Healthy 'Fried' Rice
This easy and healthy fried rice takeout alternative can be customized with your favorite vegetables and ingredients.
This easy and healthy fried rice takeout alternative can be customized with your favorite vegetables and ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4-i
- 4 c. steamed brown rice cold (or leftover brown rice)
- 1/2 c. carrot cut into thin matchsticks
- 1/2 c. frozen shelled edamame thawed
- 1/2 c. frozen peas thawed
- 3 scallions finely chopped, plus more sliced for serving
- 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- sriracha for serving
- Carbohydrate 2.03725 g
- Cholesterol 211.5 mg
- Fat 10.628875 g
- Fiber 0.344999986886978 g
- Protein 6.654875 g
- Saturated Fat 2.340845 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (183g)
- Sodium 72.2925 mg
- Sugar 1.69225001311302 g
- Trans Fat 1.0340825 g
- Calories 129 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Add chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
- Add rice and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Pour eggs over top and gently stir to evenly coat and cook eggs and warm rice.
- Fold in carrot, edamame, and peas and cook until vegetables are just tender, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Serve with additional scallions and sriracha if desired.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Healthy 'Fried' Rice
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and preferably something the whole family will enjoy. That's why I've fallen head-over-heels for this healthy "fried" rice recipe. It's a fantastic alternative to takeout, packed with flavor, and customizable to whatever vegetables I have on hand. No more frantic dashes to the drive-thru for me! This recipe is my secret weapon for those evenings when I'm juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and everything in between. It's so versatile, too. Sometimes I add broccoli, other times it’s bell peppers or even leftover roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's not your traditional greasy fried rice; it's lighter, healthier, and surprisingly satisfying. The secret, I've found, is to use cold, leftover rice. It fries up beautifully, giving each grain a delightful texture. I usually make a big batch of brown rice on the weekend and keep it in the fridge, ready to transform into a quick and delicious weeknight meal. This recipe has become a staple in my household, and I'm constantly experimenting with new combinations of vegetables and proteins to keep things exciting.
Beyond the Basics: Making it Your Own
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even just use extra vegetables for a vegetarian option. If you're not a fan of edamame, try snow peas or even chopped mushrooms. I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. The soy sauce adds a savory depth of flavor, and the sesame oil provides a wonderful nutty aroma and subtle richness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces, too – a dash of hoisin sauce or teriyaki could add a completely new dimension to the dish. The possibilities are really endless.
More Than Just a Meal: A Time Saver and a Stress Reliever
For me, cooking isn't just about nourishment; it's about creating a sense of calm in the midst of a busy life. This healthy fried rice recipe has become more than just a dinner option; it's a symbol of efficiency and self-care. It allows me to nourish my family with a healthy, delicious meal without sacrificing precious time. The simplicity of the recipe allows me to actually relax while preparing it, instead of feeling stressed and rushed. I often put on some music and enjoy the process, viewing it as a small act of self-care amidst the chaos of the day.
Beyond the Dinner Table: Leftovers and Lunchboxes
And the best part? The leftovers are just as delicious the next day! I often pack this fried rice for lunch, and it makes a satisfying and healthy addition to my work day. It's also perfect for meal prepping – make a large batch on the weekend and have healthy lunches ready to go for the week. This recipe is a true testament to the fact that healthy and convenient can coexist beautifully.
So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly customizable dinner recipe, look no further. This healthy fried rice will become your new weeknight go-to, a true lifesaver for busy days and a testament to the power of simple, delicious, home-cooked meals.
