Are you tired of letting leftovers go to waste? Do you find yourself staring at a mountain of rice, wondering what to do with it all? Look no further! Fried rice is a delicious and easy way to breathe new life into your leftover ingredients. In this article, we’ll show you how to take 18 different types of leftovers – from spicy kimchi to BBQ pork, and everything in between – and turn them into mouthwatering, flavorful dishes that everyone will love.
From classic combinations like garlic butter shrimp and vegetable medley, to more adventurous options like Mexican-style fried rice with black beans and Mediterranean fried rice with olives and feta, we’ve got a recipe for every taste bud. So go ahead, get creative, and turn those leftovers into something truly special.
Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice with Leftover Rice
Transform leftover rice into a flavorful and spicy Korean-inspired dish with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup kimchi, chopped
– 2 teaspoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the chopped kimchi, Gochujang, and soy sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add the leftover rice and stir-fry until well combined and heated through, about 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your spicy and savory Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice with Leftover Rice!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines succulent shrimp with the richness of garlic butter and a hint of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed frozen vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the frozen vegetables; cook until thawed.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in 2 eggs; scramble until cooked through, then mix with the vegetables.
5. Add the cooked rice to the other side of the pan; stir-fry for about 2 minutes.
6. Add the shrimp and garlic butter (softened butter mixed with minced garlic); cook until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked.
7. Stir in soy sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Thai Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashews
A flavorful twist on classic fried rice, this recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the crunch of cashews and the savory flavors of Thai cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped cashews
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add cooked rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
5. Push rice to one side of the wok; crack in eggs and scramble until cooked through.
6. Mix eggs into rice; add diced pineapple, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and cashews. Stir-fry until combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice
Elevate your rice game with this savory Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice recipe, packed with juicy chicken, sweet and sticky teriyaki sauce, and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until onion is translucent.
4. Add mixed vegetables; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet or wok, stirring to combine with vegetable mixture.
6. Add teriyaki sauce; stir-fry until well coated.
7. Return chicken to the pan; stir-fry to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions (if desired).
10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Medley Fried Rice with Soy Sauce
A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines a medley of colorful vegetables with savory soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Push vegetables to one side of the pan. Crack in a small amount of oil (about 1 tablespoon) and pour cooked rice into the empty side of the pan.
5. Stir-fry rice with vegetables until well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add soy sauce; stir-fry for an additional minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Egg Drop Fried Rice with Green Onions
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines the simplicity of fried rice with the richness of egg drop soup and the freshness of green onions.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt to taste
– Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pan.
4. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side of the pan and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the onion mixture.
6. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
7. Season with salt to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
BBQ Pork Fried Rice with Peas
A twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe combines the savory flavors of BBQ pork with sweet and crunchy peas.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced BBQ pork
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cooked rice, BBQ pork, peas, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
5. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Crispy Bacon and Egg Fried Rice
A twist on traditional fried rice, this recipe adds the smoky flavor of crispy bacon and a soft-boiled egg for added richness.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 4 slices of bacon
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the vegetable oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
4. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs with the rice mixture.
6. Add the crispy bacon back into the pan and stir-fry everything together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Curry Spiced Fried Rice with Raisins
Add a twist to the classic fried rice dish by incorporating curry powder and sweet raisins, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in curry powder, cumin powder, and salt; cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add mixed vegetables, cooked rice, and raisins; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Push cooked ingredients to one side of the pan. Crack in eggs and scramble until set.
7. Mix eggs with rest of the ingredients. Stir in soy sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sesame Ginger Fried Rice with Tofu
A flavorful and aromatic Asian-inspired dish that combines the nutty taste of sesame, the spicy warmth of ginger, and the savory goodness of tofu and fried rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until heated through and slightly toasted.
5. Add the toasted sesame seeds and stir-fry for another minute.
6. Return the tofu to the skillet and stir-fry until well combined with the rice mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mexican-Style Fried Rice with Black Beans
Mexican-Style Fried Rice with Black Beans Recipe
Sweet and Sour Fried Rice with Pineapple
A twist on classic fried rice, this recipe adds a tangy and sweet element with pineapple, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 cup diced pineapple
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sweet and sour sauce
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables aside, then add the garlic and minced pineapple to the same pan. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Mix everything together, then stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, and sweet and sour sauce. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut Fried Rice with Shrimp and Lime
This tropical twist on classic fried rice combines succulent shrimp, fresh lime juice, and creamy coconut milk for a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes per side; set aside.
3. In the same pan, add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Stir in soy sauce, coconut milk, and lime juice. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional minute.
6. Return shrimp to the pan; stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Five-Spice Beef Fried Rice
A flavorful twist on classic fried rice, this dish combines the savory taste of beef with the warmth of five-spice powder, all wrapped up in a fluffy bed of cooked rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add the garlic and five-spice powder; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble until cooked through.
6. Combine the beef, vegetables, and eggs with the cooked rice. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, until heated through and combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemongrass Chicken Fried Rice
Discover the perfect fusion of Asian flavors with this simple and delicious Lemongrass Chicken Fried Rice recipe. Using leftover chicken, aromatic lemongrass, and savory soy sauce, you’ll create a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the lemongrass, onion, and garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in the soy sauce. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Mediterranean Fried Rice with Olives and Feta
Mediterranean Fried Rice with Olives and Feta Recipe
This Mediterranean-inspired fried rice dish combines the flavors of the Mediterranean with the comfort of a warm, savory bowl of rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mixed Mediterranean olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, olives, feta cheese, and dried oregano.
5. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Fried Rice with Cheese
Elevate your fried rice game with this spicy and savory twist! This recipe combines the comfort of fried rice with the bold flavors of jalapeños and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent.
3. Add mixed vegetables; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, and pepper; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
5. Add chopped jalapeños; stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Transfer the rice mixture to a serving dish or individual plates.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top; cover with a lid or foil until melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Glazed Ham Fried Rice
Elevate your fried rice game with the sweet and savory combination of maple glaze and ham.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup diced cooked ham
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables and cooked ham; cook until heated through.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
6. Stir-fry the rice mixture for about 2-3 minutes, incorporating soy sauce and maple syrup.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftovers and try these 18 flavorful fried rice recipes! From Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice to Curry Spiced Fried Rice, there’s something for everyone. Discover how to elevate plain old rice into a mouthwatering meal with ingredients like shrimp, chicken, bacon, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for Asian-inspired dishes or something new and adventurous, these recipes are sure to delight. With so many options, you’ll never have to settle for boring leftovers again!
