When we started unpacking on that first day in the new house, Trenton and I soon discovered that we were missing some key pieces of kitchenware—namely, pots and pans. Knowing I had only a wok and some wooden spoons, it didn’t take me long to think up a simple, yummy meal. Fried rice has become one of my staple recipes and it’s great for consolidating leftovers I’ve accumulated throughout the week. I can basically throw in whatever I want, coat it all in ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil and it tastes fantastic. When we were picking up ingredients at the store, Trenton suggested bok choy, but I brushed him off, thinking bok choy was too delicate a flavor for this hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dish. I was totally wrong. We added some fresh snow peas and the crisp, clean flavor of those would have been great with some bok choy. Next time, I’m definitely adding it.

Ingredients:

sesame oil; ginger (fresh is best, powder is okay); red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy, which we do); soy sauce; diced onion; minced garlic; cooked rice; egg; whatever vegetables you have on hand, fresh or frozen

Heat the oil (about 1 TB) in a frying pan or wok. When it’s hot, add the ginger, red pepper flakes and onion. When the onion starts to become transparent, add the garlic. Sautee for about a minute or two, then add a few splashes of soy sauce. Make a little nest in the middle of the mixture, then crack an egg into the middle of the pan. Let it begin to cook for a few seconds and then scramble it into the onion/garlic/ginger mix. When the egg is mostly cooked, add any frozen veggies, right from the bag. If it starts to seem too dry, add a little more sesame oil and/or soy sauce. When the veggies are thawed, add the cooked rice. Mix everything together really well. I like my fresh veggies a little crunchy, so at this point, I’d add the snow peas (and bok choy) and let them steam on top of the fried rice. If you like them a little more done, add them when you add the frozen veg. Serve with sesame oil, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce for more flavor.

Yumtastic.