Name: Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-484750H12M33S
Total time: PT-484750H12M33S
Ingredients: 4 cups cold, cooked rice: This is the foundation of your fried rice. Cold rice works best because it separates easily, preventing clumping and allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors.; 3 tablespoons butter: The key to making this fried rice stand out. Butter adds richness and depth, giving the dish a luxurious taste that vegetable oil alone can’t provide.; 1 onion, diced: Onions are the perfect starting point for any savory dish. They create a sweet and aromatic base for the fried rice, adding depth to every bite.; 12 oz frozen peas and carrots: These colorful vegetables not only add texture and nutrition but also a touch of sweetness. The best part? You don’t need to thaw them, which makes this dish even easier to prepare.; 1/2 cup soy sauce: The classic seasoning for fried rice, soy sauce delivers that unmistakable umami flavor. It adds saltiness and depth to balance out the sweetness of the vegetables.; 3 eggs, beaten: Scrambled eggs contribute protein and texture. They also help bring all the ingredients together, adding a silky richness to the fried rice.

Description

Fried rice is a dish that holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers around the world. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a satisfying side dish. But when you add the right balance of butter, fresh vegetables, and soy sauce, you can elevate this simple meal to a whole new level. Welcome to Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice, a recipe so delicious, it will make you rethink every takeout fried rice you’ve ever had!

Ingredients

4 cups cold, cooked rice: This is the foundation of your fried rice. Cold rice works best because it separates easily, preventing clumping and allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors.
3 tablespoons butter: The key to making this fried rice stand out. Butter adds richness and depth, giving the dish a luxurious taste that vegetable oil alone can’t provide.
1 onion, diced: Onions are the perfect starting point for any savory dish. They create a sweet and aromatic base for the fried rice, adding depth to every bite.
12 oz frozen peas and carrots: These colorful vegetables not only add texture and nutrition but also a touch of sweetness. The best part? You don’t need to thaw them, which makes this dish even easier to prepare.
1/2 cup soy sauce: The classic seasoning for fried rice, soy sauce delivers that unmistakable umami flavor. It adds saltiness and depth to balance out the sweetness of the vegetables.

3 eggs, beaten: Scrambled eggs contribute protein and texture. They also help bring all the ingredients together, adding a silky richness to the fried rice.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet Properly

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. The butter should melt and sizzle slightly but avoid letting it brown. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent—about 3-5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and your base for the fried rice will be infused with a delicious savory fragrance.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables to Perfection

Next, add the frozen peas and carrots directly to the skillet. No need to thaw them beforehand! Cooking them straight from the freezer helps them maintain their shape and color, keeping the dish vibrant and fresh. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are tender but still brightly colored—about 4-6 minutes. This step ensures that your vegetables are cooked through without losing their crispness or flavor.

Step 3: Master the Egg Scramble Technique

Here’s where you’ll add a bit of technique to the dish: push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space on the other side. Pour your beaten eggs into this empty space and scramble them gently. The goal is to cook the eggs until they’re just set but still slightly moist. Once they’ve cooked, mix them with the vegetables. You should see beautiful ribbons of egg throughout your fried rice, adding richness and texture to the dish.

Step 4: Combine Rice and Seasonings

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cold, cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Pour the soy sauce evenly over the rice and stir continuously to combine all the ingredients. Keep cooking for about 5-7 minutes until everything is well-mixed and heated through. As the rice absorbs the soy sauce, it will take on a lovely golden color and become beautifully coated with all the flavors.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes