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Easy Vegetable Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout)

Fluffy day-old rice stir-fried in a screaming-hot wok with crisp vegetables, golden egg ribbons, and a savory garlic-soy sauce. Ready in 15 minutes — better than takeout.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked long-grain rice day-old and chilled (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked)
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil divided (avocado or vegetable oil)
  • 3 x​​​​​ large eggs beaten with a pinch of salt
  • 1 cup frozen peas no need to thaw
  • 2 ​ medium carrots diced small (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 ​ red bell pepper diced
  • 4 scallions sliced (whites and greens separated)
  • 1 cup frozen corn optional
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep everything first: dice carrots and bell pepper, slice scallions (whites and greens separate), mince garlic, grate ginger, beat eggs with a pinch of salt. Stir soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar together in a small bowl. Break up cold rice clumps so grains are separate.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Scramble the eggs into soft ribbons, 60–90 seconds, until just set. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add another tablespoon of oil to the screaming-hot pan. Stir-fry carrots and scallion whites 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender and bright.
  4. Add bell pepper, frozen peas, and corn (if using). Stir-fry 1–2 minutes until peas are bright green. Push everything to the edges of the pan.
  5. Add the last tablespoon of oil to the empty center; add garlic and ginger and stir 20–30 seconds until wildly fragrant.
  6. Add the cold rice all at once. Toss to coat in the garlicky oil, spread in an even layer, and let sit undisturbed 60–90 seconds to build crispy golden bits. Toss, spread, and rest once more for 60 seconds.
  7. Drizzle the soy-sesame mixture around the edges of the pan and toss to combine. Sprinkle over the white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan and toss through.
  8. Remove from heat. Shower with scallion greens and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately in warm bowls.

Notes

Day-old, chilled rice is the secret to crispy, separate grains — fresh rice turns mushy. No day-old rice? Spread fresh rice on a sheet pan and freeze 20–25 minutes (or refrigerate uncovered 2+ hours) before cooking. Leftovers keep 4 days in the fridge; reheat in a hot skillet with a teaspoon of oil for the best texture.