Lazy Fried Rice Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the perfect way to transform leftover rice into a quick, delicious meal that’s both comforting and versatile. Plus, it’s loaded with vibrant veggies and protein, keeping it both satisfying and healthy, which is everything I love in a meal!

My recipe for Lazy Fried Rice is a fast and filling dish that I love for its simpleness and adaptability. With day-old rice, a mix of bright vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn, this dish is nothing short of a nutritional powerhouse.

I adore it with a good drizzle of soy sauce for depth and a touch of sesame oil for richness. Then I finish it with green onions for a nice, zesty finish.

Lazy Fried Rice Recipe Ingredients

• Cooked Rice: Provides carbohydrates, giving energy and texture.
• Eggs: Rich in protein, adding heartiness and flavor.
• Mixed Vegetables: Source of fiber and vitamins, bringing color.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, enhancing taste.
• Garlic: Offers bold aroma and health benefits.
• Sesame Oil: Infuses nuttiness and enhances aroma.

Lazy Fried Rice Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cooked protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu

How to Make this Lazy Fried Rice Recipe

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the eggs, which have been beaten, and scramble them until they are fully cooked. Remove the cooked eggs from the skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, put in the leftover tablespoon of vegetable oil.

4. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

5. Put in the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they become tender.

6. Insert the cooked rice that is a day old into the pan, splitting any lumps with a spatula.

7. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the rice.

8. Put the scrambled eggs back in the frying pan with the rice.

9. Add the sliced scallions and any optional cooked protein, if using.

10. Add salt and pepper to your liking, then cook for another 1-2 minutes. Serve while hot.

Lazy Fried Rice Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet or wok
2. Spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Mixing bowl
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups

FAQ

• Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?Rice that has just been cooked can be excessively wet, which results in a fried rice mixture that is somewhat sodden. To avoid this, it is better to use rice that was cooked the day before because it is drier and holds together better when it is being fried.

  If you don’t have any day-old rice on hand, you can prepare rice, spread it out on a baking sheet, and place it in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 10 minutes to dry it out. And if you’re using a rice cooker and making a small batch for the fried rice recipe on the next page, try using the “keep warm” function on the cooker for about 10 minutes before turning it off and letting the rice sit for 5 minutes. This will help dry out the rice somewhat.

• What can I use as a substitute for vegetable oil?Canola oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil are all viable alternatives.
• How do I make this recipe vegan?Omit the eggs or use a plant-based egg substitute, and make sure any optional protein is tofu or another vegan-friendly option.
• Can I add soy sauce substitutes?Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.
• How can I add more flavor to the fried rice?Adding a splash of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat can also do wonders for your umami-laden fried rice.
• Is it essential to use sesame oil?Although sesame oil is not a necessary component of the recipe, it is very highly recommended because it adds a flavor that is distinctive and complementary to the overall flavor profile.
  
• What if I don’t have mixed vegetables?Any vegetables you have on hand can be used, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or even spinach.

Lazy Fried Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

When a recipe calls for vegetable oil, you can use olive oil or canola oil instead.
Rice, cooked: Swap in quinoa or riced cauliflower for something different.
Assorted vegetables: Consider using broccoli, bell peppers, or edamame.
Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Green onions: Substitute chives or shallots for a taste that is almost identical.

Pro Tips

1. Use Cold Day-Old Rice Cold day-old rice is less sticky and ideal for fried rice because it helps to achieve a distinct grain texture and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

2. Pre-Cook Protein Separately If adding optional proteins like chicken or shrimp, cook them separately beforehand and add them back in at the end. This ensures that they are perfectly cooked without overcooking.

3. High Heat for Stir-Frying Keep the heat at medium-high throughout the cooking process to give the vegetables and rice a nice stir-fry texture, which helps them to cook quickly and evenly without steaming.

4. Layer Flavors with Aromatics First Start with garlic to infuse the oil with flavor, and consider adding a bit of ginger or shallots in the same step for an extra depth of flavor.

5. Finish with Fresh Elements Add green onions at the very end of cooking to maintain their freshness and crunch, providing a nice contrast to the cooked elements.