Fried rice is a flavorful dish that blends cooked rice with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, eggs, and proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or pork. You start by heating oil in a wok or skillet, then add diced vegetables and proteins, cooking them until tender. Next, you scramble beaten eggs in the same pan before mixing in the vegetables and meat. The pre-cooked rice is added last, seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a dash of sesame oil for depth. Stir-fry everything together until well-combined and heated through, resulting in a delicious, one-pan meal.
The history of fried rice dates back to the Sui Dynasty (589–618 CE) in China, where it was created as a practical way to use leftover rice. This dish quickly gained popularity across various regions of China due to its simplicity, adaptability, and the ability to incorporate whatever ingredients were on hand. As Chinese immigrants spread across the globe, they introduced fried rice to different cultures, leading to numerous regional variations. Today, fried rice is a beloved global dish, celebrated for its convenience, rich flavors, and the creative ways it transforms leftovers into a satisfying meal.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Yield:** 4 servings
#### Ingredients:
– 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork, diced
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sliced green onions for garnish
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare Ingredients:** Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready.
2. **Heat Oil:** Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
3. **Cook Vegetables:** Add diced onion and mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. **Add Garlic and Eggs:** Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooked rice and protein (chicken, shrimp, or pork) to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. **Season:** Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.
7. **Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Enjoy this classic fried rice, a versatile and delicious dish perfect for any meal.