Description
Whipping up better than takeout fried rice means discovering a speedy dinner solution that beats restaurant versions hands down. Tossing leftover rice with eggs, veggies, and your favorite protein creates a quick, satisfying meal that feels like a culinary shortcut.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4–5 cups cold cooked rice
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 large carrot
- 1 small white onion
Supporting Ingredients:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 green onions
Seasoning Ingredients:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 teaspoons oyster sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Your pan should shimmer with a light coating of melted fat.
- Pour 3 lightly beaten eggs into the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 30-40 seconds, then gently scramble until just set. Transfer eggs to a separate plate.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Drop in 1 finely diced carrot and 1 chopped white onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.
- Toss 3 minced garlic cloves into the pan. Stir quickly for 30 seconds until aromatic, ensuring garlic doesn’t burn.
- Crank heat to medium-high. Spread 4-5 cups cold rice and 1 cup frozen peas across the skillet in an even layer. Let sit for 1 minute to develop crispy edges.
- Stir rice mixture, then allow another 1-2 minutes of undisturbed cooking to create additional crispy texture.
- Return scrambled eggs to the pan. Drizzle ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, and 3 teaspoons oyster sauce over the rice.
- Mix thoroughly for 1-2 minutes at 375°F, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated and heated through.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Remember the soy sauce provides natural saltiness.
- Garnish with 4 thinly sliced green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade fried rice.
Notes
- Cold, leftover rice works best for achieving the perfect crispy texture without becoming mushy during frying.
- Letting the rice sit undisturbed in the pan creates delicious golden-brown crispy bits that add incredible depth to the flavor.
- Use a large skillet or wok with plenty of surface area to ensure each grain of rice gets evenly heated and slightly caramelized.
- For a protein boost, add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu while cooking the vegetables, transforming this into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Stir-Fried
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg