all year round! To keep your fried rice fresh, cool it first. Then, transfer it to a clean container. Use airtight containers to store it in the fridge. This helps keep moisture out. Store your fried rice for up to four days. For best results, label the container with the date. You can reheat fried rice safely in two main ways: the microwave or the stovetop. If you use the microwave, place the rice in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a bit of oil to prevent sticking. Stir the rice frequently for even heating. This method keeps the texture better. Make sure to check that it’s heated through. To enhance flavor, add a dash of soy sauce while reheating. You can store fried rice in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to cool it first. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Always check for any odd smells or changes in color before cooking it again. Yes, you can freeze fried rice. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out any extra air to prevent freezer burn. It can last for about one to two months. When you want to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. The best rice for fried rice is day-old jasmine rice. It has a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky. If you don’t have jasmine rice, you can use long-grain rice. This helps keep the grains separate and fluffy. In this blog post, I shared how to make easy fried rice with simple steps and tips. I covered key ingredients and substitutions, ensuring you can customize it to your taste. Remember, using day-old rice is crucial for perfect texture. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking or using wet rice. With these guidelines, you can create delicious fried rice every time. Experiment with seasonal veggies to keep it fresh and exciting. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy your tasty fried rice adventures!$

Elevate your dinner game with this easy fried rice recipe that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion! Discover how to create a deliciously satisfying dish using simple ingredients like day-old jasmine rice, colorful mixed veggies, and zesty citrus notes. Ideal for busy nights or culinary beginners, this recipe allows for customization to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for better texture)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen peas, diced carrots, and corn work well)

2 large eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon citrus zest (choose lime or orange based on your preference)

2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice (lime or orange, to enhance flavor)

1 green onion, sliced thinly

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soft.

Stir in the minced garlic, continuing to cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.

Incorporate the mixed vegetables into the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently, until they are tender and heated through.

Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the skillet, creating space for the eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Once done, mix the eggs through the vegetables.

Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps in the rice, ensuring it integrates well with the vegetable and egg mixture.

Pour in the soy sauce, citrus zest, and fresh citrus juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld.

Allow the rice to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, letting it crisp slightly on the bottom. If desired, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to create a little steam and enhance texture.

Season the fried rice with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Just before serving, gently fold in the sliced green onion for a fresh finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the fried rice in a large, colorful serving bowl. For an extra pop, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few colorful slices of lime or orange on the side. Enjoy the vibrant, zesty flavors!