There’s nothing quite like a plate of homemade fried rice, especially when it’s made with love. This Quick and Easy Fried Rice recipe is one of my favorites because it’s simple, comforting, and perfect for a busy weeknight.
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It brings together all the flavors I adore: savory soy sauce, tender veggies, and a touch of butter that makes everything taste just right. Growing up, this dish was a go-to in our kitchen, and it’s still one I turn to whenever I need something delicious in a hurry.
A Southern food classic
Southern food holds a special place in my heart, and fried rice is no exception. Though it might not be what you’d expect in a traditional Southern meal, my family loved adding a little Southern twist to dishes from all over the world.
I remember my grandmother making fried rice after a long day of cooking, often using leftovers from her classic Southern meals. It’s simple, but every bite reminds me of her warmth and the love she poured into everything she made. Southern cooking isn’t just about recipes; it’s about sharing good food with the people you love, and this fried rice is a perfect example of that.
Ingredients
How to make Quick and Easy Fried Rice
This fried rice comes together quickly and easily. Start by heating your pan and cooking the veggies until tender. Add the eggs and scramble them up. Once they’re cooked, mix in the rice, butter, and soy sauce, and give it a good stir.
Let the rice “fry” for a few minutes before adding the final seasonings. It’s a simple process, but the results are always comforting and satisfying.
Serving suggestions
Fried rice can stand on its own or be served as a side to complement a bigger meal. Pair it with crispy fried chicken or barbecue ribs to complete a Southern feast.
You can even serve it alongside a hearty salad for a lighter meal. The combination of flavors will give you that perfect Southern hospitality feel, making every bite feel like home.
Storage tips
If you happen to have leftovers, fried rice stores really well in the fridge. Just keep it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a frying pan with a little oil or in the microwave.
You may need to add a splash of soy sauce or water to bring back some moisture. It’s just as tasty the next day!
Southern farewell
I hope you enjoy this fried rice recipe as much as my family does. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make but full of flavor, and it always reminds me of the comfort of Southern cooking.
Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it at a family dinner, it’s sure to bring everyone together. Enjoy and take care, y’all!
Quick and Easy Fried Rice
Equipment
- Large frying pan or wok
- Spatula
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup onion diced
- ½ cup carrots diced
- ½ cup frozen peas no need to thaw
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and carrots. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes).
- Next, add the frozen peas to the pan. No need to thaw them, just toss them in and stir well to mix with the other veggies. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. On the empty side, pour the 2 beaten eggs. Allow them to cook for about 2 minutes, then scramble with a spatula until fully cooked. Once cooked, stir the eggs into the veggies.
- Add the 3 cups of cooked white rice to the pan. Use your spatula to break up any clumps, and stir the rice well to mix with the vegetables and eggs.
- Cut the 2 tablespoons of butter into small chunks and scatter them over the rice. Stir well, allowing the butter to melt and coat the rice. Let the rice “fry” for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the rice, adding as much or as little as you prefer. Stir well to combine. Taste the rice and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Once everything is well mixed and the rice is lightly fried, remove it from the heat and serve. Enjoy this comforting dish right away!
