How to Make Perfect Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It’s particularly popular during lunch or dinner as it is simple to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe yields 4 servings in approximately 30 minutes.

Ingredients You Will Need:

• Cooked long-grain rice - 1 cup
• Fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn kernels - 1/2 cup each
• Eggs - 2
• Chicken or vegetable broth - 1/4 cup
• Soy sauce - to taste (about 1 tablespoon)
• Garlic - minced - 2 cloves
• Vegetable oil or cooking spray for frying
• Salt and pepper - to taste

Instructions:

To start, first cook your long-grain rice according to the package instructions. Make sure it is fully cooked as this forms the base of your fried rice.

In a medium-sized bowl, gently mix the cooked rice with any leftover broth if you desire a wetter consistency. You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn kernels right into this mixture while still warm from cooking to keep them crisp. Be sure not to overmix or squish the rice, as you want it to stay intact.

While the rice is cooling slightly in the bowl, crack two eggs into a shallow dish. Beat them lightly with your fingers until they're well combined. Pour enough vegetable oil or spray cooking oil on a large skillet or wok over medium heat and allow it to warm up for about 2 minutes.

When the pan is hot, add the beaten eggs in one even layer. Use a spatula to gently push them around while they cook until they are just set but still slightly runny in parts. Then quickly transfer the eggs into your bowl with rice and vegetables.

Return the skillet to medium heat and pour more oil if needed for frying. Add garlic cloves, minced, and sauté it until fragrant but not browned - this should take about 30 seconds to a minute. Stir in soy sauce according to taste preference. Pour back your egg-rice mixture into the pan and stir-fry rapidly with tongs or a spatula for two to three minutes. The rice grains should be separate, fluffy, and golden.

For extra flavor, you can add some additional vegetables like broccoli florets or bell peppers which are also great additions to fried rice. Add them towards the end of cooking time when they just become tender but retain their color. Stir in salt and pepper according to your taste. Lastly, spoon the cooked fried rice into bowls and enjoy!

Fried rice is incredibly adaptable. You can add any remaining vegetables you may have on hand such as diced bell peppers, onion slices, or even some finely chopped cabbage. Feel free to experiment with different proteins too; try scrambled tofu instead of eggs, or use shredded chicken if you prefer a meatier version.

Tips:

1. Use Leftovers: One great thing about fried rice is that it can be made using leftover ingredients. Any cold cooked grains will work – not just rice but also pasta, quinoa, or even couscous. Just reheat them and stir-fry as described above.
2. Better Texture: To ensure your fried rice has a nice texture, avoid overmixing the raw rice before adding it to the pan. Overmixing can cause the grains to break down into mush. Also, don't overcrowd the pan; this helps in maintaining the desired fluffiness of each grain.

Now that you've learned how to make delicious fried rice at home, why not impress your family and friends with this classic dish? This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite!