Delicious and Affordable: Your Ultimate Cheap Fried Rice Recipe

By Avi Green August 03, 2024

If you are looking for a quick, delightful, and budget-friendly meal, then this cheap fried rice recipe is just what you need! With just a handful of ingredients that you might already have at home, you can craft a delectable dish that is both satisfying and remarkably easy on your wallet. The beauty of fried rice lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

The Magic of Cheap Fried Rice

Cheap fried rice recipes have always been a hit among busy folks who crave a tasty meal without breaking the bank. What makes this dish so special is its versatility. You can mix and match various ingredients based on what you have on hand. You can even add a personal touch to it, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and satisfies your taste buds.

Ingredients

2 cups of cooked white rice (best if refrigerated overnight)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
2 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Green onions for garnish

What You Need

To make this cheap fried rice recipe, you will need some basic cookware that you probably already own. Here is a list of essential items to get started:

A rice cooker for perfectly cooked rice.
A knife for chopping vegetables with ease.
A sturdy cutting board for prepping your ingredients efficiently.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cooking the Rice

For the ideal texture, cook the rice a day before you plan to prepare your fried rice. Using leftover rice from your previous meal ensures that it is firm and not overly sticky, which is crucial for making delicious fried rice.

2. Preparing the Ingredients

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sauting them until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This process should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet, stirring occasionally until they are tender and heated through.

3. Adding the Eggs

Push the sauted vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, making sure to break them into small pieces as they cook. Once the eggs are done, mix them with the vegetables in the skillet.

4. Incorporating the Rice

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps and stirring well to combine with the vegetables and eggs. Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice mixture, stirring continuously to ensure that the soy sauce is evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens the rice will start to take on a beautiful, golden-brown color, and the flavors will meld together perfectly.

5. Finishing Touches

Taste your fried rice and season with salt and pepper as needed. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also add a dash of sesame oil or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired, and enjoy your delicious and cheap fried rice!

Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

To elevate your cheap fried rice recipe even further, consider these handy tips:

**Use Day-Old Rice:** Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, making it harder to achieve the desired fried rice texture. Using day-old rice that has been refrigerated helps to dry out the grains, making them perfect for frying.
**High Heat is Key:** Cooking over high heat ensures that your ingredients cook quickly and maintain their texture. Be sure to keep your skillet or wok hot throughout the cooking process.
**Soy Sauce Alternatives:** While soy sauce is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other sauces such as oyster sauce or tamari for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
**Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to your fried rice. Simply cook the protein separately and mix it in during the final steps.

Cleaning Up Made Easy

After enjoying your delicious fried rice, it's important to properly clean your cookware to keep it in top shape. Consider using a cookware cleaner to ensure that your pots and pans are thoroughly cleaned without damaging their surface. Additionally, maintain your cutting board by applying cutting board oil to keep it in good condition and prevent it from drying out.