Impromptu Fried Rice

Fried rice is an ideal way to use leftovers. In fact, it doesn’t work well with freshly made rice; the kernels have to be dry from spending some time in the fridge. This recipe specifies fresh vegetables, but use whatever you have and simply cook them long enough to just reheat. If you want some meat in there, as little as an eighth of a pound will make a difference—use ham, bacon, chicken, or whatever else you like, browned separately. Generally, the trick is to stir-fry the ingredients in stages, very quickly, so everything fries instead of steaming.

3 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil

1 bunch scallions, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped

½ pound green beans or asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas (optional)

1 cup soy or mung bean sprouts (optional)

1 tablespoon minced garlic, or to taste

1 tablespoon peeled and minced fresh ginger, or to taste

3 to 4 cups cooked brown rice

2 eggs, lightly beaten (optional)

¼ cup sherry, white wine, stock, or water

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

1 Put 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over high heat. A minute later, add the scallions and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to brown, about 3 minutes. Lower the heat if the mixture starts to brown too quickly. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl.

2 Add the green beans or asparagus and cook, again over high heat, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and just tender, about 5 minutes. Add them to the bowl with the vegetables. If you’re using the peas, drain them if necessary and add them, along with the bean sprouts (if you’re using them), to the skillet; cook, shaking the skillet, for about a minute, or until steaming. Add them to the bowl, too.

3 Put the remaining oil in the skillet, followed by the garlic and ginger. Just a few seconds later, begin to add the rice, a little at a time, using a spatula to break up the clumps, and toss it with the oil. When all the rice is added, make a well in its center and break the eggs into it if you’re using them; scramble them a bit with the spatula, then stir to incorporate them into the rice.

4 Return the vegetables to the pan and use the spatula to fold everything until combined. Add the wine and cook, still folding, for about a minute. Add the soy sauce and sesame oil, then taste and add salt and pepper if necessary. Turn off the heat, stir in the cilantro, and serve.

Quick Vegetable Fried Grains: Instead of the rice, use quinoa, cracked wheat, oat groats, or large-kernel grains like wheat berries or barley. Just make sure they’re relatively dry before starting.