Enjoy the beauty of this versatile and delicious dish on National Fried Rice Day!

Here is a basic recipe for making delicious fried rice right at home! You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and seasonings:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cooked and cooled white rice (day-old rice works best)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 1 cup diced vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, peas, and corn)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rice:
    • If you’re using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less likely to get mushy during cooking.
  2. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Add the diced onions and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to become translucent.
    • Add the minced garlic and diced vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
  4. Push Vegetables Aside:
    • Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the pan, creating an empty space.
  5. Scramble the Eggs:
    • Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space in the pan. Quickly scramble them with a spatula until they’re cooked through but still slightly runny.
  6. Combine Everything:
    • Mix the scrambled eggs with the cooked vegetables.
  7. Add the Rice:
    • Add the cooled, cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes.
  8. Season with Soy Sauce:
    • Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the sauce is evenly distributed.
  9. Season with Salt and Pepper:
    • Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember that soy sauce is salty, so adjust the salt accordingly.
  10. Garnish and Serve:
    • If desired, garnish your fried rice with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or sesame seeds.
  11. Serve Hot:
    • Serve your homemade fried rice hot as a delicious side dish or add your choice of protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.) for a complete meal.

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients and adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade fried rice!