Use-What-You-Have Skillet Fried Rice
We all have those days: you haven’t been to the store, and you have a house full of picky children. And it’s almost dinner time, so a big, complicated meal just isn’t in the cards. And another night of boxed Mac and cheese just might destroy your soul. I keep this recipe top of mind for days like those, and you should too.
This basic fried rice is the perfect weeknight meal for our family. It’s crazy easy and budget-friendly, and my kids love it. I love that it’s a blank canvas for any veggies or leftover protein we might have.
Table of Contents
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Leftover day-old rice is better for this recipe because it has less moisture. Make some extra rice with another meal, and then save the rest for this. You can also cook big quantities of rice, place them in freezer bags, and freeze them for when you need a quick side.
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As written, this recipe serves 4-5 as a side dish or 2-3 as a main. Double or triple the recipe by making adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment
- any skillet will work, but we love cast iron
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of oil divided
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup frozen green peas
- 4 cups cooked rice (day-old rice is best as it has less moisture)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon Siracha optional
How to Make
Step One: Cook the Eggs
Start by cooking the egg. Make sure you have a tablespoon of oil in your skillet, and heat it before you add the egg. Pour it in and cook for a minute or two, and scramble it. Remove it to a plate and chop it up.
Step Two: Cook The Onion
Now we cook the onion. Add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the diced onion until it’s translucent and browned.
Step Three: Add Rice
Add the last tablespoon of oil, and then the cooked rice. Keep stirring until the rice is coated in oil.
Step Four: Add Soy Sauce & Mix-Ins
Now we are adding the flavor! Pour in the soy sauce and stir. Just keep on stirring. Once the soy sauce and rice are well incorporated, add in the peas and scrambled egg (and any other cooked proteins you want). Fry for about 4 minutes.
Mix-In Ideas & When to Add them
| ADD WITH ONIONS (cook 3-4 mins) | ADD WITH RICE (stir in) | ADD AT THE END (last minute) |
| Bell peppers (any color) | Garlic (minced) | Cooked chicken (shredded) |
| Carrots (diced small) | Fresh ginger (grated) | Cooked shrimp |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | Sesame oil (1-2 teaspoons) | Bacon (cooked, crumbled) |
| Broccoli (small florets) | Frozen corn | Ham (diced) |
| Zucchini (diced) | Green onions (chopped) | |
| Snow peas | Sriracha or chili garlic sauce |
Storing & Serving
Leftovers will keep well, tightly covered in the fridge, for 3-4 days.
Troubleshooting and questions
You can, but spread it on a sheet pan and let it cool completely first: fresh rice has too much moisture and will get mushy.
Cook your protein first in the same skillet, then remove it and set aside. Add it back in with the peas and eggs at the end so it doesn’t overcook. Or use leftovers that already cooked and add them at the end until heated through.
Printable Recipe
Cast Iron Skillet Fried Rice
Equipment
- any skillet will work, but we love cast iron
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of oil divided
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup onion finely diced
- ¾ cup frozen green peas
- 4 cups cooked rice (day-old rice is best as it has less moisture)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon Siracha optional
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Instructions
- Cook eggs. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggs and gently stir until scrambled, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the skillet to a plate, chop, and set aside for later.
- Cook onion. Increase the heat to medium-high. Heat another tablespoon of oil in the now-empty skillet. Add the onion and stir until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add rice. Add the last tablespoon of oil, and then the cooked rice. Keep stirring until the rice is coated in oil.
- Add soy sauce + mix-ins. Add the soy sauce, frozen peas, and scrambled eggs. If you are adding a cooked protein, do so now. Stir fry for 4 minutes, until thoroughly heated and well combined. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Love,
