This Easy Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is quick and tasty! It’s packed with colorful veggies and your choice of protein, making it a filling meal that’s hard to beat.
Honestly, I can’t believe how simple this is! Just stir-fry everything together, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time. Perfect for when you crave takeout but want to stay home. 🍚✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: Using day-old long-grain white rice is key for the right texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice, let it cool, and refrigerate for a bit. Brown rice can also work, just note the cooking time may vary.
Vegetable Oil: Any neutral oil works great here, but I love using sesame oil for added flavor. If avoiding oils, use a cooking spray or broth for stir-frying.
Eggs: Eggs add richness and protein. If you want to keep it vegan, you can use tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water to mimic scrambled eggs.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: This mix is handy, but feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. Fresh veggies add a nice crunch!
Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives. Adjust the amount based on how salty you like it.
How Do I Make My Fried Rice Extra Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your fried rice, focus on the layering of ingredients. Start by caramelizing the onions in oil to develop their sweetness. After adding garlic, let it cook just until fragrant—overcooking can make it bitter.
- Don’t rush with the rice; let it fry a bit longer to get crispy bits that add texture.
- After adding sauces, mix thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated and flavorful.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for a pop of freshness right before serving.
Easy Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice, preferably day-old
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 25 minutes to delicious, homemade fried rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
If you have day-old rice, great! If not, cook your rice, let it cool, and refrigerate until it’s cold and dry. This prevents sogginess when you fry it.
2. Scramble the Eggs:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until they are just cooked through. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
3. Cook the Onion:
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Toss in the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 2 minutes.
4. Add Garlic:
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
5. Mix in the Vegetables:
Pour in the frozen peas and carrots mix. Cook, stirring frequently, until the veggies are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Stir-Fry the Rice:
Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes. This helps to get the rice a bit crispy, which is key for great fried rice!
7. Season the Rice:
Drizzle the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and sesame oil over the rice. Stir everything together well to coat all the rice and veggies evenly.
8. Add Back the Eggs:
Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet along with the sliced green onions. Stir to combine and let all the delicious flavors meld together.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give your fried rice a taste. Add salt and pepper as needed to make it perfect for your palate!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade fried rice hot as a delightful main dish or as a side. Enjoy every bite that’s better than takeout!
Bon Appétit! Enjoy your delicious homemade fried rice!
FAQ for Easy Better Than Takeout Fried Rice
Can I Use Freshly Cooked Rice for This Recipe?
While day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky, you can use freshly cooked rice. Just be sure to spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely before using it in the recipe. This helps reduce moisture.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Add?
You can customize your fried rice! Feel free to substitute the peas and carrots with other veggies like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli. Just remember to chop them small and adjust cooking time accordingly so they’re tender but still crisp.
How Do I Store Leftovers? Can I Reheat Them?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave it for a couple of minutes or stir-fry in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, just omit the oyster sauce and eggs. For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with scrambled tofu or chickpea flour mixed with water for a similar texture.
