Fried rice is a great use of leftovers, as well as an inexpensive and meal. Here are some suggestions on how to make fried rice at home. Each Asian culture has its own twists to the dish, which has become a staple item in Chinese restaurants in the United States. Several varieties are often offered such as shrimp fried rice, beef fried rice, chicken fried rice, and pork fried rice. You can even get vegetable fried rice upon request.

Fried rice can be made from scratch, or can be created from previously cooked rice, vegetables, and scrambled eggs. Different cultures have their own seasonings and flavorings, but the process used to create the dish is consistent: heat oil, quickly heat the vegetables, add the rice and seasonings, and mix.http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/fried-rice-restaurant-style/Detail.aspx Check your refrigerator and get creative. Adding some leftover chicken, beef, or pork can take it from a side dish that can be eaten in place of potatoes, plain rice, or noodles, to the main meal. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. Get out your soy sauce and dig in!!

You can be flexible with your ingredients; the proportions are not set in stone. You generally want 3- 4 times as much rice as vegetables and protein. This recipe is just a suggestion. You can substitute ingredients for what you have available or to your taste. The recipe calls for rice which can consist of leftover rice or freshly cooked rice. Ensure that the rice is cooked and ready before starting to make fried rice.http://recipes.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_cook_with_leftover_rice

1. Rice, 4 cups cooked
2. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3. 1 - 1 1/2 cups of vegetables, cooked
4. 2 eggs
5. Sesame oil and soy sauce for flavor
6. Frying pan or wok
7. Spoon or spatula to stir while cooking

Now that the rice is cooked and all the ingredients are ready, preparation of the fried rice can begin. Start by quickly heating a frying pan or wok over high heat. Carefully add the vegetable oil and spread around to form a coat on the base of the pan. Slowly add the vegetables, taking caution as moisture from the vegetables may cause the hot oil to splatter. Stir continuously and fry only until hot or about one minute. Crack the eggs over the hot vegetable mixture. Now stir-fry, blending all ingredients thoroughly, until it's done. Serve immediately. For variety, start with shrimp or meat before adding vegetables to the oil. cooking until hot, then following with vegetables and egg.http://recipes.kaboose.com/egg-fried-rice.html

1. Add garlic, ginger, and/or green onions with the vegetables.

2. If using frozen vegetables, you'll need to increase the cooking time.

3. You can substitute brown rice for the white rice to increase the nutritional value.

4. Add different meats for different flavors.