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–+ servings
Chinese Style Fried Rice
This Chinese-style fried rice is a simple, satisfying dish featuring a few pantry staples: rice, eggs, onion, and soy sauce. Popular in mid-century American home cooking, this version reflects the style of "American Chinese" cuisine, mild in flavor, economical, and easy to adapt to what’s on hand. The recipe creates a hearty, lightly seasoned base that pairs well with vegetables or leftover meats. It’s cooked in margarine and subtly seasoned with soy sauce, making it a nostalgic and comforting weeknight option.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 211 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1⅓ cups water
  • 1⅓ cups Minute Rice
  • 3 tbsp margarine
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • ⅓ cup onion (chopped )
  • 2 to 3 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Rice

  • Bring 1 cup of water to a boil.
  • Stir in Minute Rice and remove from heat. Let stand covered for 5 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare Eggs

  • Meanwhile, melt margarine in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat.
  • Add beaten egg and cook until just set, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

  • Add chopped onion and cooked rice to skillet with eggs.
  • Cook and stir over medium heat until onion is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

  • Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce.
  • Serve warm.

Tips

  • Add frozen peas, carrots, or corn for color and nutrition.
  • Replace margarine with butter or neutral oil for a cleaner flavor.
  • Use leftover cooked rice instead of Minute Rice for a more authentic texture.
  • Add cooked chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for protein.
  • A splash of sesame oil adds classic fried-rice aroma.
  • Substitute green onions for regular onions for a milder taste.
  • Increase soy sauce or add oyster sauce for richer umami.
  • Stir-fry at higher heat if using regular rice for a crispier finish.
  • Add garlic or ginger for more depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 625mgPotassium: 66mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 435IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 2mg
Keyword comfort food, easy dinner, fried rice, quick meals, retro cooking, skillet recipe, vintage recipe
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