Mastering Homemade Fried Rice for $2 or Less

Learn how to whip up delicious fried rice that’s not only budget-friendly but also bursting with flavor. This recipe promises to save you money while delivering a satisfying meal that rivals your favorite takeout.

Key Takeaway:

Discover the secrets to making flavorful fried rice for as little as $1 per serving, proving that homemade meals can be both economical and delightful.

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The Economical Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice is a popular takeout choice, but it can be made inexpensively at home using simple ingredients and leftover rice. Follow these steps to create a hearty meal without overspending.

Ingredients:

• For Cooking Rice:
• Medium grain or jasmine rice (or sushi rice)
• Water
• For Fried Rice:
• 3 eggs
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter or cooking oil
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 1-inch knob ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp high heat cooking oil (e.g., vegetable oil)
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped (separate greens from whites)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt (to taste)
• Optional: Sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Cooking Rice:

• Rinse rice thoroughly in a sieve under cold water until water runs clear.
• Choose your preferred cooking method: rice cooker, pot on stovetop, or oven-baked (see detailed instructions in original video).

1. Preparing Ingredients:

• Once rice is cooked and cooled (preferably chilled overnight), proceed with making fried rice.

1. Making Fried Rice:

• In a small bowl, mix together sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
• Whisk eggs with salt in a bowl. Heat butter/oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook eggs, stirring occasionally, until set. Remove from heat, chop into pieces, and set aside.
• In the same skillet, heat high heat cooking oil. Add diced carrots and sauté until slightly softened.
• Add chopped green onion whites and cook for another minute.
• Stir in frozen peas and cook briefly until heated through.
• Add cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry over high heat until rice is heated through and starts to develop crispy bits.
• Pour in the soy sauce mixture and toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
• Optional: Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor.

Cost Breakdown:

• Rice: Typically inexpensive, with a minimal cost per serving.
• Additional Ingredients: Eggs, vegetables, and seasonings amount to approximately $1 per serving.

Total Cost per Serving: Around $1, making homemade fried rice an exceptionally affordable meal option.

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Taste and Value Combined

Enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a delicious and economical meal with homemade fried rice. This dish allows for flexibility in ingredients and customization, ensuring it suits your taste preferences while keeping costs low.

Final Thoughts:
Homemade fried rice not only saves money but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor flavors to your liking. Experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to create variations of this classic dish.

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Now that you know how to make fried rice for $2 or less, why not try it out for yourself? Share your cooking experiences and any tips you have in the comments below. Let’s continue to explore the joy of affordable and flavorful homemade meals!

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This detailed guide provides all the essentials for crafting budget-friendly fried rice under $2 per serving. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, this recipe ensures you can enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality fried rice without exceeding your budget.