Description
This Best Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender cooked rice with sautéed onions, garlic, peas, carrots, and scrambled eggs, all enhanced by soy sauce and sesame oil. Perfect as a quick meal or a delicious side, this fried rice offers a balanced blend of textures and savory taste with a hint of fresh green onions and optional cilantro garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked rice
- ¼ large Vidalia onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Oils and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Eggs and Garnishes
- 2 large eggs
- Green onions, chopped
- Cilantro, optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, preheat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped Vidalia onion and minced garlic, cooking them until the onions become soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Add Vegetables: Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook them just until they are partially thawed and warmed through, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook Rice: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the 3 cups of cooked rice to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is hot and starts to brown slightly. Then, reduce the heat to medium and push the rice mixture to the sides of the pan, creating a space in the center.
- Scramble Eggs: Crack 2 large eggs into the center space in the skillet. Scramble and cook the eggs until they are fully cooked, then stir them into the surrounding rice mixture.
- Add Sauces: Mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and ½ teaspoon of sesame oil, then pour this mixture over the rice and eggs. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the sauce, enhancing the flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Top the fried rice with chopped green onions and, if desired, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for added freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture to prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute the frozen peas and carrots with fresh vegetables if preferred.
- Adjust soy sauce quantity to taste, especially if using low-sodium soy sauce.
- Feel free to add cooked protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make it a fuller meal.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the soy sauce does not contain fish ingredients and omit any added meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: fried rice, easy fried rice, vegetable fried rice, fried rice recipe, Asian fried rice
