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Fried Rice

Leftover rice fried with eggs, vegetables, and whatever protein you have. One of the fastest, most satisfying meals you can make from pantry staples.

VegetarianDairy-FreeNut-Free Main Dish
Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Total: 15 min Servings: 2–3 Difficulty: Easy

Allergens: Contains Eggs.

Ingredients

  • 2-3 cups cooked rice (leftover is best)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Optional Extras

  • Soy sauce (a little goes a long way)
  • Frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables
  • Sliced hot dogs
  • SPAM, diced and fried crispy
  • Vienna sausages, sliced into rounds
  • Canned chicken
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wide pot
  • Spatula or stirring spoon

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften.
  3. Add the drained peas or corn. Stir and cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet, making space in the center. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the center.
  5. Crack the eggs into the center of the skillet. Stir them quickly with your spatula to scramble them. Cook for about 1 minute until the eggs are just set.
  6. Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir everything together, breaking up any clumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is hot and starting to get slightly crispy in spots.
  7. Season with soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, or pepper if you have them. Stir once more and serve.

Notes

  • Day-old rice works best. Cold rice from the fridge fries up crispier because it's drier. If using fresh rice, spread it on a plate to cool for 10 minutes first.
  • High heat matters. You want the pan hot enough that the rice sizzles when it hits. This is what gives it that slightly crispy texture.
  • Add any protein you have. Sliced hot dogs, diced SPAM, vienna sausages, or canned chicken all work great. Fry the protein first until crispy, set aside, then cook the eggs and rice. Add the protein back at the end.
  • No soy sauce? Salt and a little garlic powder gets you close enough.
  • Frozen vegetables go in early. Add them with the onion so they have time to thaw and cook through before you add the rice.