Fried rice is a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any meal. With just a few basic ingredients, you can quickly create a tasty, satisfying meal. Whether you have leftover rice or vegetables, or simply want to make something fresh, this easy fried rice recipe is full of flavor and ready in no time. It’s a versatile dish you can customize with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings.
Easy Fried Rice with Leftovers
I usually like to make fried rice when I have leftover rice and vegetables. It’s such an easy and delicious way to use up what’s left in the fridge instead of letting it go to waste. For this recipe, I had a mix of different vegetables and some leftover chapchae from the holidays, so I decided to turn it into fried rice.
It’s a great way to clear out your fridge and make something new and tasty at the same time. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative with whatever leftovers you have, whether it’s vegetables, meats, or even noodles.
Flavor and Texture Tips
If you’re using plain, unseasoned vegetables, consider adding a bit more soy sauce and sesame oil to bring out extra flavor. The soy sauce will give your fried rice a savory taste, while the sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma. For an even more flavorful twist, try adding fermented kimchi to the rice. The tangy, spicy kick from the kimchi will elevate your dish and make it even more delicious.
As for the rice, if you’re using freshly cooked rice, let it cool a bit before adding it to the pan. Fresh rice tends to be stickier, and sticky rice can make your fried rice too clumpy. Also, when cooking the rice, try using a little less water to prevent the fried rice from becoming too sticky.
Easy Fried Rice Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rice (preferably cold)
- 1 cup leftover vegetables (carrots, peas, onions, etc.)
- 1/2 cup leftover protein (chicken, tofu, shrimp, etc.)
- 1-2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
- 1 egg (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: If you have leftover vegetables and protein, chop them into bite-sized pieces to prepare for your fried rice.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the leftover vegetables to the pan and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until they’re soft.
- Add the Protein: If you’re using leftover protein, add it to the pan and stir it with the vegetables.
- Add the Rice: Add the cold leftover rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir everything together so the rice is mixed with the vegetables and protein.
- Season: Pour in the soy sauce and stir. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Egg (Optional): Push the rice mixture to the side of the pan, crack an egg into the empty space, and scramble it. Once cooked, mix it into the rice. Alternatively, you can fry the egg omelet-style and place it on top of the fried rice just before serving.
- Final Stir: Stir everything until the rice is heated through and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious fried rice made from leftovers!
Storing the Leftover
If you’re using plain, unseasoned vegetables, consider adding a bit more soy sauce and sesame oil to bring out extra flavor. The soy sauce will give your fried rice a nice savory taste, while the sesame oil adds a rich, nutty aroma. For an even more flavorful twist, try adding fermented kimchi to the rice. The tangy, spicy kick from the kimchi will elevate your dish and make it even more delicious.
Once you’ve made your fried rice, it’s easy to store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just place it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a quick, tasty meal ready to go. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the fried rice in the microwave for a fast meal that tastes just as good as when it was first made. This makes fried rice a great option for meal prep and busy days when you need something satisfying and easy to enjoy!
Don’t forget to check out my recipe for kimchi fried rice for a delicious twist on this classic dish, along with another simple and tasty recipe for Korean rice salad, bibimbap.
