Quick and Easy Fried Rice Recipe: A College Cooking Game-Changer

Easy Fried Rice Recipe

This fried rice recipe with leftover rice, peas, eggs, soy sauce, and carrots is ready in minutes and easy to customize for a delicious side dish or main.

My Stir-Fry Story

Back in college, I only had leftover rice and a few veggies—but with a dash of soy sauce and a hot skillet, I turned scraps into a quick dinner game-changer. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!

Ingredients for the Ultimate Fried Rice Recipe

• 2 cups cooked leftover rice (cold)
• 2/3 cup chopped baby carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Fried Rice Recipe

1. Heat your pan: Warm 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Scramble the eggs: Pour in the beaten eggs, stir quickly until just set, then transfer to a plate.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add remaining oil, then garlic and green onions. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Toss in veggies: Stir in carrots and peas; cook 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Add rice: Crumble cold rice into skillet. Stir-fry, breaking up clumps, about 2 minutes.
6. Season: Pour soy sauce evenly over rice. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until rice is coated and heated through.
7. Combine & serve: Fold scrambled eggs back into rice. Adjust salt and pepper, garnish with extra green onions, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice clumps; leftover rice gives you perfect grains.
• Swap veggies: Try bell peppers, corn, or edamame for new flavors.
• Add protein: Mix in diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty meal.
• Finish with: A drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Enjoy your homemade fried rice recipe any night of the week—this easy side dish or main is sure to become a family favorite.

Credit: Original recipe on Allrecipes