If you are in a bind, this recipe is fabulous! Easy and tasty!

Fried rice is a dish beloved around the world, with roots tracing back to the Sui dynasty in China. Often seen as a means to utilize leftovers, it’s become a staple for its flexibility and hearty flavor profiles. What’s wonderfully unique about dump & bake fried rice is that you pare down the traditional stir-fry method to something even more straightforward without compromising on taste. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want a comforting meal but don't want to stand over the stove – a testament to the versatility of fried rice!

Dump & bake fried rice is quite a fulfilling dish all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. You might enjoy some steamed vegetables like broccoli or snow peas for a touch of greenery. For those looking to keep it exceptionally straightforward, a simple cucumber salad can add a crisp contrast.

Dump & Bake Fried Rice

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken, ham, or tofu
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. Scatter the frozen peas and carrots mix, diced onion, and minced garlic over the rice.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken/vegetable broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Pour this mixture over the rice and vegetables in the baking dish.

5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.

6. Remove the dish from the oven. Pour the beaten eggs over the cooked rice, add in the diced protein (chicken, ham, or tofu), and stir everything together. The residual heat will cook the eggs through.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Variations & Tips

- Play around with different proteins! Shrimp or even flaked salmon would be excellent additions to your fried rice.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the oyster sauce, use vegetable broth, and opt for tofu or a mix of beans for protein.
- If you're looking for an extra kick, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add some heat.
- Leftover rice can be used in place of uncooked rice, just reduce the baking time since you're only heating through and crisping up the rice.
- To add a smoky flavor, try including a bit of bacon or smoked sausage.
Enjoy this versatile dish that welcomes improvisation – after all, fried rice is about making it your own with what you have on hand!