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Classic Fried Rice

A savory and versatile Chinese-inspired dish featuring rice stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and your choice of protein. This quick and satisfying meal transforms leftover rice into something special.

30 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

ChineseDinnerStovetopStandardHigh FiberLow CarbLow-Sodium

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked white rice, cold, preferably day-old
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup protein of choice, diced (chicken, ham, shrimp, or tofu)
  • 1 carrots, diced small
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 green onions, sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

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

  2. 2

    Add 3 beaten large eggs and scramble until just cooked, about 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add the remaining 2 tbsp to the wok. Add 1/2 finely diced onion, white parts of 4 sliced, white and green parts separated green onions, and 1 diced small carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

  4. 4

    Add 2 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. 5

    If using raw protein (like chicken or shrimp), add 1 cup diced (chicken, ham, shrimp, or tofu) protein of choice now and cook until properly done. For chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and for shrimp, cook until it turns pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.

  6. 6

    If using pre-cooked protein (like ham or cooked tofu), add it now and stir-fry for 1 minute to heat through.

  7. 7

    Add the 4 cups cold, preferably day-old cooked white rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the rice is heated through and begins to crisp slightly.

  8. 8

    Add 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas and stir to combine.

  9. 9

    Pour 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp sesame oil over the rice. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

  10. 10

    Return the scrambled eggs to the wok and gently fold them into the rice mixture.

  11. 11

    Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  12. 12

    Garnish with the green parts of the green onions before serving.

  13. 13

    Serve hot as a main dish or as a side.

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Questions

How do I know when Classic Fried Rice is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until it turns pink and opaque. Step 7: cook until the rice is heated through and begins to crisp slightly. A reading of 165 F on a thermometer settles it.

Why fold instead of stir in Classic Fried Rice?

Step 10 reads: "Return the scrambled eggs to the wok and gently fold them into the rice mixture." Folding keeps the air you just beat in. Stirring at step 10 would knock it out and the result would come out dense.

What can I use instead of toasted sesame oil in Classic Fried Rice?

The entry for Classic Fried Rice calls for 1 tsp sesame oil. In its place: There is no neutral substitute for the toasted flavor. Warm a spoonful of sesame seeds in a neutral oil, or leave it out and finish with toasted seeds.

Can I make Classic Fried Rice gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Classic Fried Rice is 2 tbsp soy sauce. Swap the soy-based sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Classic Fried Rice contain sesame?

Yes: 1 tsp sesame oil. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, eggs, soy and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many carbs are in Classic Fried Rice?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) has 12 g of carbohydrate in about 380 calories, with 12 g protein and 31 g fat, plus 8 g fiber and 208 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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