Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably a day old)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice: Ensure your rice is cold (leftover rice from the fridge works best). This prevents the rice from becoming mushy when frying.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of vegetable oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add the peas and carrots to the pan, stirring until they’re heated through.
- Fry the Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan. Break apart any clumps and stir it to mix with the vegetables. Fry for a few minutes until the rice starts to get golden.
- Season the Rice: Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the scrambled eggs back to the pan. Stir everything together and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Final Touches: If using, add your protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu) and heat through. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve Hot: Serve your fried rice hot, right out of the pan.
Enjoy your homemade fried rice! Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients.