Why Make This Recipe
Fried rice is a beloved dish around the world. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized with different ingredients. This basic fried rice recipe is perfect for a quick meal or as a side dish. It’s made with simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Whether you have leftover rice or want to whip up something delicious from scratch, this recipe will never let you down.
How to Make The Only Basic Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. canola oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 slices bacon, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 scallions or green onions, chopped (whites and greens separated)
- 2 medium or 3 small carrots, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 c. frozen peas, defrosted
- 4 c. cold rice
- 3 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp. sesame oil, plus more to taste
Directions
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and cook, stirring until the eggs turn light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the eggs to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add the diced red bell pepper, scallion whites, and diced carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the defrosted peas and cold rice to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until warmed through, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Fold in the cooked eggs and season the mixture with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Serve immediately, topped with the chopped scallion greens and a drizzle of more sesame oil if desired.
How to Serve The Only Basic Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Ever Need
You can serve fried rice as a main dish or as a side alongside your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It’s also great topped with some extra scallions for garnish. Enjoy it warm straight from the skillet!
How to Store The Only Basic Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Ever Need
If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely. Store the fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Tips to Make The Only Basic Fried Rice Recipe You’ll Ever Need
- Use cold, day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins. Broccoli, bell peppers, or shrimp work well.
- Adjust the soy sauce and sesame oil amounts to fit your taste preferences.
Variation
You can easily modify this basic fried rice recipe by swapping out the bacon for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also change the vegetables used, such as adding corn or peas for added sweetness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice. Just keep in mind that it may take a little longer to cook through.
Q: Is it necessary to cook the eggs separately?
A: Cooking the eggs separately makes them fluffy. However, you can also scramble them in the skillet if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for flavor. You can add more veggies or tofu for protein.
