Chinese New Year Stir-Fried Rice
This Chinese New Year Stir-Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and quick dish perfect for celebrations or everyday meals. Made with simple ingredients like day-old rice, scrambled eggs, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings, it delivers a festive and comforting experience that is easily customizable to suit any dietary preference or occasion.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked day-old rice
- 2 large eggs, lightly scrambled
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or neutral oil for stir-frying)
Protein Options (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu, diced
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
- Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop garlic, ginger, carrots, peas, and green onions. Beat the eggs lightly in a bowl and have all other ingredients and protein options ready.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and quickly scramble the eggs until just set. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Aromatics and Veggies: Add more oil to the pan, then toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. Add the chopped carrots and peas, cooking until they start to soften but remain crisp.
- Add Rice and Sauce: Break up any clumps in the cooked rice and add it to the pan. Stir well to combine. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice while mixing to coat evenly.
- Combine Everything: Return scrambled eggs and any chosen protein to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for another minute until heated through.
- Final Touches: Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle optional toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts just before serving for added texture and festivity.
Notes
- Use cold, day-old rice to ensure the best texture and prevent sogginess.
- Stir-fry on high heat to achieve a slight toasted flavor and avoid steaming the ingredients.
- Prepare and measure all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth and fast cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper searing.
- Start seasoning with less soy sauce and adjust to taste to avoid oversalting the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Chinese New Year, stir-fried rice, festive recipe, quick meal, gluten-free, customizable, leftover rice