Fried rice is one of my favorite quick meals to make at home. This easy fried rice recipe comes together fast and uses simple, everyday ingredients. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something warm and tasty without much effort. I often make it to use up leftover rice and whatever veggies I have in the fridge. You can also add tofu or your favorite protein to make it more filling. It’s an easy dish that never fails to satisfy!
Turn Leftovers Into Fried Rice
I love making fried rice whenever I have leftover rice and vegetables sitting in the fridge. It’s such a simple and tasty way to use up what’s left without letting anything go to waste. For this recipe, I had a mix of veggies and some leftover japchae from the holidays, so I tossed them together and turned it into a flavorful fried rice dish.
It’s the perfect fridge-clean-out meal—easy, delicious, and completely customizable. You can mix in any leftovers you have on hand, from vegetables to plant-based meats, or even noodles. It’s a fun and practical way to create something new with what you already have.
Flavor and Texture Tips
If you’re using plain, unseasoned vegetables for this fried rice recipe, consider adding a bit more soy sauce and sesame oil for 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.
How to Make Easy Fried Rice Using Leftovers
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)
- 1 Tbs of sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
To make your fried rice, chop any leftover vegetables and protein into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and mix well with the cooked rice.
2. Heat the Pan
Then, add a bit of oil to a large skillet or wok and heat over medium heat.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Toss in your leftover vegetables and stir-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they’re softened and heated through.
4. Add the Protein
If you’re using leftover tofu, plant-based meat, or any protein, add it now and stir to combine with the veggies.
5. Add the Rice
Use cold, day-old rice for best texture. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir everything together so the rice mixes well with the vegetables and protein.
6. Season Your Fried Rice
Drizzle in soy sauce and stir well. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little garlic powder or chili flakes for extra flavor.
7. Add an Egg (Optional)
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan and crack an egg into the empty space. Scramble it, then mix it into the rice. Or, cook the egg separately omelet-style and place it on top before serving.
8. Final Stir and Finish
Stir everything well until the rice is evenly coated, golden, and hot. Turn off the heat and drizzle a little sesame oil for extra aroma and flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop your homemade fried rice into a bowl or plate and enjoy while it’s hot!
Simple Add-Ins and Easy Storage Tips
Fried rice is not only easy to make, but it’s also a smart way to use up plain veggies and leftover rice. If your vegetables don’t have much flavor, just add a little more soy sauce and sesame oil to make it tastier. You can also mix in some kimchi for a spicy, tangy twist that really brings the dish to life.
Another reason I enjoy making fried rice is how well it keeps. Just store any leftovers in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for a few days. When you’re ready to eat, warm it up in the microwave—it still tastes great. Fried rice is one of those meals that saves time and makes life a little easier.
