Fried Rice For One

Meet your new go-to dish for quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals: Single Serving Fried Rice. This foolproof recipe transforms leftover rice and a few simple ingredients into a scrumptious dish that’s perfect for anyone cooking for one.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice Recipe

• Simple: Just a few pantry staples and you’re ready to create a delicious meal.
• Quick: This meal comes together in about 20 minutes.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to suit your preferred ingredients or dietary needs.
• Economical: A great way to use up leftover rice and veggies.
• Doubles Easily: Perfect for serving a small crowd, just double the recipe.

Ingredient Notes

• Salted Butter: Opt for salted butter to enhance the dish’s flavor profile. If you only have unsalted butter, you can add a pinch of salt.
• Onions and Garlic: Essential for building depth of flavor, chopped onions and garlic should not be skipped.
• Cooked Rice: Both white rice and brown rice are excellent options, depending on your preference or what you have available. You can even use cooked quinoa if you’d like.
• Egg: One large egg adds protein and a traditional touch to your fried rice.
• Frozen vegetables: Peas and corn are my go-tos because I always seem to have them on hand, but this recipe is versatile—swap in any frozen veggies you like or have in your kitchen.
• Soy sauce, salt, and black pepper: These are your core seasonings. If you’re looking to lower the sodium, consider low-sodium soy sauce.

This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.

Making Fried Rice: A Step-By-Step Guide

1. In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter and sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
2. Incorporate the cooked rice into the skillet, stirring briefly for about 30 seconds.
3. Move the rice mixture to the skillet’s edges, creating an empty space in the center. Crack an egg into this space, stirring gently until it’s nearly fully cooked. Combine it with the rice mixture.
4. Introduce the frozen vegetables to the pan. Continue to stir and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Season the mixture by stirring in soy sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Optional: Chicken Fried Rice Variation

To elevate your dish to chicken fried rice, follow steps 1-3 as usual. During step 4, add a cup of cooked, diced chicken along with the frozen vegetables.

Expert Tips

• Stocking up on Frozen Vegetables: It’s a smart idea to have frozen veggies on hand for those who cook for one or two. They offer both convenience and longevity, allowing you to take out only what you need and store the rest without spoilage worries.
• Fresh Vegetable Options: If you’re more of a fresh produce fan, you’re in luck. You can easily replace frozen vegetables with fresh ones. Broccoli florets and finely diced carrots are stellar choices.
• Versatility is Key: The best part about this fried rice recipe is its adaptability. Whether you’re a fan of chicken, partial to shrimp, or leaning towards tofu, this dish is customizable. Feel free to add your choice of cooked protein to make it your own.

What To Serve With Fried Rice

Pairing your single serving fried rice with the right dish can elevate your meal experience to a whole new level. Here are some scrumptious choices that harmonize well with the rich flavors of fried rice.

• Pepper Steak: Thin slices of steak sautéed with bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce make this dish a protein-packed partner to your fried rice.
• Cashew Chicken: Tender chicken pieces tossed in a rich sauce and topped with crunchy cashews offer a mix of textures and flavors that synergize wonderfully with fried rice.
• Chicken Tenders: Lightly breaded and baked to perfection, these chicken tenders provide a crispy contrast to the soft grains of rice.
• Fresh Tomato Salad: A bowl of ripe tomatoes, sliced red onions, and a light vinaigrette can act as a refreshing palate cleanser alongside your hearty fried rice.

Recipe Variations

Fried rice is incredibly versatile and lends itself well to a variety of flavors and ingredients. Here are some enticing variations you might consider.

• Kimchi Fried Rice: Add a spicy kick by including some chopped kimchi and a dollop of gochujang (Korean red chili paste).
• Hawaiian Fried Rice: Incorporate pineapple chunks and ham for a tropical twist, offering a blend of sweet and savory flavors.
• Breakfast Fried Rice: Start your day uniquely by adding breakfast sausage and extra eggs. You might even want to drizzle a little hot sauce on top!
• Mushroom and Spinach Fried Rice: For an earthy take, add sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach. This version adds a different texture and a burst of greens.
• Curry Fried Rice: Spice things up with some curry powder and extra veggies like bell peppers and carrots for a flavorful, aromatic alternative.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

• Onions: French Onion Soup, Baked Beans, Pan Fried Okra and Tomatoes
• Garlic: Chicken Margherita, Lemon and Garlic Chicken, Buttered Noodles
• Rice: Chocolate Rice Pudding, Rice Pilaf, Pork Stir Fry
• Eggs: Cheesy Baked Eggs, Pasta Carbonara, Crustless Quiche Lorraine
• Frozen vegetables: Edamame Salad, Minestrone Soup, Chicken Pot Pie
• Soy Sauce: Cashew Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken