Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice Recipe

ByAmanda
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Whenever I crave something comforting but quick, my go-to is this Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice Recipe. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—packed with flavor, super versatile, and you can whip it up with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. What really sets this recipe apart is how perfectly the simple ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes way more complex than it is.

This fried rice works wonders for busy weeknights or when you want to transform leftover rice into a star meal. Trust me, once you get the hang of this Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, because it’s both foolproof and totally delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice Recipe strike a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Each one adds a unique texture or savory note that makes the dish sing. You can usually find all of them easily at your local store, which makes this recipe a breeze.

  • Cooked rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s dryer and prevents the fried rice from getting mushy.
  • Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point keeps everything from sticking and burning.
  • Diced carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and a nice crunch.
  • Peas: Little pops of color and mild sweetness that complement the savory base.
  • Eggs: Scrambled into the rice for extra protein and that classic fried rice texture.
  • Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness—don’t skimp on this!
  • Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for that signature nutty aroma.
  • Black pepper: Just enough to give it a subtle kick.

Variations

I love how flexible this Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice Recipe is. You can easily switch up the ingredients to match what you have on hand or your mood—plus, it’s a great recipe to make your own!

  • Protein boost: I often add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu when I want a more filling meal.
  • Veggie swap: Broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms all work beautifully if you want to mix up the veggies.
  • Heat it up: Toss in some chili flakes or sriracha for those days you want a little spicy kick.
  • Make it vegan: Skip the eggs and use a splash of tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

How to Make Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Rice

First things first—make sure your rice is cooked and ideally refrigerated overnight. This helps dry it out so it fries up nice and separate instead of clumping together. While your rice chills, dice your carrots and get your peas ready. Whisk the eggs in a bowl so they’re ready to scramble quickly when the time comes.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them gently until just cooked but still soft. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside. This step makes sure your eggs stay tender and don’t overcook while you work on the rest.

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Make sure the rice is cooked and preferably refrigerated overnight to dry out for better texture. Dice carrots and measure peas and seasonings.
  2. Scramble the Eggs: Heat a large skillet or wok on medium-high heat and add a small amount of vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs, scramble until just cooked, then remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan, then add diced carrots and peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  4. Add Rice: Add the day-old cooked rice to the pan with vegetables, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry the mixture thoroughly to heat the rice evenly and combine flavors.
  5. Season the Fried Rice: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice, then add black pepper. Stir continuously to coat the rice and veggies evenly, allowing the soy sauce to slightly caramelize around the rice.
  6. Combine Eggs: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and mix thoroughly with the rice and vegetables. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors and heat through.
  7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm as a delicious side dish or a quick meal.

Notes

  • Using day-old rice prevents sogginess and helps achieve the perfect fried rice texture.
  • You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or scallions based on preference.
  • Adjust soy sauce quantity to your taste and dietary needs.
  • For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Ensure the pan or wok is hot before adding ingredients to get a good fried texture.

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