20 Minute Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice is a classic, quick, and delicious dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover rice or cooking it fresh, this 20-minute fried rice recipe is perfect for a fast and satisfying meal. Customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, and seasonings to make it your own!

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Ingredients:

• Ensure your rice is cold, as this prevents it from becoming mushy during cooking. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 10-15 minutes before frying.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they become translucent and soft.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

• Add the peas and carrots to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and lightly browned.

4. Scramble the Eggs:

• Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add a bit more oil if necessary, and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs in the pan until they are fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.

5. Add the Rice:

• Break up any clumps in the rice and add it to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, making sure the rice heats through and begins to lightly brown.

6. Season the Rice:

• Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) and toss everything together, ensuring the rice is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Drizzle the fried rice with a little sesame oil for extra flavor, and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Fried Rice:

1. Use Cold Rice:

• Day-old rice works best because it has a firmer texture, making it less likely to clump together. If you’re in a rush, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to cool down.

2. High Heat for Stir-Frying:

• Cooking fried rice at high heat ensures everything gets nice and crispy. Use a large skillet or wok to give the ingredients plenty of space, which helps prevent steaming and keeps the rice from becoming soggy.

3. Customize Your Protein:

• Add cooked shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, or tofu to make your fried rice more substantial. Simply stir in the cooked protein when adding the rice for a complete meal.

4. Add More Veggies:

• This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can add any veggies you have on hand like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Variations:

1. Vegetable Fried Rice:

• Skip the eggs and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

2. Chicken Fried Rice:

• Stir in diced, cooked chicken breast or thighs for added protein. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great!

3. Shrimp Fried Rice:

• Cook shrimp in the skillet before the vegetables, remove, and add back at the end for a tasty seafood twist.

4. Spicy Fried Rice:

• Add sriracha or chili paste for extra heat, or throw in fresh diced chilies for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

Fried rice can be served as a side dish or a main course. Pair it with stir-fried vegetables, grilled meats, or a light soup for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Asian-inspired dinner.

Storing and Reheating:

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, microwave it with a damp paper towel on top to keep it moist.

Conclusion:

This quick and easy 20-Minute Fried Rice Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need to use up leftovers. It’s customizable, flavorful, and comes together in no time. With a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can create a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Yield: 4

20 Minute Fried Rice Recipe

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Fried rice is a classic, quick, and delicious dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. Whether you're using leftover rice or cooking it fresh, this 20-minute fried rice recipe is perfect for a fast and satisfying meal. Customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, and seasonings to make it your own!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for added flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice:
   Use cold, day-old rice if possible. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, so if you're using fresh rice, spread it out on a tray to cool it quickly.
   
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
   Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
   Stir in the thawed peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.
   
3. Scramble the Eggs:
   Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
   Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the skillet, stirring constantly until scrambled and cooked through. Mix the scrambled eggs with the vegetables.
   
4. Add the Rice:
   Increase the heat to high, and add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and stir everything together.
   
5. Season the Fried Rice:
   Pour the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce over the rice, stirring well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
   Season with a dash of sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
   Continue to stir-fry the rice for about 5-6 minutes, until it is heated through and slightly crispy.
   
6. Serve:
   Once the rice is thoroughly mixed and cooked, remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Rice Tip: For best results, use cold, leftover rice as it has less moisture and crisps up better.

Add Protein: To make it a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu when you add the vegetables.

Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe with other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms. You can also spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes or Sriracha.