Back To School Fried Rice

As the back-to-school season approaches, families everywhere are faced with the challenge of balancing busy schedules while ensuring that everyone gets nutritious meals. With homework, extracurricular activities, and family commitments, the need for quick and satisfying dinner options becomes paramount. One such solution is fried rice—a versatile dish that not only caters to various tastes and dietary needs but also allows for creativity in the kitchen.

As school season approaches, busy families need quick and nutritious dinner solutions. Back to School Fried Rice is the perfect answer! This versatile dish allows for creativity, using leftover rice and a mix of colorful vegetables packed with nutrients. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that accommodates various tastes and dietary needs. Cooking together can make it a fun family activity, encouraging healthy eating habits while enjoying a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice (preferably chilled)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, diced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 cup frozen peas

2 large eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for added flavor)

1 teaspoon sesame oil

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out evenly on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps reduce moisture, making it ideal for frying later on.

Heat the Oil: In a large wok or non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This step is crucial for achieving a nice stir-fry.

Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil. Stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.

Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrot and bell pepper into the pan. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes, cooking until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

Add Peas: Mix in the frozen peas, and allow them to heat through for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Scramble the Eggs: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour in the beaten eggs into the other side and let them sit for a few seconds to start setting. Once they begin to firm up, scramble them lightly and mix with the vegetables.

Combine Rice: Carefully add the chilled rice to the skillet, using a spatula to break apart any clumps. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Season the Rice: Drizzle the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure that the sauces coat the rice evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish. Serve the fried rice warm.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

Presentation Tips: Serve the fried rice in individual bowls, garnishing with additional green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for an attractive presentation. Add a side of soy sauce for dipping if desired.