Imagine that it is a Wednesday night, and there is nothing to make for dinner. You have some leftover rice from Sunday, and a few pieces of miscellaneous meat. You have some vegetables sitting in your fridge, and some soy sauce in your cabinet. You say to yourself: “That can’t make a meal.” But can it? The answer lies in that leftover grain. Fried rice can make  a filling meal that is tasty, too. 

 Malnutrition in the United States is shocking. According to Usafacts.org, more than 12% of families in the United States live with food insecurity. Jennifer Murtoff from Britannica said that the effects from the pandemic are a major reason for food uncertainty in households; prices have gone up to the point where families cannot afford enough food to survive. We can make the most out of our groceries, so they do not go to waste, all with a little help from fried rice. 

Fried rice was first discovered in the Seui Dynasty, in Yangzhou City, China. This dish allowed Chinese people in the sixth century to enjoy their leftover rice in a new way, while also getting protein and vegetable benefits. 

This delicious meal spread as Chinese immigrants came to different parts of the world. A dish famous in Peru, Arroz Chaufa, is the result of Chinese Peruvian fusion, and is seen today in many restaurants. Adaptations of fried rice throughout Chinese restaurants in the United States have been created, and customers seem to enjoy it. Examples of this include additions of tofu, beef, and bell peppers.  

Fried rice is a crucial food. You can use leftovers to make a delicious meal. To prepare and execute it, all you need is one burner, and a hot water pot making it accessible for many students. 

Using leftover ingredients means making Fried Rice is fairly inexpensive. Fried rice can be customized to whatever sounds good, and can feed a hungry crowd. 

Here is a basic recipe from Crisy Toombs, but it can be adjusted depending on what you like. The total cost for the recipe is 37 cents per person, which can go far, even with a low salary.  Whenever I go to Chinese restaurants, I always want pork fried rice, so protein could be a good boost for flavor and texture.  I also enjoy adding brown sugar, as it gives it a sweet note. Broccoli is a nice vegetable to put in, as there is contrast in texture. Mix together and enjoy!

• Ingredients: 1 cup water

• 1 cup instant rice (such as Minute Rice)

• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

• 2 Tbsp. soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

• 1 cup vegetables (fresh or frozen of your choice)

• 1 egg

• 1 Tbsp. garlic (minced)

• 1 pinch salt (to taste)

• 1 pinch black pepper (to taste)

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and soy sauce to a boil. When water bubbles, remove saucepan from heat, pour in Minute rice and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes (per package directions).
2. 1 cup water,2 tablespoons soy sauce,1 cup Minute Rice
3. While rice finishes, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add vegetables, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until garlic begins to turn golden brown.
4. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil,1 cup vegetables,1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic,1 pinch salt,1 pinch black pepper
5. Crack egg directly into skillet and scramble with vegetables and garlic. When egg is cooked (roughly 2-3 minutes), pour the finished rice in the frying pan.
6. Stir cooked rice in with egg, vegetables, and garlic until any excess water from the rice evaporates, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve as desired.