Fried rice is a delicious and versatile dish that you can customize to your taste by adding various ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for preparing fried rice. Feel free to adjust it to your preferences:
Ingredients:
For the rice:
2 cups of cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old rice)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
For the vegetables and protein (customize as desired):
1 cup of mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers, corn)
1/2 cup of cooked protein (e.g., diced chicken, shrimp, tofu, ham)
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Rice:
If you’re using day-old rice, it works best because it’s drier and less likely to become mushy when stir-fried. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Prepare the Ingredients:
Chop all the vegetables and protein you plan to use.
Beat the eggs in a small bowl and set them aside.
Heat the Pan:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat up.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and chopped onions to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
Cook the Eggs:
Push the garlic and onions to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Quickly scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked but still slightly runny.
Add Vegetables and Protein:
Add the mixed vegetables and protein to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the protein is heated through.
Add Rice:
Add the cooked and cooled rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir-fry everything together for about 3-4 minutes. Make sure the rice is well-coated with the other ingredients.
Season with Soy Sauce:
Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce over the rice and stir-fry to evenly distribute the sauce. Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste.
Optional Seasoning:
If you like, add a touch of sesame oil for extra flavor. Stir it in thoroughly.
Season with Salt and Pepper:
Taste the fried rice and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and Serve:
If desired, garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Serve Hot:
Serve the fried rice hot as a main dish or a side dish. Enjoy!
Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding your favorite ingredients like pineapple, cashews, or different sauces for unique flavors.
