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Quick and Flavorful Fried Rice Recipe 30-Minute Easy Homemade Meal

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A quick and easy fried rice recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, featuring simple ingredients and a perfect balance of savory soy sauce, fresh veggies, and tender rice. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old, cold rice for best texture)
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (optional)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, diced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (can substitute with hoisin or skip for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: Dice carrots, chop onions, slice green onions, and mince garlic. Dice protein if using. Beat eggs in a small bowl. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (1-2 minutes).
  3. Pour beaten eggs into the pan, let set briefly, then scramble gently until just cooked but still moist. Remove eggs and set aside.
  4. Add more oil if needed. Sauté chopped onions and garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced carrots and cook 2-3 minutes until beginning to soften. Stir in peas and green onions, cooking for another minute.
  5. Add cooked protein if using and cook for 2 minutes to warm through.
  6. Add cold, day-old rice to the pan, breaking apart clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes to combine flavors.
  7. Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce evenly over the rice. Toss well to coat. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  8. Return scrambled eggs to the pan and gently mix with the rice. Drizzle toasted sesame oil on top and toss to distribute aroma.
  9. Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid mushiness. Add sauces gradually and taste as you go to prevent over-salting. Toasted sesame oil should be added at the end to preserve its aroma. Avoid crowding the pan to keep rice from steaming; stir-fry in batches if needed. Freshly cooked rice can be dried by spreading on a baking sheet and freezing for 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried rice, quick meal, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, homemade fried rice, stir-fry, Asian cuisine, 30-minute meal

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/quick-and-flavorful-fried-rice-recipe-30-minute-easy-homemade-meal/