This Easy Fried Rice is delicious and much better than takeout! With fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and tasty soy sauce, it’s a winner for dinner!
Making fried rice at home means you can toss in your favorite ingredients. I love adding extra peas and carrots just to make it colorful. You can’t go wrong with this one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Rice: Using day-old rice is crucial! Fresh rice can become mushy when fried. If you don’t have leftovers, just spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and cool it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Vegetable Oil: This recipe uses vegetable oil for frying, but you can also use canola oil or peanut oil. They have high smoke points and won’t burn as easily.
Eggs: If you’re looking for a plant-based option, you can skip the eggs or use scrambled tofu for added protein and texture.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: You can substitute with any frozen veggies you have on hand, like corn or bell peppers. Fresh veggies are great too; just make sure they are cut small and cooked through.
Oyster Sauce: If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can leave it out or use a vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Fried Rice?
Cooking fried rice can be tricky if you want it just right. Here are some key tips:
- Use Chilled Rice: Storing rice in the fridge makes it firmer and less sticky, which is ideal for frying.
- High Heat: Keep the heat on medium-high to give your rice that lovely texture. It helps caramelize the veggies too.
- Break Up Clumps: When adding the rice, break up clumps with your spatula to help it fry evenly.
- Add Ingredients in Stages: This helps each component cook properly. Start with the onions, followed by garlic, and then add the rice last for even cooking.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the soy sauce and seasonings to your liking! You can always add more.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious, restaurant-quality fried rice!
Better Than Takeout Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old and chilled)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of cooking time, plus the time to prepare your ingredients. If you’re using day-old rice, the prep time will be quicker. Overall, you can have this delicious fried rice ready in about 20-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Rice:
Make sure to prepare the rice ahead of time and refrigerate it if you haven’t done so already. Cold, day-old rice is best for fried rice, as it prevents stickiness and helps form nice grains when frying.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble until fully cooked. Once done, remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Veggies:
Stir in the thawed peas and carrots and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Fry the Rice:
Add the chilled rice into the pan, using a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice for about 5 minutes, making sure everything is heated through and slightly toasted.
6. Season and Combine:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using), followed by the sesame oil. Mix everything well to coat the rice evenly. Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet, add sliced green onions, and toss everything together.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your fried rice and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. You can add extra soy sauce for more flavor if desired!
8. Serve:
Serve your homemade fried rice hot, and enjoy the delightful taste that’s sure to be better than takeout!
FAQ for Better Than Takeout Easy Fried Rice
Can I Use Instant Rice for This Recipe?
While you can use instant rice, it’s best to stick with regular rice for the best texture. Instant rice tends to be softer and may become mushy when fried. Day-old, chilled rice is ideal for achieving that perfect fried rice consistency!
What If I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No soy sauce? No problem! You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a similar flavor. If you want a different taste, adding a bit of hoisin sauce can also work—just adjust the sweetness accordingly!
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Rice?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat, simply microwave or toss it back in a skillet on medium heat until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Fried Rice Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, just skip the eggs or replace them with scrambled tofu. For a vegan option, use vegetable oil and omit the oyster sauce or find a plant-based alternative.
