There are nights when I get home late and the fridge is giving me nothing but leftovers and hope. That’s exactly how this recipe was born — a container of day-old rice, a couple of eggs, and ten minutes before I completely lost my patience. Now it’s my go-to for those “I need food NOW” moments, and honestly, it tastes better than most takeout I’ve had.
aka The Midnight Wok Toss
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled (day-old rice works best)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat the wok: Set a large skillet or wok over high heat and add the avocado oil. Once the oil is shimmering and just starting to smoke, you’re ready.
- Scramble the eggs: Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly for about 30 seconds, breaking them into small, fluffy pieces. Push them to the side of the pan.
- Aromatics: Add the sesame oil to the empty side of the pan along with the garlic and white parts of the green onions. Stir for 15–20 seconds until fragrant.
- Fry the rice: Add the chilled rice and toss everything together. Press the rice flat against the pan and let it sear for about 1 minute before tossing again. Repeat 2–3 times until the rice is hot and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Season: Drizzle the coconut aminos over the rice and toss to coat evenly. Add white pepper and salt to taste.
- Finish: Remove from heat, top with the green parts of the scallions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Day-old rice is the secret — freshly cooked rice is too moist and will steam instead of fry. If you only have fresh rice, spread it on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Keep the heat HIGH the entire time. You want the rice to sear and get slightly crispy, not steam.
- Add diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled tofu for extra protein.
- A drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like heat.
Amanda Cruz