Print

Easy Flavor-Packed Fried Rice Recipe with Leftover Rice and Peas for Perfect Quick Meals

fried rice with leftover rice and peas - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy fried rice recipe using leftover rice and peas, perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful dish features crispy rice, sweet peas, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of toasted sesame oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups leftover cooked rice (about 600g, day-old jasmine or long-grain rice preferred)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (about 150g)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 large eggs (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: mince the garlic, slice the green onions, and thaw the peas if frozen. Break up any clumps in your leftover rice with your fingers or a fork (about 5 minutes).
  2. Cook the eggs (optional): heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
  3. Heat the pan: add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to your wok or skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Sauté garlic and green onions: toss in the garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn.
  5. Add the rice: increase heat to high and add the rice. Spread it out and let it sit undisturbed for about 1 minute to get a slight crisp. Then stir and repeat a couple of times until golden edges form.
  6. Mix in peas and soy sauce: add the peas and pour in the soy sauce. Stir well to distribute evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until peas are warmed through and rice is coated.
  7. Return the eggs: add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and stir to combine.
  8. Finish with sesame oil and seasoning: remove from heat, drizzle sesame oil over the fried rice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give a final stir and serve immediately.

Notes

Use day-old rice to avoid mushiness. Cook on high heat for crispy rice edges. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Add a little water if rice feels too dry before frying. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For vegan, omit eggs or replace with scrambled tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried rice, leftover rice, peas, quick meals, easy recipe, stir-fry, weeknight dinner, simple ingredients, family favorite

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/easy-flavor-packed-fried-rice-recipe-with-leftover-rice-and-peas-for-perfect-quick-meals/