Impromptu Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of the most amazingly simple dishes to make.

Believe it or not, it’s better to make fried rice out of leftover rice than freshly cooked rice (but fresh cooked is fine too). In fact, fried rice is a great way to use leftovers. Last night I tossed rice with some leftover tofu, broccoli from the night before, a few more veggies and some eggs for a delicious, quick dinner.

Fried rice doesn’t need a lot of soy sauce. When I first started making fried rice, it didn’t quite taste right so I asked my Mom about it and she told me I was putting too much soy sauce in it. Less soy sauce = much better.

You can get very authentic and start with stir frying some garlic and ginger in oil first, but it’s not necessary if you’re in a hurry.

I usually make this with whatever protein (tofu, chicken, etc.) and veggies (any fresh or leftover, or frozen corn,  peas, shelled edamame, etc.) I have on hand. The addition of toasted sesame oil adds a really nice flavor to the rice and I highly recommend adding it if you have it!

 Fried Rice
4-6 servings

2 eggs
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed with the flat side of a knife (optional)
4 slices fresh ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
1 cup vegetables, can be any combination of fresh or leftover, diced
4 cups cold cooked rice
1 cup tofu or cooked leftover meat
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1-2 chopped green onion
Salt to taste

1. Combine and lightly beat eggs together in a bowl.

2. Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in wok or frying pan over medium high heat. Add eggs when hot and scramble in pan until done. Remove from pan and reserve.

3. Heat remaining oils in a wok or frying pan. If using, add garlic and ginger and stir fry for 4 minutes to infuse the oil with flavor. Remove garlic and ginger from the hot oil.

4. If using, add fresh vegetables to the oil and stir fry for a couple of minutes.

5. Add rice to the vegetables/oil and stir to break up chunks. Stir fry for a few minutes, then add the frozen vegetables if using.

6. Add the tofu or meat, and the soy sauce to the rice. Stir fry until heated through.

7. Add salt to taste, if using, and sprinkle with chopped green onion before serving.