Quick & Simple Meal: Customizable Fried Rice
— By Alex Gayton, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension
Visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s recipe website for the Fried Rice recipe and recipe video.
Do you have fresh vegetables that you need to use before they spoil because you don’t have a use for them, or extra rice that you know will go bad in the fridge? Fried rice is a simple and delicious way to use leftovers. If you aren’t a fan of leftovers, then this is still a quick meal option, especially if you decide to use frozen vegetables that don’t require prep work like washing and chopping.
Fried rice can be customized every time you make it based on what you have available and your taste preferences. Choosing different rice, protein, vegetables, and sauces or seasonings can make a big difference.
Fried rice is also a great make-ahead meal. To freeze leftovers, allow the fried rice to cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. For individual servings, use smaller containers for easy thawing. Don’t forget to label each container with the date and contents.
To reheat frozen fried rice, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in a pan with a little water or broth. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally for even heating.
When I made this Fried Rice recipe, I used leftover brown rice because it is a whole grain and has more fiber than white rice options, but other rice can be used and will taste just as good. In this recipe, eggs are the main protein source, but you can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to name a few others. This recipe calls for frozen peas and carrots, but I have also made it using different frozen vegetable mixes I had on hand. I’m a pineapple fan (including adding pineapple to pizza), so I’ve added pineapple to my fried rice before, and it’s delicious. To give the final dish a pop of color you can top it with scallions or chives as a seasonal and cheap option if you grow them in your garden.