Fried Rice with Veggies Recipe

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Rice**:
If you don’t have leftover rice, cook it ahead of time and allow it to cool down. Cold rice works best for fried rice as it prevents the grains from becoming mushy.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables**:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add your mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and slightly browned.

3. **Cook the Garlic**:
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty side. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be sure not to burn it.

4. **Add the Eggs (Optional)**:
If using eggs, pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Scramble them gently with a spatula until they’re cooked through, then mix them with the vegetables.

5. **Add the Rice**:
Add the chilled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and eggs. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the rice to warm through and get slightly crispy in some areas.

6. **Season the Fried Rice**:
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, and add black pepper and salt to taste. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated in the sauce.

7. **Garnish and Serve**:
Remove from heat and sprinkle the fried rice with freshly sliced green onions. For an extra kick, sprinkle chili flakes on top.

**Tips for the Best Fried Rice:**
– **Use cold rice**: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky and soft, which can make your fried rice soggy. Leftover rice works best since it has dried out a bit, giving the dish a better texture.
– **Customize the veggies**: You can use any vegetables you like or have on hand. Frozen mixed veggies work just as well as fresh, making this a convenient option year-round.
– **Add protein**: If you’d like to add some protein, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a more filling meal.
– **Don’t skip the soy sauce**: Soy sauce adds that umami flavor that gives fried rice its signature taste. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a great substitute.

**Conclusion:**
Fried rice with veggies is a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With endless customization options, you can make this dish your own by adding whatever vegetables or proteins you like. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a surefire hit that’s both healthy and delicious!