Budget Fried Rice with Egg and Veggies
A lightning-fast fried rice using pantry staples like frozen veggies and leftover rice, with a savory egg scramble for protein. This asian-inspired quick meals ready in about 20 minutes pairs cold Cooked white rice, thawed Frozen mixed vegetables, large Eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups, cold Cooked white rice
- 1.5 cups, thawed Frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 3 stalks, chopped Green onions
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crack 2 large eggs into skillet and scramble for 2-3 minutes until fully cooked, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to skillet and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1.5 cups thawed frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Step 3: Add 3 cups cold cooked white rice to skillet, along with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss continuously for 4-5 minutes until rice is heated through and ingredients are well combined, breaking up any clumps.
- Step 4: Stir in scrambled eggs and cook for 1 more minute. Garnish with 3 chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Budget Fried Rice with Egg and Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Budget Fried Rice with Egg and Veggies?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cold cooked white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Budget Fried Rice with Egg and Veggies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Budget Fried Rice with Egg and Veggies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Budget Fried Rice with Egg and Veggies?
Asian quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
