Are you craving a flavorful, satisfying meal that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This recipe transforms classic Rice-A-Roni into a vibrant, customizable stir-fried rice dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy recipe is packed with deliciousness and requires minimal cleanup. Get ready to elevate your Rice-A-Roni game! This is one of those healthy meals that's surprisingly quick to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 box Rice-A-Roni (any flavor works well, but Original or Chicken flavor are excellent choices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (broccoli, carrots, peas, bell peppers – use your favorites!)
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, or leftover cooked meat) – optional
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, but highly recommended!)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Rice-A-Roni: Cook the Rice-A-Roni according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly. This is a key step in achieving the best texture for your stir-fried rice.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your delicious dish.
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Stir-fry Vegetables: Add your chosen vegetables to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp. If using broccoli, add it a minute or two before other vegetables as it takes slightly longer to cook.
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Add Protein (Optional): If using cooked protein, add it to the wok now and stir-fry for a couple of minutes to heat through. This is a great way to use leftover chicken or other cooked meats.
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Scramble Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the wok, creating a space in the center. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until cooked through. Stir to combine with the vegetables and protein.
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Combine with Rice-A-Roni: Add the cooked Rice-A-Roni to the wok. Stir to combine everything evenly.
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Season and Finish: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to coat the rice. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to combine. Cook for another minute or two, until heated through and well combined. This enhances the overall flavor of this quick dinner idea.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. This homemade cooking masterpiece is perfect on its own or with a side of your favorite Asian-inspired dipping sauce.
Cooking Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Rice:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if necessary to ensure your vegetables and rice cook evenly and don't steam.
- Use day-old Rice-A-Roni: Slightly stale Rice-A-Roni tends to stir-fry better and doesn't become mushy.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Omit the protein and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portions used. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient list.
This Rice-A-Roni stir-fried rice is a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. The best recipes are often the easiest, and this one certainly fits the bill! Enjoy!