If you're craving a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor, look no further than Japanese Fried Rice, or Yakimeshi! This delightful dish is not only a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, but it also combines the vibrant tastes of fresh vegetables and savory soy sauce in every bite. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let's dive into this easy and delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Make sure the cooked rice is cold, as day-old rice works best for fried rice dishes. If you don't have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking.
- Add the beaten eggs to the skillet. Scramble them gently until they are fully cooked, then push them to one side of the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) to the other side. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender and heated through.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, combine them with the scrambled eggs. Stir well to mix the eggs and vegetables together.
- Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and stir everything together until the rice is heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture, and stir well to evenly distribute the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, fold in the chopped green onions, reserving a small amount for garnish. Stir to combine everything well and cook for an additional minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Yakimeshi hot, garnished with the reserved green onions. Enjoy your delicious Japanese Fried Rice!
Tips
- Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, use cold, day-old rice. If you don’t have any, cook fresh rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly before using it in your Yakimeshi.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Make sure your sesame oil is hot but not smoking before adding the eggs. This will help create fluffy scrambled eggs that add a nice texture to your fried rice.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, broccoli, or even mushrooms can add a unique twist to your Yakimeshi.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a larger batch, consider cooking in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent the rice from steaming instead of frying.
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the green onions! They add a fresh crunch and a pop of color that makes your dish visually appealing and enhances the overall flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
