Fried rice

Fried rice 

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of cooked and cooled rice (day-old rice works best)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1/2 cup diced onions

- 1/2 cup diced carrots

- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers

- 1/2 cup peas

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 eggs, beaten

- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein

- Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add the diced onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. If you're adding protein, like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, cook it in the pan alongside the vegetables until it's fully cooked.

5. Push the vegetables and protein to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they're cooked through.

6. Combine the scrambled eggs with the vegetables and protein.

7. Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan and break it apart with a spatula. Stir-fry for a few minutes, allowing the rice to heat up and absorb the flavors.

8. Add soy sauce to the rice and stir to distribute it evenly. Adjust the amount to your taste.

9. Toss in the peas and stir-fry for another couple of minutes.

10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. If desired, garnish with sliced green onions.

12. Serve your homemade fried rice hot and enjoy!