I don’t know about you, but fried rice is one of those magical dishes that can turn a simple meal into a gourmet experience! There’s something so satisfying about tossing together leftover rice, some fresh veggies, and whatever protein you have on hand. I remember the first time I made fried rice at home – it felt like I was channeling my inner chef! My kitchen was filled with the delightful aromas of garlic and soy sauce, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in.
What I love most about this fried rice recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste or whatever ingredients you have lying around. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or any other proteins you have. Let’s get started on this delightful dish that’s sure to be a hit!
What’s in Fried Rice?
Cooked Rice: The star of the dish! Day-old rice is preferred here as it’s drier and less sticky, giving you those delicious, separate grains we all love.
Vegetable Oil: Helps in frying the vegetables and rice and gives everything a nice sheen. I usually have canola or avocado oil on hand, but any neutral oil will work.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to your fried rice. I love using yellow onions for their balance of flavor.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It not only adds flavor but a heavenly aroma that will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.
Zucchini: A great way to sneak in some veggies! It cooks quickly and adds a nice crunch to the dish.
Eggs: These add richness and protein, and they’re perfect for making the dish feel hearty.
Cooked Chicken (or Beef): A great protein option! I often use leftover rotisserie chicken, but any diced cooked protein works here.
Soy Sauce: This gives your fried rice that essential umami flavor! I usually use low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced.
Oyster Sauce: Optional, but it adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. If you love a more complex flavor, go for it!
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Green Onions: For garnish, which is essential for a pop of color and a fresh bite.
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to throw in bell peppers, peas, or any leftover veggies you have – this dish is so forgiving!
Is Fried Rice Good for You?
While fried rice can be a delicious meal, it also brings some nutritional aspects to the table.
Cooked Rice: A carbohydrate powerhouse that fuels your body. Opt for brown rice to add fiber and nutrients.
Vegetables: The zucchini and any other veggies you add are packed with vitamins and minerals. The more, the merrier!
Protein: Adding chicken (or beef), eggs make this a well-balanced meal. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your meat intake.
Is there a downside? Well, fried rice can be high in sodium thanks to the soy sauce. You can easily mitigate this by choosing low-sodium varieties and incorporating more veggies!
Ingredients
– 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (or beef)
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Optional: Additional vegetables (like bell peppers or peas)
This recipe serves about 4 people, making it a perfect weeknight family dinner!
How to Make Fried Rice?
1. Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil, letting it get nice and hot.
2. Toss in the sliced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Next, add the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender and everything smells amazing.
4. Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other. Scramble the eggs until they’re fully cooked, then mix everything together.
5. Now, bring in the cooked chicken (or beef) and stir it all up until combined.
6. Toss in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps as you go. Pour the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce over the rice and give it a good stir to coat everything.
7. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and well-mixed.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions for that fresh crunch!
Fried Rice Remix Ideas
– Feeling fancy? Add some sesame oil for an extra depth of flavor!
– Swap out the protein for shrimp or tofu for a fun spin.
– Try using quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free version.
– Serve with a side of hot chili sauce for an added kick.
I hope you’re as excited to try this fried rice recipe as I am to share it! It’s quick, customizable, and downright delicious – just what we all need in our busy lives. I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Happy frying!
