Description
Chinese New Year Stir-Fried Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish perfect for celebrating the Lunar New Year. Combining fresh vegetables, proteins, and fragrant aromatics with day-old rice, this quick and customizable recipe delivers comforting, festive flavors symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Eggs
- 4 cups day-old cooked rice, chilled
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
Protein Options (choose one or more)
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup diced chicken breast
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed (for vegetarian option)
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts or cashews
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and prep all ingredients—dice the vegetables, beat the eggs, and chop the green onions separating white and green parts. Break up any clumps in the chilled, day-old rice to ensure grains stay separate during cooking.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and lightly scramble until just set. Remove eggs from the pan and set aside to add back later.
- Sauté Aromatics and Protein: In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté minced garlic with the white parts of the green onions for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add your choice of protein and cook thoroughly until browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp and vibrant in color.
- Combine Rice and Season: Add the cold cooked rice, breaking it apart with your spatula. Stir everything thoroughly, then evenly drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Continue stirring constantly to ensure even seasoning.
- Return Eggs and Finish: Fold the cooked eggs back into the rice mixture. Toss everything together so that every bite includes egg and protein. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat and sprinkle with the green parts of the green onions.
Notes
- Use leftover day-old rice for fluffier, less sticky grains.
- Cook over high heat to achieve the signature wok hei smoky flavor.
- Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Add soy sauce gradually to balance the flavor perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chinese New Year, Stir-Fried Rice, Fried Rice, Lunar New Year, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free, Vegetarian Option
