Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! This Simple Bell Pepper Fried Rice is my go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It transforms humble leftover rice into a vibrant, savory dish bursting with the sweetness of colorful bell peppers. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create something truly comforting and delicious. Let’s turn those leftovers into a masterpiece!
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup / 60 ml neutral oil, like peanut or grapeseed
• 2 cups / 300 g bell pepper strips, preferably a mix of red and yellow
• 3 to 4 cups / 550 to 750 g cooked and chilled long-grain rice
• 2 tbsp / 30 ml soy sauce, plus more to taste
• 1 tbsp / 15 ml dark sesame oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the bell pepper strips, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and increase the heat to high. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and begin to brown at the edges.
3. Add the chilled rice to the skillet. Use your hands or a spatula to break up any large clumps. Stir-fry for about 10 minutes, continuing to stir, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
4. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• (Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on exact used.)
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
• For the best texture, use day-old, cold rice. Chilled rice is drier and less likely to clump together, resulting in perfectly separated grains.
• Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the . A high heat gives the peppers and rice a delicious seared flavor, known as ‘wok hei’.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in two batches to ensure the rice fries properly rather than steams.
• Feel free to add more! Toss in some frozen peas, corn, edamame, or scrambled tofu in the last few minutes of cooking for extra protein and nutrients.
