Got Leftover Rice? Gingery Broccoli Fried Rice – Recipe!

Using leftovers to make into another meal makes perfect sense, especially these days when trips to the grocery store are less often, or if you’re trying to squeeze the most out of your money.  There are certain ingredients, like day-old rice that can be utilized in the most efficient way, even though it may not look so nice in the container the next day.  Rice tends to harden up as the starches congeal together, forming a big mass, unlike those fluffy light kernels you enjoyed the previous evening.  No worries, it’s totally usable and worth every bite.

Making fried rice does require cold cooked rice, so either use up what you have, or make a pot of rice and cool it down before preceding with this recipe.  Leftover roasted broccoli just happened to be my vegetable of choice to add to the rice because that’s what I had on hand, but feel free to use any sort of cooked vegetable you may have, or steam some up for a couple minutes in the microwave.

Fresh grated ginger makes a difference in fried rice.  It’s peppery taste slightly contrasts the salty soy sauce coated grains, making it one bowl that’s not only easy to whip together, but tasty as heck.  I use dark soy sauce because it’s flavors are more intense, and yet less salty, if you can believe it.  But, use what you have in your pantry because this recipe is all about leftovers, and utilizing what you currently possess.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/2 cup diced onion, any variety

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon minced jalapeno or other chili pepper

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1 1/2 cups cooked rice, any variety

1/4 cup good soy sauce

1 cup cooked broccoli or other vegetables

(Serves 2-3)

To Prepare:

1. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add sesame oil.  After 1 minute, add onion and stir.  Cook for 2 minutes, then add garlic, jalapeno and ginger, stir.
2. Add cold rice and stir, breaking apart with spoon.  Cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce and stir to combine.  Continue to cook for 4 minutes, just until heated through.  Add broccoli and toss to combine.  Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Spoon into bowls.  Enjoy!