Lazy Fried Rice is a staple 20-minute meal, utilizing leftovers and freezer items all in one pan. Quicker and much healthier than takeout!
*This is an updated post, including more pictures and descriptions. Original post published 6/25/2018.
I’m digging back into my archives to update some of my favorite, old school recipes! This one was at the top of the list. I make it at least twice a month. I can’t believe it has taken me this long to update it!
This is my go-to dinner when I’ve had a long day and don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen. I even hesitate to call this a recipe since it changes just about every time I make it, depending on what I have on hand.
Not only is it way better for you, it’s less labor intensive than something like my Healthy Pad Thai or Copycat Panda Express Chow Mein.
If you’re the kind of person (like I used to be back when I was a college student) who thinks there is no way you can make food at home that can taste as good as the takeout stuff, I challenge you to try this version out!
Sometimes I’ll use a frozen veggie blend, but I also like this as a clean-out-the-refrigerator meal. Any leftover veggies will work also, but don’t cook them as long as frozen veggies because they’ll get too soft. And no one likes too-soft veggies.
Other reasons why I love this recipe
I’ve found that fried rice actually works better when you use cooked, refrigerated rice. When I’ve tried to make it “fresh,” using hot or warm rice, it gets mushy. Something about cold rice just works better. That’s a total win for using leftovers!
You can use whatever protein you want. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great for low-point options. Pork or beef would be great, too. Or, just add in an extra cup of mixed veggies. This recipe is totally versatile.
I’d love to hear from you if you make this recipe! It makes my day when you share your pics on Instagram and tag me (@litecravings). Don’t forget to use #litecravingsrecipes to make sure I see it. If I don’t get a chance to scroll through my tags quickly enough, I won’t see your post. I always make a point to look through the hashtags, though, so I’ll see it there.
Lazy Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked and chopped chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu (or just add more veggies)
- 1 cup frozen, shelled edamame
- 1 1/2 cup frozen mixed veggies
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cups cooked long grain brown or white rice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute onion, edamame, and veggies in cooking spray until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Move veggies to the sides of the skillet, then crack your eggs into the center. Scramble until just cooked, then push those to the sides as well.
- Add sesame oil to the center of your skillet, then add rice on top of that. Press rice down and let cook for a few minutes without moving so you get some crunchy bits on the bottom.
- Stir in the meat (or extra veggies) and soy sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add in some water or more soy sauce.
Love this recipe ! So easy to make and I definitely don’t cook but I can follow a recipe. Even my husband (who’s a chef ) loves it ! He’s says to put it in the make often category!!
Wow! I’m honored that my recipe is even chef-approved. 🙂
This is my second time making this in a week. Love this simple recipe. Both times I left out the chicken and the first time I topped it with your kung pao chicken. SO good. We had unexpected guests that night and everyone went back for seconds.
Apologies for the late reply, Torrie. It’s great to hear that you love this recipe so much! It’s my go-to on very busy days.
Love this as well! For my second go around, are you able to substitute cauliflower rice to lower the carb amount?
Absolutely! Glad you like it so much. 🙂
I will try this one! Another thing I’ve found is mixing white rice with cauliflower rice (about half and half or 3/4 white rice to 1/4 cauli rice) really bulks up a dish and lowers the WW Points. You can sometimes barely tell the difference. I might try it that way!
That’s a great idea! Hope you like the recipe.
I added a total 1/2 cup soy sauce because I just used the whole bag of frozen veggies. My 3 year old asked for seconds. I would say Delicious and filling!
Great to hear!
This was a great recipe!! I was worried at first because it was so quick LOL but it really hits the spot for a fried rice craving and keeps the points low. Thanks for sharing!
i think you have a mistake in the points. You have blue written twice. I presume the one for zero points should be purple.
Geri this is one of my most favorite of your recipes! I probably make it at least two or three times a month. I always use the riced cauliflower so super low in points on Blue. I also frequently add in a generous amount of rice vinegar and tonight I had some fresh ginger that I added at the same time as a garlic! And you’re right it’s always a little bit different depending on what kind of vegetables one finds in the freezer 🙂 you are a genius in the kitchen and all of us appreciate you more than you know!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼❤️😘❤️
Geri! You are amazing. I just love this recipe! So yummy and filling!
But quick question! In the notes section… you’ve got the point broken down for each ww plan but you’ve got blue twice. Is the recipe zero points on purple? Thanks!
Oops! Thanks for catching that, Jillian. Yes, it’s 0 SP on Purple. And thank you for the sweet message!
This is one of my favorite recipes! I’ve made it twice with shrimp. It’s so easy and so good! It’s better than any fried rice you get at a restaurant. It’s not greasy and you can change up the proteins and veggies too. Thanks for such an awesome recipe!
Thank you for the lovely review!