Leftover fried rice in 15 minutes

Fried rice is not a grocery-list recipe. It is what happens to yesterday's rice plus an egg. A carrot and some green onions make it look finished. Frozen peas are the usual extra if they are already in the freezer.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice, cold
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 green onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 carrot
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)

Leftover chicken or a handful of spinach can go in after the rice. Log what you actually have; the grocery list should stay short.

Method

1. Use cold leftover rice; warm rice turns to mush. Break up any clumps with your hands.
2. Heat the oil in a wide skillet or wok over high heat. Scramble the eggs, then push them to the side.
3. Add the garlic, chopped carrot, and the white parts of the green onion. Stir 1 minute.
4. Add the rice. Press it into the pan, then toss, until hot and a little toasted, 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Pour in the soy sauce, toss with the green onion tops, and eat.

Why it works in PantryZero

If rice, eggs, and soy sauce are already in the pantry, this is a leftover cook, not a shop. Carrot and green onion are the usual missing pieces — add them only if you want them.