Skillet Fried Rice: Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Skillet fried rice is a quick and delicious meal that you can easily make at home. With just a few simple ingredients like rice, eggs, vegetables, and some oil, you can create a tasty dish that beats takeout.

You’ll start by heating some oil in a large skillet and cooking the eggs until they’re scrambled. Once they’re done, set them aside and use the same skillet to stir-fry your veggies until they’re tender. Finally, mix everything together with your cooked rice for a delightful, home-cooked meal.

Whether you’re using leftover rice or freshly cooked, skillet fried rice offers a flavorful and satisfying option for any time of the day.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Rice: You need about 2 1/2 cups of cooked rice. Day-old jasmine rice works best.

Oil: Use 2-3 tablespoons of peanut or vegetable oil. These oils have high smoke points. If you prefer, you can also use canola oil.

Eggs: 3 large eggs, beaten. They add protein and flavor.

Garlic: 5 cloves of garlic, grated or finely chopped, adds a lot of flavors.

Vegetables: Common choices are onions, peas, and carrots. You can use about 1/2 cup of each.

• Substitutes: Bell peppers, corn, or broccoli.

Sauces: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

• Substitutes: Tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce. Skip oyster sauce if you want a simpler flavor.

Optional: Add sriracha for some heat.

Protein: Optional meat or tofu. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef works great. About 1/2 cup to 1 cup, depending on preference.

Green Onions: Use 1-2 green onions, chopped, to garnish.

Notes

Keep it simple with what you have on hand. Skillet fried rice is flexible and forgiving, so feel free to mix and match based on what’s in your pantry or fridge.

Instructions

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain rice (jasmine is best)
• 3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil, divided
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup peas and carrots mix

Steps:

1. Prep the Skillet:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Cook the Veggies:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high.
   • Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
   • Sauté the diced onion, peas, and carrots until tender, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Garlic:

   • Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Fry the Rice:

   • Push the veggies to one side of the skillet.
   • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the empty side.
   • Add the cooked rice and sauté for 3-4 minutes, mixing everything together.

5. Combine:

   • Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet.
   • Stir well to mix the eggs into the rice and veggies.

6. Final Touches:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, such as salt or soy sauce.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your homemade skillet fried rice!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Tips and Tricks

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  Use Cold Rice: Always use leftover rice that’s been cooled overnight in the fridge. This helps the rice grains stay separate.

  
  
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  Prep Ingredients: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before cooking.

  
  
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  High Heat: Use high heat to quickly cook and stir-fry ingredients, giving the rice a nice texture.

  
  
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  Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to ensure each ingredient gets properly cooked.

  
  

Storing Fried Rice

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  Refrigeration: Store fried rice in the fridge at 35-40°F (1.6-4.4°C). Place it in airtight containers to keep it fresh.

  
  
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  Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers or ziplock bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

  
  
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  Label and Date: Always label containers with the date stored to keep track of freshness.

  
  

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Kimchi Fried Rice: Add a burst of flavor by mixing in kimchi. It adds a tangy, spicy kick to your dish. Don’t forget to top it with a runny egg!

Vegetable Fried Rice: Use a mix of your favorite veggies like carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions. For extra flavor, include garlic and ginger.

Chicken Fried Rice: Add cooked, diced chicken breast. You can marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for more taste.

Shrimp Fried Rice: Stir in some cooked shrimp. Season them with a bit of salt and pepper before adding to the skillet.

Tips for Serving

• Top your fried rice with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve it with a side of sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce.
• Add a fresh salad on the side for a balanced meal.

Quick Tips

• Cold Rice: Always use cold, leftover rice. It helps to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
• Eggs: Scramble your eggs first and set them aside. Add them back in at the end to keep them soft.