How to prepare fried rice

Preparing delicious fried rice is a delightful and versatile dish that you can customize with various ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long-grain rice (preferably day-old or chilled)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions (scallions) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice: If using day-old or chilled rice, skip this step. Otherwise, cook the rice according to the package instructions. For the best results, use long-grain rice and allow it to cool completely before using it for fried rice.
2. Prep the Ingredients: Chop the mixed vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, depending on your preference. Also, chop the onions and mince the garlic.
3. Preheat the Pan: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Scramble the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the hot pan and scramble them until they are just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and slightly softened. Then, add the mixed vegetables and continue to cook until they are tender-crisp.
6. Add the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Use a spatula or fork to break up any clumps of rice and mix it well with the vegetables.
7. Season the Fried Rice: Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) over the rice and vegetables. Mix everything thoroughly until the sauce is evenly distributed. You can adjust the amount of sauce according to your taste preference. Add salt and pepper as needed.
8. Incorporate Scrambled Eggs: Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan with the rice and vegetables. Stir well to distribute the eggs evenly throughout the fried rice.
9. Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle sesame oil over the fried rice and give it one final stir to infuse the dish with a delightful aroma.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions (scallions) for added freshness and color. Serve the hot and delicious homemade fried rice as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein.