Being Asian ROCKS!

Visit any Asian home on any given night and there’s a 75% chance that the Chef of the household has made fried rice as one of the dishes served for dinner. Fried rice is a staple in the Asian household. Usually using whatever ingredients are on hand, fried rice is Asian comfort food at its best and one that I can’t live without. Just the other night, I was hanging out with my family trying to decide what to make for a late dinner. After rummaging through the ice box, I pulled out rice, eggs, & veggies – the perfect trio for Fried Rice! Fifteen minutes later, we had a one pot meal that was as warm as a panda hugging her newborn cub! The recipe here is basic but can definitely be varied to suit whatever you have in your fridge. Have fun and be creative with it – I promise - you won’t mess it up!

Basic Fried Rice

Ingredients

3-4 cups of cooked white rice
2 ½ cups frozen vegetables
2-3 eggs (whisked in a bowl)
1 ½ - 2 tbls garlic salt (rice needs flavor!) [start w/ 1 tbls, taste and add more to taste]
1 tbls dried herbs (I usually use Italian seasoning – but use whatever you have in the spice rack)
1-2 tbls of butter
1 tsp black pepper
1 ½ tbls onion powder
Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Heat a medium – large skillet on medium heat. Add 2 tbls olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the frozen vegetables, season with salt and pepper and sauté for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the rice and break down so that it is in a fairly even layer. Add the garlic salt, herbs, black pepper & onion powder. Toss everything together to make sure the rice is coated with oil, then, flatten out in the pan. Leave it alone for 3—4 minutes so the bottom can crisp up a bit. (Who doesn’t love those little crispy rice bits!)
3. Taste to check if more garlic salt is needed. Add, if necessary.
4. Make a well in the middle of the pan & pour in the eggs. Scramble, then, mix in with the rice. Mix well. Add butter to finish, making sure it is tossed well.
5. Viola! Done! Make yourself a bowl of piping hot fried rice and enjoy!