Easy Fried Rice Recipe – Rice is sautéed with onion and garlic then tossed in tomato sauce for a crisp-tender texture. This easy, quick, and delicious fried rice recipe is one of our favorite dishes for a light lunch on the go or a quick side for your grilled meats. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
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Ingredients list for the fried rice recipe
- 4 cups cooked long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 – 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 or 2 sprigs of cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
How to make fried rice
The method for cooking fried rice is super easy: We start with regular cooked rice that you prepare according to package directions, or leftover rice from another meal.
To make the fried rice: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, 3 minutes. Add the garlic and spices and cook for 1 minute. Stir in cooked rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly toasted, about 5 – 7 minutes.
Add tomato sauce and continue to sauté the rice, stirring regularly. Sprinkle with cilantro before serving.
Tips for cooking fried rice
- Your cooked rice shouldn’t be too mushy, otherwise, it will stick to the pan.
- Go easy on tomato sauce at first. Let the rice soak up the liquid before adding more. You want slightly toasted rice and not a soggy mess.
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the fried rice: Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, 3 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf, curry powder and cook for 1 minute. Stir in cooked rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly toasted, about 5 – 7 minutes.
2. Add tomato sauce and continue to sauté the rice, stirring regularly. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
3. Remove the tomato-onion fried rice from the heat and divide it into bowls. Sprinkle with cilantro and garnish with a slice of lemon. Enjoy! ❤️
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
What to do with fried rice leftovers
You can keep the fried rice leftovers in an airtight container for 2 or 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little oil.
More rice recipes
- Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Rice Soup
- Crack Chicken wild Rice Soup with Mushroom and Bacon
- Spicy Shrimp Jerk with Rice and Black Beans
- One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
