So fried rice right, it sounds super simple but honestly first time I tried it I just screwed it up big time. Like mushy rice, too salty, and stuck all over the pan. Was kinda annoying but now I got the hang of it, more or less. Not saying I’m a pro or anything but at least it tastes good now lol.
Anyway here’s how I do it, and I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I mess up but it still tastes okay. Fried rice is just one of those things where you gotta feel it out. Also you don’t need any fancy stuff or wok or whatever, just a normal pan will do.
What You’ll Need (Or Whatever You Have)
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2 cups cooked rice (cold rice is best, if you use hot rice it’s gonna be a soggy mess)
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2 tablespoons oil (any kind works, vegetable oil is fine)
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2 eggs (I like eggs but if you don’t wanna use them that’s cool)
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1 small onion chopped
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3 cloves garlic (chop or crush, doesn’t have to be perfect)
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1 cup mixed veggies (I usually use frozen peas, carrots, corn, whatever)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (don’t dump the whole bottle tho)
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1 teaspoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
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salt and pepper to taste
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optional leftover chicken or shrimp or tofu if you got it
Step 1: Use Cold Rice, Like Really Cold
This is like the most important part, trust me. If you use rice straight from the cooker it’ll get mushy. So use rice that’s been sitting in the fridge for a bit. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread it on a plate and cool it for a bit before frying.
Step 2: Prep Your Stuff First
Don’t be that person trying to chop onions while stuff is burning in the pan. Chop your garlic and onion, beat your eggs, measure sauces before you start cooking. Fried rice moves fast.
Step 3: Scramble The Eggs First
Put some oil in the pan on medium-high heat. Crack the eggs in and scramble them quickly. When cooked, take them out and keep aside. Don’t overcook them, they get rubbery and no one likes that.
Step 4: Cook Onion and Garlic
Add more oil if you need to. Throw the garlic and onion in and cook until onions are soft and smell good. Garlic burns quickly so watch out or it’ll taste bitter.
Step 5: Add The Veggies
Toss in your veggies, frozen ones are fine. Cook for like 3-4 minutes till they’re warmed through but still a little crunchy.
Step 6: Add The Rice
Add your cold rice. Break up the clumps with your spatula. Spread it evenly and press a bit so some parts get crispy. Crispy bits are the best part of fried rice.
Step 7: Add Soy Sauce and Vinegar
Pour in the soy sauce and vinegar, add some salt and pepper. Stir well to coat the rice. Taste it and add more soy sauce if you want, but careful don’t make it too salty.
Step 8: Mix Eggs and Protein Back In
Throw your scrambled eggs back in. Add any leftover meat or tofu now if you want. Mix everything and cook for another minute or two.
Step 9: Finish It Off
If you have sesame oil, add a little bit at the end for flavor. If you got green onions, chop some and sprinkle on top but it’s okay if you don’t.
Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To
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Used fresh hot rice = mushy
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Poured too much soy sauce = salty disaster
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Not enough oil = stuck rice and burnt pan
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Cooked too much at once = steamed rice no crisp
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Burnt garlic while distracted on phone lol
Tips
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A pinch of sugar balances out salty soy sauce
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Lime juice squeeze makes it fresh sometimes
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Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like spicy food
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Leftover chicken or shrimp make it taste better
Leftover Fried Rice
Put leftovers in airtight container and keep in fridge. Reheat in pan with a splash of water or oil so it doesn’t dry out. Microwave works but pan is better if you got time.
Final Thoughts
Fried rice is life, easy and quick meal that works with whatever you got. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect first time, just keep trying. Sometimes the weird combos taste the best, so experiment and don’t be scared.
Go make some fried rice now and eat half of it straight from the pan like me. No shame.