Quick & Easy Togarashi Fried Rice
Wok On! Meet Your New Go-To
Who doesn't love a good fried rice? It's that magical dish that turns humble leftovers into a sensational meal, and it’s a weeknight hero in kitchens around the world. But today, we're not just making any fried rice. We're infusing it with vibrant Japanese flair and a kick of extraordinary flavor thanks to our beloved USimplySeason Togarashi!
Get ready to bookmark this recipe, because Quick & Easy Togarashi Fried Rice is about to become your new weeknight warrior, your lazy Sunday lunch savior, and your ultimate answer to "what's for dinner?" when you're short on time but big on cravings.
Why This Fried Rice Will Become Your Favorite:
Speed Demon: From pan to plate in under 15 minutes! Seriously.
Flavor Powerhouse: The Togarashi transforms classic fried rice into something far more exciting with its unique blend of savory, spicy, and citrusy notes.
Leftover Hero: It absolutely shines when made with day-old, chilled rice. Goodbye food waste, hello deliciousness!
Customizable King: Easily adaptable to whatever veggies or protein you have on hand. It's truly your canvas!
Beginner-Friendly: Don't let the "fried rice" title intimidate you! We'll break it down into super simple steps.
Ready to toss, sizzle, and devour? Let’s grab our woks (or a trusty skillet!) and get started!
This recipe is built for speed and flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add a protein of choice!
📌 Yields: 2 serving | ⏳ Prep time: 5 minute Cook time: 8 - 10 minutes
📝 Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (Crucial Tip: Day-old, chilled rice works best! Freshly cooked hot rice can be too sticky.)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup mixed frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed and drained well
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons USimplySeason Togarashi (start with 1 tsp and add more to your spice preference)
- 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional additions: Cooked protein like 1/2 cup diced chicken, shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or cubed firm tofu
👩🏾🍳 Instructions:
- Prep for Success: This is the secret to speedy stir-frying! Have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go. If your cold rice is clumped, gently break it apart with your hands or a fork.
- Heat Your Pan: Place a large wok or a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the neutral oil and let it get shimmering hot.
- Aromatics & Veggies First: Add the diced onion to the hot pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it starts to soften and become fragrant. Toss in your thawed mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are tender-crisp.
- Egg Scramble: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, creating an empty space. Pour your lightly beaten egg into this empty spot. Let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds until the edges just begin to set, then quickly scramble it with your spatula. Once scrambled, mix it in with the vegetables.
- Rice & Seasoning Magic: Now, add your cold cooked rice to the pan. Break up any remaining clumps. Immediately pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Then, here comes the star: sprinkle 1 teaspoon of USimplySeason Togarashi evenly over everything.
- The Stir-Fry Dance: Vigorously stir-fry all the ingredients together for 3-5 minutes. Keep it moving! You want to ensure the rice gets evenly coated, warms through, and develops a slightly toasted, delightful texture. Listen for that satisfying sizzle!
- Taste & Adjust: Take a quick taste. Does it need more heat? More savory depth? This is your moment! If you want more warmth and zing, sprinkle in the remaining Togarashi. Adjust soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Turn off the heat. Stir in most of the thinly sliced green onions, reserving a few for that final flourish. Transfer your beautiful Togarashi Fried Rice to serving bowls and top with the reserved green onions.
Why Togarashi is Your Fried Rice Game-Changer:
While many fried rice recipes rely on just soy sauce and garlic, the USimplySeason Togarashi elevates this dish to a whole new level. Its unique blend typically includes:
Red Chili: For a pleasant, approachable heat.
Orange Peel: A bright, citrusy note that cuts through richness.
Black and White Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and delightful texture.
Nori (Seaweed): A hint of savory umami that rounds out the flavors.
Ginger: A subtle warmth and zing.
This complex profile means you get a burst of flavor in every bite without needing a dozen different ingredients. It truly makes "quick and easy" taste gourmet!
Get Creative!
Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own!
Protein Power: Add leftover rotisserie chicken, quickly seared shrimp, pan-fried tofu, or even some ground pork.
Veggies Galore: Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or chopped cabbage would all be delicious additions.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, don't hold back on that Togarashi!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab that USimplySeason Togarashi and whip up this sensational Quick & Easy Togarashi Fried Rice tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
