Basic Fried Rice
A quick and flavorful fried rice dish featuring green peppers and onions, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a simple lunch option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet.
- Stir-fry chopped green pepper and green onion for one minute.
- Add soy sauce and cooked rice to the skillet.
- Cook and stir until the mixture is hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, use day-old rice that has been refrigerated, as it prevents the rice from becoming mushy. You can substitute the green pepper with bell peppers or peas for variety. Feel free to add proteins like scrambled eggs or cooked chicken to make it heartier. For a vegetarian option, consider adding tofu, similar to our Easy Fried Rice recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fried rice as a stand-alone dish or as a side to your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. It also pairs wonderfully with Stir-Fry Vegetables With Tofu for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds or cilantro for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Fried Rice contains roughly 192 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (167% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh rice instead of cold cooked rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and moist, which can lead to clumping in fried rice. It's best to use cold, day-old rice for optimal texture. However, if you only have fresh rice, try spreading it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for a bit before using.
What other vegetables can I add to the fried rice?
You can customize your fried rice by adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn. Chopped broccoli or bell peppers also work well, enhancing both flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so all vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This fried rice is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and divide it into portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to cool it quickly before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).