Quick and Easy Fried Rice Recipe

I’ve been on a quest for the perfect fried rice recipe. It’s a great dish for working moms because it’s easy to whip up, can incorporate leftovers, and can allow for the sneaking in of healthy veggies. My past efforts turned out soggy and uninspired. Then I found a fried rice recipe I love.

I found it in one of the most unlikely places: the YouTube channel of an Australian dude who shows bachelors how to whip up beer munchie food. My daughter and I stumbled on Greg’s Kitchen while watching funny videos before bed. And let’s just say you have to watch it to appreciate it. I’m not going to say Greg enjoys the occasional joint, because I don’t know that, obviously. But with dishes like Chili Cheese Jerky Toasted Sandwich and Fried Potato Cheeseburger, it’s not hard to imagine (in my opinion, of course)! Greg’s recipes are improvised comfort food on butter-soaked crack, but I’ve found a couple of winners.

Prime example: his Bacon and Egg Fried Rice. Something about the order in which he adds the ingredients and the seasonings he uses (sesame oil is a must!) makes this fried rice absolutely delish! It’s quick, it’s easy, and my kids gobble it up.

I’ve made a few modifications to Greg’s recipe that I’ll list below. But here are the basics in all their crazy, tasty glory:

Sara’s fried rice recipe tips:

• If possible, boil rice the night or morning before and let sit in the fridge for several hours. The longer the rice has been allowed to cool, the firmer it will fry up. Just-cooked rice is more likely to be soggy.
• Greg adds soy sauce after removing the rice from the stove. I add it while it’s on the heat so it cooks in a bit more.
• You don’t have to use bacon. Chicken, beef or pork work just as well. Got some strip steak left over from Sunday dinner? This is a great way to use it up.
• Dump in some frozen peas toward the end. The heat will cook them quickly, and you’ll end up with a one-bowl balanced meal.
• If you have raw veggies left from, say, lunch, add those too. Peppers, broccoli and mushrooms work well. Sautee them separately, or cook with the onions and bacon.
• If you like a little spiciness, add red pepper flakes, or use a chili-infused sesame oil.