Easy Homemade Fried Rice Recipe: A Family-Friendly Delight
Welcome to our kitchen, where delicious homemade fried rice awaits! In this blog post, we’ll take you on a culinary adventure as we explore the wonders of homemade, easy fried rice. From its simple ingredients to its flavorful goodness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your aprons and let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Fried rice is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made with a few basic ingredients and a touch of creativity, it’s a wonderful way to use up leftover rice and veggies while creating a flavorful meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make our easy homemade fried rice:
- Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- Eggs
- Vegetables (such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions)
- Protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu)
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Green onions
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping the vegetables, mincing the garlic, and slicing the green onions. If using protein, dice it into small pieces.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and scramble the eggs until cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Protein: If using protein, cook it in the same skillet until browned and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
- Saute the Vegetables: Add a bit of oil to the skillet and sauté the garlic and vegetables until they’re tender-crisp.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
- Season with Soy Sauce: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, and stir until everything is well combined.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked eggs, protein, and green onions to the skillet, and stir until everything is heated through.
- Season to Taste: Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve Hot: Transfer the fried rice to a serving dish and garnish with additional green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How Kids Can Help:
- Cracking and whisking the eggs
- Stirring the rice and veggies in the skillet
- Sprinkling in the soy sauce and sesame oil
- Garnishing the finished dish with green onions
Cooking Adventures with Kids: Making Easy Fried Rice Together
Cooking with kids is always an adventure, and one of our favorite recipes to make together is easy homemade fried rice. Here’s a glimpse into our kitchen as we embark on a culinary journey with our little helpers.
Getting Started:
As we gather in the kitchen, the excitement is palpable. The kids eagerly wash their hands and don their aprons, ready to dive into the world of cooking. We start by prepping the ingredients – chopping vegetables, whisking eggs, and measuring out the soy sauce and sesame oil.
Cooking Together:
With the skillet sizzling on the stove, we take turns cracking and whisking the eggs. The kids’ faces light up as they watch the eggs transform into fluffy golden ribbons. Next, they help sauté the vegetables, carefully stirring them as they cook. Their eyes widen with curiosity as they inhale the savory aroma of garlic and onions filling the kitchen.
Adding the Rice:
Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, it’s time to add the rice. The kids eagerly dump it into the skillet, giggling as they watch it sizzle and pop. With wooden spoons in hand, they take turns stirring the rice, breaking up any clumps with gusto.
Seasoning and Stirring:
As the rice cooks, we drizzle in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and the kids excitedly take turns stirring everything together. Their faces light up with pride as they watch the rice take on a beautiful golden hue, infused with savory flavors.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:
With the eggs, vegetables, and rice all cooked to perfection, it’s time to combine everything together. The kids eagerly dump the eggs and vegetables back into the skillet, their faces beaming with excitement. Together, we stir everything until it’s well combined, the kitchen filled with the aroma of fragrant fried rice.
Serving Up Smiles:
With the fried rice hot and ready to eat, we gather around the table and serve up generous portions for everyone. The kids eagerly dig in, their faces lighting up with delight as they take their first bite. With each mouthful, they savor the delicious flavors, their smiles a testament to their culinary triumph.
Cleaning Up:
As the meal comes to an end, we work together to clean up the kitchen, washing dishes and wiping down countertops. The kids happily pitch in, proud of their role in creating a delicious meal for the family.
Conclusion:
Cooking easy homemade fried rice with the kids is more than just making a meal – it’s a bonding experience filled with laughter, learning, and love. From prepping ingredients to savoring the final dish, every moment spent in the kitchen together is a cherished memory that we’ll treasure forever.
How to Store Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (though we doubt there will be!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave the fried rice until heated through, or reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Substitutions and Additions:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the protein and load up on extra veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or prefer in your fried rice.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of oyster sauce or fish sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice? A: While day-old rice works best for fried rice, you can certainly use freshly cooked rice. Just spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for a bit before using it in the recipe.
Q: Can I make fried rice ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Fried rice is a great make-ahead dish. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze fried rice? A: Yes, you can freeze fried rice for up to 1-2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Use whatever ingredients you have on hand to make it your own.
- Kid-Friendly: Get the little ones involved in the kitchen for a fun and interactive cooking experience.
- Budget-Friendly: A great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste.
So there you have it – our easy homemade fried rice recipe! We hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious dish as much as we do. Happy cooking!
Easy Fried Rice
Equipment
Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Rice, preferably day-old
- 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Vegetable Oil
- 1 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Small Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Garlic, minced
- 1 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Frozen Mixed Vegetables, carrots, peas, and corn
- 2 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Sesame Oil
- This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Green Onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until they are just warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the center and scramble until just set.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chilled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry the mixture, ensuring the rice is heated through.
- Season the Dish: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.
Notes
Protein Additions: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an extra protein boost.
Customization: This recipe is highly customizable. Add your favorite vegetables or a dash of hot sauce or oyster sauce for additional flavor.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
Nutrition
Kitchen Gear and Equipment We Use and Love
I just wanted to let you know that some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, I only recommend products and services that I personally use and love. Your support through these links helps me continue to create valuable content and keep this blog running. I appreciate your support!