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Leftover Rice? Turn It into Delicious Chinese-Style Fried Rice



Ever had one of those cravings where only a big bowl of Chinese-style fried rice will do? Yeah, me too. But instead of reaching for the takeout menu, why not try whipping it up yourself? I promise—it’s easier than you think, and you might even surprise yourself with how good it turns out.


The Rice: Start with Yesterday’s Leftovers


Here’s the thing: fresh rice won’t cut it. You need day-old rice—yep, the kind that’s been sitting in your fridge, waiting for a purpose. Why? Fresh rice is too moist and sticky, while day-old rice is drier, making it perfect for that classic fried rice texture. So, got some leftover rice? Great, you’re already halfway there.


What’s in Your Fridge?


Now, let's talk ingredients. What do you have in your fridge right now?


Fried rice is all about making use of what you’ve got. Got some carrots, peas, or maybe a lonely bell pepper? Chop them up and toss them in. Eggs are a must—scrambled right in the pan with the rice.


And if you’ve got some leftover chicken, shrimp, or even tofu? Perfect! Fried rice is super flexible, so don’t stress about following a strict recipe.


The Secret Sauce


Here’s where the magic happens: the sauce. Traditional Chinese fried rice gets its flavour from a mix of soy sauce and oyster sauce.


Don’t have oyster sauce? No worries—just soy sauce will still give you that savoury punch. Add a dash of sesame oil at the end for a nutty finish. Trust me, that little bottle of sesame oil is going to take the flavour up a notch.


Cooking It Up


Alright, let’s get cooking. Start by heating a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add a bit of oil (vegetable or canola works best). Toss in your veggies and stir-fry until they’re tender but still crisp. Push them to the side, crack in your eggs, and scramble until just set.


Next, add your cold, leftover rice to the pan. This is where you’ll need to work quickly—use a spatula to break up any clumps and make sure everything is evenly mixed. Drizzle your soy sauce (and oyster sauce, if you have it) over the rice, stirring constantly to coat every grain.


Finally, toss in your cooked protein (if you’re using any) and give it a good stir. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.


The Finishing Touch


Here’s a tip: finish your fried rice with a sprinkle of green onions and that dash of sesame oil I mentioned earlier. It adds a fresh, vibrant flavour that really ties everything together. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime can take it to the next level.


Enjoy!


So there you have it—Chinese-style fried rice, made right in your kitchen. No complicated techniques, no fancy ingredients, just a simple, satisfying dish that’s all about using what you’ve got. Give it a try, and who knows? You might just find yourself skipping the takeout more often.


What’s your favourite way to make fried rice? Do you have any secret ingredients? Let me know—I’m always up for trying something new!

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