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Easy Crispy Fried Rice Recipe With Leftover Rice Perfect for Quick Meals

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A quick and easy fried rice recipe using leftover rice that creates a crispy, golden crust and is perfect for last-minute meals. This dish is flavorful, comforting, and uses simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups leftover cooked rice (preferably refrigerated overnight)
  • 23 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Break up any clumps in the leftover rice with your hands or a fork so it’s loose and separated. If damp, spread on a baking sheet and air dry for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and swirl to coat the base. Heat for 1-2 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  3. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until mostly cooked but still slightly runny. Remove eggs from pan and set aside.
  4. Add a little more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and white parts of green onions for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning the garlic.
  5. Spread rice evenly in the pan and press down gently with a spatula to create a compact layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a crispy crust on the bottom.
  6. Carefully flip sections of rice to crisp the other side for 2-3 minutes, breaking rice apart gently with the spatula.
  7. Add thawed peas and scrambled eggs back into the pan. Toss carefully to combine.
  8. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil evenly over the rice. Stir well to coat all grains. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to meld flavors.
  9. Sprinkle green onion tops over the rice for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
  10. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, savory fried rice.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture. Avoid stirring rice too often to allow a crispy crust to form. Adjust heat to medium-high to prevent burning. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For vegan, omit eggs and add extra veggies or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried rice, crispy fried rice, leftover rice recipe, quick meals, easy dinner, stir-fry rice, simple fried rice