# Fried Rice

Day-old rice, high heat, and a hot wok turn simple pantry staples into a smoky, savory bowl that beats takeout on a weeknight.

_Dinner · Chinese-American_

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 15 min · Total: 25 min · Yields: 4 servings

## Ingredients

- 4 cups cooked long-grain white rice (day-old, cold from the fridge)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 4 scallions (whites and greens separated, thinly sliced)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ¼ tsp white pepper

## Instructions

1. Heat a wok or large cast-iron skillet over the highest heat your stove allows for at least 2 minutes, until the surface just begins to smoke.
2. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Pour in the 3 beaten eggs and scramble them quickly, breaking into small curds, about 30 seconds. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add the scallion whites, 4 cloves garlic, and 1 tsp ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Add the 1 cup peas and carrots and stir-fry for 1 minute until heated through.
5. Add the 4 cups cold rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Press the rice against the hot surface and let it sit undisturbed for 30–45 seconds to develop a light crust, then toss and repeat twice more.
6. Drizzle the 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp oyster sauce evenly over the rice. Toss well to coat every grain.
7. Return the scrambled eggs to the wok and fold them into the rice, breaking them into bite-sized pieces.
8. Remove from heat. Drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil and season with 0.25 tsp white pepper. Toss once more.
9. Plate and top with the reserved scallion greens. Serve immediately.

## Tip

> Cold, day-old rice is non-negotiable — freshly cooked rice holds too much steam and turns the dish mushy. Spread leftover rice on a sheet pan and refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours if you're planning ahead.

Tags: weeknight, one-pan, 30-minute, comfort-food, takeout-style

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Canonical: https://just-recipes.io/recipes/fried-rice