Easy Leftover Fried Rice (With Leftover Rice)
There’s something truly magical about transforming a simple bowl of leftover rice into a vibrant, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Easy Leftover Fried Rice (With Leftover Rice) is not just a meal; it’s a canvas for your creativity, a way to clean out the fridge, and a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights. This dish is quick to prepare, using ingredients you likely already have on hand. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful meal in no time!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
With its delightful balance of flavors and textures, this Easy Leftover Fried Rice (With Leftover Rice) is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. You’ll love how:
– It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy evenings.
– It’s incredibly versatile; you can customize it with any veggies or proteins you have on hand.
– It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and utilize leftover rice.
– It’s packed with flavor thanks to the combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 3 large eggs, beaten lightly
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger or 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (jarred, or use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (adjust this to taste as necessary at the end)
- 3 cups leftover cold rice (day old)
Before You Start: Equipment
- Large skillet or wok: For sautéing and frying the ingredients.
- Spatula: To stir and mix everything together seamlessly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Mixing bowl: To beat the eggs before adding them to the pan.
Easy Leftover Fried Rice (With Leftover Rice) — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and prep them. Dice the onion and carrots, mince the garlic (if using fresh), and measure out the soy sauce. Having everything ready will make the cooking process swift and enjoyable.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
In a large skillet or wok, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots are tender. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Peas and Rice
Next, add the frozen peas to the skillet, followed by the 3 cups of leftover cold rice. Use the spatula to break up any clumps of rice, mixing it well with the vegetables. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing it to heat through.
Step 5: Season the Rice
Pour in the low sodium soy sauce and stir everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated. Taste the rice and adjust the soy sauce if necessary, adding more for a stronger flavor.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Finally, return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Gently fold them into the rice mixture until well combined. Allow it to cook for another minute to let all the flavors meld together.
Swap Guide
- Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or corn.
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Rice Type: While this recipe is perfect for leftover white rice, you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice.
- Butter Alternative: Use olive oil or sesame oil instead of butter for a different flavor profile.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t use freshly cooked rice; it’s essential to use day-old rice for the best texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; if you have a lot of ingredients, consider cooking in batches.
- Don’t skip on the seasoning; taste your dish and adjust the soy sauce as needed.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender yet still crisp.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
This Easy Leftover Fried Rice (With Leftover Rice) is perfect for meal prep! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through or sauté in a skillet until hot. If preparing for future meals, consider portioning it out into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Questions People Ask
Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
It’s best to use leftover cold rice that has been refrigerated overnight. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, making it difficult to achieve that perfect fried rice texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat or seafood and ensure that the soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables or tofu for protein.
Can I freeze leftover fried rice?
Yes! You can freeze the fried rice for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with fried rice?
Fried rice makes a great standalone dish, but you can also serve it with spring rolls, dumplings, or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Bring It to the Table
Now that you’ve mastered this Easy Leftover Fried Rice (With Leftover Rice), you can confidently serve it to family or friends. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will surely impress your guests, and they’ll be amazed to learn how simple it was to prepare. This dish not only celebrates the art of reimagining leftovers but also showcases how delicious and satisfying a homemade meal can be.
Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or simply craving a comforting bowl of fried rice, this recipe is your ticket to success. Enjoy the process, get creative with your ingredients, and savor every bite of your delicious creation!
Easy Leftover Fried Rice (With Leftover Rice)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all your ingredients and prep them. Dice the onion and carrots, mince the garlic, and measure out the soy sauce.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Remove the eggs and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion and carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the frozen peas and leftover cold rice, breaking up clumps. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing to heat through.
- Pour in the soy sauce and stir to coat the rice evenly. Taste and adjust the soy sauce if necessary.
- Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and gently fold them into the rice mixture until well combined. Cook for another minute to meld flavors.
Notes
- Use any vegetables you have on hand for customization.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
