Fried Rice - Your Way!

Fried Rice - Your Way!

3-5 cups cooked rice

2 tbls sesame oil

3 tbls canola oil (or vegetable)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup yellow onion or scallions, chopped

1 tsp  fresh ginger, grated (or more)

1-2 cups cooked meat, shredded (see note below)

2 eggs

2 medium carrots, sliced thin

1/2 cup corn

1/2 cup peas, frozen

1 lime, juiced

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (plus, more is needed)

S&P

Fried Rice is the perfect meal to fix the night after you have leftover meat & veggies. That's right, it's a great double duty meal or quick lunch for the next day.  I've suggested some veggies, which are kid friendly, but you could add anything that you have on hand.  From zucchini to squash and from cabbage to bok choy, the sky is the limit.  You can go vegetarian or add any meat you have on hane.  I've fixed this with shrimp, pork and chicken.  All of them are wonderful & make a nice light meal by itself or can be added to an Asian dinner.

To get started, cook your rice by the directions on your package.  I must admit, after living in Asia, I am pretty picky about my rice.  There is a huge difference!  I always by imported & it always tastes better to me.  My favorite is probably jasmine, but any will do. I really think long grain is wonderful. To save time, get the rice going while you work on chopping the veggies.

Now, in your large skillet or wok add 1 tbls of canola oil & scramble the two eggs.  Then, simply set them aside.  Add both remaining oils, I just to two circles around my pan & you can add more as needed.  Saute the garlic, onion & fresh ginger.  (Don't be afraid to buy fresh ginger, it's wonderful.  You can store it in the freezer & even grate it frozen.  Just peel off the outside & grate the tender white inside.)  After 3-4 minutes, add your chopped veggies, except for anything frozen.  Continue sauteing another 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender, then add frozen peas.  

Next, add soy sauce, S & P to your veggies.  Add in fresh cilantro and stir one more minute.  Then add cooked eggs.  Now, it's time to stir in your cooked meat.  Almost done!  Time for the rice!  Gently fold in the rice & fry for a final 3-4 minute.  If the mixture is too dry, simply continue to add dashes of soy.  Now, give it a taste & adjust your seasoning.  If you like it hot, add cayenne.  

To plate, serve with lime wedges & top with fresh cilantro. Fried rice does require a little work, which is why I usually make it the night after I have fixed some veggies & meat.  Then, most of your work is already done.  This is a dish my boys could eat day after day!  It nice and healthy & figure friendly too.