Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice

Introduction

Forget soggy takeout and sad leftovers—this fried rice recipe is next-level comfort food that you can whip up in one pan using simple ingredients. The secret? Butter. Yep, buttery fried rice is a game-changer. Add onions, veggies, eggs, and soy sauce, and you’ve got a crave-worthy dish that rivals any restaurant’s. It’s the ideal way to use up leftover rice and turn it into something truly freakin’ fantastic.

Why I Love This Recipe

This fried rice is:

• Fast: On the table in 20 minutes.
• Flexible: Add chicken, shrimp, tofu—whatever you like.
• Flavor-packed: Thanks to that combo of butter, sautéed onions, and umami-rich soy sauce.
  It’s a full meal, a killer side, and a back-pocket recipe you’ll use on repeat.

🧾 Ingredients

• 4 cups cold, cooked rice (day-old works best)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 12 oz frozen peas and carrots
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 3 eggs, beaten

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

• Rice: Long grain or jasmine works best—cold rice prevents stickiness.
• Butter: Adds depth—try mixing with a bit of sesame oil for extra richness.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium or regular; adjust to taste.
• Add-Ins: Cooked bacon, diced ham, or leftover rotisserie chicken are great mix-ins.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent—3–5 minutes.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Add frozen peas and carrots directly to the pan. Sauté until tender, 4–6 minutes.

3. Scramble the Eggs

Push veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until set. Mix with veggies to create ribbons of egg throughout.

4. Add Rice and Soy Sauce

Add cold rice, breaking up clumps. Pour soy sauce evenly over the top and stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through.

Tips for Success

• Use cold rice: It keeps the texture chewy and prevents clumping.
• Cook hot & fast: Stir-frying at medium-high heat helps avoid sogginess.
• Butter matters: It adds richness and depth other oils don’t.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve your fried rice with:

• Dorito Casserole for a playful, cheesy side.
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas to complete a fun, casual dinner table.
• Beer Cheese Dip as a pre-meal crowd-pleaser.
• Easy Turkey Wings to round out a comfort food feast.
• Blueberry Lemonade for a refreshing, fruity sip.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: In a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to rehydrate.
• Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 2 months—great for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Freakin’ Fantastic Fried Rice recipe turns leftovers into a next-day meal that’s better than takeout. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and deeply satisfying. Whether served solo or as part of a comfort food spread, it’s a keeper.

If you make it, tag @ChefManiac—we want to see your pan full of golden, buttery rice!