Simple Food Recipes with Basic Ingredients

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Discover easy and delicious recipes made with basic ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

Helena Wright

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-01-04T13:19:08.523Z

This collection of simple food recipes is designed for those who want to create delicious meals without complicated ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights or cooking with kids!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
  • Perfect for family meals or gatherings
  • Flexible recipes that can be adapted to your taste

Effortless Cooking for Everyone

Cooking can often feel overwhelming, especially when juggling a busy schedule. However, this recipe for simple fried rice offers a hassle-free solution. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this dish is designed to make your cooking experience enjoyable and stress-free.

Not only is this recipe quick to prepare, but it also encourages creativity. You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. This flexibility ensures that you’ll never get bored, as you can experiment with different vegetables or proteins to create your perfect version of this classic dish.

A Nutritious Meal Option

This simple fried rice recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with nutrients. The inclusion of mixed vegetables boosts the vitamin content, making it a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Plus, by using whole eggs, you’re adding a good source of protein, which is essential for growth and repair in the body.

Moreover, this dish can serve as a base for a complete meal. By adding additional proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu, you can transform it into a heartier option. This makes it a versatile choice for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This fried rice recipe is ideal for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to larger gatherings with family and friends. Its simplicity allows it to fit seamlessly into any menu, making it a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults. When hosting a gathering, consider serving this dish alongside other favorites for a delightful buffet.

Additionally, this recipe is perfect for leftovers. If you find yourself with extra rice or vegetables, simply combine them in the next batch. This not only reduces food waste but also gives you a new meal without much extra effort.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • 2 eggs
  • Soy sauce to taste

Feel free to substitute any ingredients to suit your preferences.

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Sauté Vegetables

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender.

Scramble the Eggs

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, crack 2 eggs into the other side, and scramble until fully cooked.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mix everything together, and drizzle with soy sauce to taste. Serve hot!

Enjoy your delicious meal!

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Pro Tips

  • Feel free to add any protein such as chicken or tofu for a more filling dish.

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice

To achieve the best texture for your fried rice, it's recommended to use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, making it challenging to fry properly. If you don't have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool it down before using it in your recipe.

Another tip is to ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the ingredients. A hot pan allows the rice to fry rather than steam, resulting in a delightful texture and flavor. Stir-fry quickly and continuously to prevent burning and to achieve even cooking.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining their flavor and texture. Allow the fried rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

For longer storage, consider freezing the fried rice in portions. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up in a skillet or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This fried rice pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the meal. For an extra kick, you can also offer a side of spicy dipping sauce or chili flakes for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

If you want a complete Asian-inspired meal, serve this fried rice with spring rolls or dumplings. The combination will surely impress your guests and elevate your dining experience, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal right in your home.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but cooking time will be longer, around 40-45 minutes.

→ What vegetables can I use?

You can use any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce.

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the eggs or use a plant-based substitute.

Simple Food Recipes with Basic Ingredients

Discover easy and delicious recipes made with basic ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Helena Wright

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Basic Ingredients

  1. 1 cup rice
  2. 2 cups water
  3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. 1 teaspoon salt
  5. 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  6. 2 eggs
  7. Soy sauce to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of rice and 1 teaspoon of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.

Step 02

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until tender.

Step 03

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, crack 2 eggs into the other side, and scramble until fully cooked.

Step 04

Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mix everything together, and drizzle with soy sauce to taste. Serve hot!

Extra Tips

  1. Feel free to add any protein such as chicken or tofu for a more filling dish.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 8g