8.08.2012

Leftovers: Crispy Fried Rice Omelet


When my kids were young, I would press leftover rice into patties and fry them until they were crisp. Nothing fancy, because with three kids under three, I did things as simply as possible in the kitchen. Once in a while, I made a quick fried rice from a recipe given to me by a lovely Chinese woman who became a friend during our Air Force years. More recently, I've made leftover risotto into cakes and fried them à la Ina Garten.

And now I've come across another way to use rice leftovers: an omelet. This dish is served for one or two as a main course, with some extra goodies tucked in. Leftover rice (sticky rice is best), peas, scallions or shallots, and eggs. Fresh ginger, if you have it, and any other veggie additions in the fridge you want to use up. You bite into the soft omelet and surprise!  There's the crunchy sticky rice in the center.  Sprinkle some soy sauce on top. Yum. 


Crispy Fried Rice Omelet
From Dinner, A Love Story blog by Jenny Rosenstrach


Ingredients:
canola oil (I added a touch of butter for flavor as well)

2 tablespoons minced scallions or shallots
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1 small garlic clove, minced
shake of red pepper flakes (to taste)
3/4 cup leftover rice, preferably sticky Chinese takeout
3 – 4 eggs
2 teaspoons soy sauce
handful frozen peas (to taste)

Method:
Preheat broiler. Add a little oil to a cast iron or nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Add scallions, ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook about 1 minute until everything is soft and fragrant. Add rice and spread out in one layer, turning up heat a bit. Don’t stir for about a minute so it gets nice and crispy. Stir again, turn over and wait another minute. It's important that the rice is crisp and brown. Meanwhile whisk together eggs and soy sauce and add peas to egg mixture. Turn heat down to medium-low and pour egg mixture over fried rice, tipping the pan so the egg distributes itself evenly over the rice. Cook until underside is crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a broiler and bake another 3 minutes or until egg looks golden and bubbly on top. 
Serve with a drizzle of soy sauce and a green salad.
For two.





32 comments:

  1. This is the most brilliant thing ever. I want to try to make those cakes for Ben!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a fantastic idea! I'm a big fan of using up leftovers and turning them into something new.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a great idea Barbara. Sounds delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What nice idea Barbara I love it! Sounds delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sorry Sissy. The next round of leftover carry-out rice is MINE!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My children grew up on rice everything Barbara. I was always trying new ways to use the left-overs. I never would have dreamed this one up though Barbara. It sounds yummy!
    I scrolled down and read your last post and was so glad I did because my daughter texted me today and said she was bringing lots and lots of blackberries this weekend (we are having a family get together) and to think of some recipes...so I was so happy to see that I could share this one with her and try it on the family.

    I hope you're doing good in that beautiful place you live.
    sending hugs...

    ReplyDelete
  7. what a cool way to use fried rice ;-) and wow 3 under three your a star

    ReplyDelete
  8. A wonderful idea! I love making omelets with leftovers...

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a fabulous idea, I will be giving this a go. The soy must really add flavour too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love your rice omelet Barbara. We almost always save some rice and incorporate into eggs of some kind for breakfast. Orzo works too!
    Sam

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ooo I'm intrigued! And kind of wish I had some rice in the fridge so I could try this!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a great idea. Makes me want to order take out just to have leftovers.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ah, I had something like this in Spain but with different additions.
    I am serious about not wasting food and love coming up with ways to use leftovers so I don't get sick of them--I try to think of it as a challenge and not a chore. In so doing, I've come up with some great little dishes... like this one. Look forward to trying it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's a great idea..Now why didn't i think of that Who used to say that:)

    Looks so good!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd never have thought to use it that way, I usually do what you did with your kids and fry it up into a patty. Looks so good, I have to try this next time we have rice!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I just love this recipe! I am trying it and if if works out well it will be something that I think I can use in my 45 min.class! Thanks Barbara!

    ReplyDelete
  17. When we order Chinese take-out I usually have leftover rice. It never occurred to me to use it this way. What a great idea, Barbara. This is a delicious and economical meal.

    ReplyDelete
  18. what a great idea! leftover rice is actually a great thing to have, there's so many things you can do with it. i love this!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I wouldn't have thought to put rice in an omelette, but the more I think about it, the better it sounds!

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is genius! Who knew you could put rice in an omelet? I love this idea!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I used to make little scallion pancakes dipped in soy - this is a great version for a bigger appetite!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a brilliant idea! Now I will have to save some rice just for this!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Just had to pop over and see what you are baking today....love this idea....you really inspire me my friend. xoxox hugs

    ReplyDelete
  24. WOW, I should try this,, want it really bad :D

    XoXo
    http://abudhabifood.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Finally, a delicious looking omelette I want to ear :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think I may have to make some rice tonight so I will have leftovers for breakfast tomorrow!

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is a wonderful idea. I can't wait to get Chinese take out just to try it :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. I know this sounds way out of left field but as soon as I saw that rice omelet, I immediately remembered the rice croquets my aunt use to make. She always added an egg to the rice mixture before shaping them and frying them up.

    I can't wait to give this a try! Thank you so much for sharing, Barbara...

    ReplyDelete
  29. i've never had eggs cooked like this before, but since it starts with some butter and involves peas, i'm pretty sure it's phenomenal. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I like this approach much better than my stand-by of scrambling bits of egg into refried rice. Delicious, and economical!

    ReplyDelete
  31. What a great way to use up leftovers & to make a nice & tasty dinner out of them! :)

    That dish looks mouthwatering! :) Good food!

    ReplyDelete
  32. YUM YUM YUM! Coming here is like coming to a feast! I love catching up on your recipes. You have me brimming with excitement. So many things I am eager to try! Hope you've been well, Barbara. Happy cooking, happy eating! :)

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails