Fast and Easy (and Tasty) Fried Rice

Chinese food has always been a love of mine, but I've never been a huge rice fan. My hubby, on the other hand, is all about the rice, and so is our daughter. When she discovered fried rice, I knew it was something I needed to get into my rotation.

We have been spending so much time at home and when online school is over, we've continued the lessons in the kitchen. My picky eater likes working in the kitchen with me, which has been a good thing because it gives her buy-in on meals.  She's more willing to try new things because she knows what's in it. 

This is one recipe she was super excited to make! It's so fast and so easy, you'll wonder why you haven't been doing this at home all along. It's also super versatile. We've sautéed chicken pieces and mixed them in, and sautéed beef slices to mix in. We've also used leftover shredded meats like beef, chicken or pork to make it a meal and clean out the fridge at the same time. More often than not, we just leave it vegetarian and have a protein on the side like Beef Satay or Sweet and Sour Chicken. No matter how you serve it, you'll love the flavors of this simple dish.

Fast and Easy Veggie Fried Rice

1 1/2c frozen peas and carrots

1T canola oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 eggs, scrambled

3 c white rice, preferably day old, or cooked earlier in the day and kept in the fridge  (brown rice works, too)

2T Lite Soy Sauce

Salt and Pepper to taste

 

Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over med-high heat. Add the peas and carrots to warm and soften (You can also add other veggies if you want. Fresh broccoli florets, carrot slices, or sprouts go in first; frozen or can corn, water chestnuts or chopped cabbage would go great with frozen peas and carrots.)

 

Add the garlic and allow it to brown for just a minute. Push the veggies to one side. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the scrambled egg and pour it on the other side of the skillet.  Allow it to cook for a minute before turning the egg, and try to keep it separate from the veggies until the egg is cooked. Once cooked, mix it all together. 

 

Add the rice and blend it with the eggs and veggies. Add the soy sauce and mix it well. Cook until everything is heated through. Serve immediately. 

 

If you wanted, you could add some precooked shredded chicken like leftovers from a rotisserie chicken. Makes a complete meal that's crazy easy and yummy.