Frozen Veggie Egg Fried Rice
Fried rice is the dinner that rescues the half-bag of frozen peas and the leftover rice we forgot about. It is also hard to ruin, which matters more on some nights than flavor.
- Hands-on
- 3 min
- Total
- 15 min
- Serves
- 3
- Dishes
- 1 large skillet, 1 spatula
Why this works for an ADHD brain
- Built from freezer and pantry staples, so it works when the fridge is empty.
- Fast enough that a burst of energy carries you from start to finish.
- There is no exact recipe to follow, so a missing ingredient does not stop it.
Ingredients
- 3 cupscooked cold rice(or 2 microwave rice pouches)
- 2 cupsfrozen mixed vegetables
- 3eggs
- 2–3 tbspsoy sauce
- 1 tbspneutral oil
- 1 tspsesame oil(optional)
- 2green onions, sliced(optional)
Steps
- 1
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen vegetables and cook 3–4 minutes until hot.
- 2
Push the vegetables to one side, crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble them until just set.
- 3
Add the rice, break up any clumps, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until hot.
- 4
Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, then top with green onions.
Where this usually stalls
Not having cold cooked rice.
Microwave rice pouches work as well as day-old rice. Break them up with your hands through the bag before opening.
Even lazier version
Microwave a rice pouch and a cup of frozen veg together, then stir in a fried egg and soy sauce.
Easy swaps
- Add leftover chicken, shrimp or diced ham.
- Swap soy sauce for teriyaki sauce for a sweeter version.
- Finish with chili crisp.
Leftovers
Cool it quickly and refrigerate within an hour; eat within 3 days and reheat until steaming hot.
Frequently asked questions
Why use cold rice for fried rice?
Cold rice is drier and firmer, so the grains fry separately instead of turning mushy. Microwave rice pouches are a good shortcut.
Is it safe to keep leftover rice?
Yes, if you cool it fast and refrigerate it within about an hour of cooking, then eat it within a few days and reheat it until it is steaming hot.