Ketchup fried rice is the perfect meal for when you're starving and want something quick and tasty! Rice, veggies, and ketchup. Ready in 15 minutes!
If you love the flavor of ketchup, you'll love this dish! It's slightly sweet, tangy, savory, and salty all at the same time! The ketchup isn't overpowering at all and melds together with all the other flavors.
Growing up in an Asian home, we always had leftover rice in the fridge. This recipe is perfect for using it up along with any vegetables you may have.
Ketchup fried rice holds a special place in my heart. I remember eating this as a child with a thin layer of egg wrapped over it. If served with an egg, it's called omurice, which is a dish that's quite popular in Japan and Korea. It's known as an Asian comfort food that's quick, simple, and ready in 15 minutes. Kids love it and hungry adults love it even more! Now that I'm older, it's more of a quick fix for when I'm starving.
Ketchup Fried Rice Tips:
Start with whatever vegetables you have in your fridge. I had broccoli, carrots, and onions so I used that. Feel free to throw in any leftover chicken, beef, or ham and saute it all together. You could even crack in a few eggs if you'd like. Once the vegetables start to soften, add your ketchup, soy sauce, and a good serving of fresh black pepper. Fresh black pepper is important here! Next add your cold, leftover rice and saute it together. Cold rice is best for fried rice since it won't stick together and will fry up nicely. Lastly add the frozen green peas for a pop of color.
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- 1. Saute veggies for 2 minutes, then add garlic
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- 2. Add 3 Tbsp of ketchup and freshly ground black pepper
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- 3. Mix everything together
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- 4. Add cold leftover rice and mix together
I like to add a bit more oil to the pan at this stage, turn up the heat, and let the bottom rice crisp up a bit. The crunchy, toasted bits of rice add a nice texture to this dish. Feel free to skip this step and but if you have the time, give it a try.
Eat this ketchup fried rice for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack. It's satisfying, delicious, and simple! If you've never had ketchup fried rice, give this a try. You'll love it!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Please share, rate, and comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
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Ketchup Fried Rice
☑ Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons avocado oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 medium carrot - chopped
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups cooked rice - use cold leftover rice
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ cup frozen peas
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 Tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat your pan over medium high heat with the oil and add the chopped onions, carrot, and broccoli. After 2 minutes, add the garlic, ketchup, and soy sauce along with a generous pinch of fresh black pepper. Stir everything together for 1 minute.
- Add the cooked rice and saute together for about 2 minutes until the rice grains are separated and start to sizzle. Add the frozen peas and season with salt to taste. Saute together until the peas are warm. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
✎ Recipe Notes
- Cold rice is best for fried rice since it won’t stick together and the grains will separate easily.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.
Aneesha
Hi, I am allergic to soy & peanut. I am also a vegan. Could you please suggest an alternative to soy sauce?
Jamie
Hi Aneesha! Have you tried tamari or liquid aminos? They're both soy free and gluten free. As each brand differs, I suggest you check the packaging to make sure their equipment is free of peanuts and wheat.
Gavin
My Mum is a fried rice lover, and her new favourite recipe is this one. She wasn't sure how to leave a comment so she asked me to do this, and to thank you for much for this delicious recipe 🙂
Jamie
Thank you Gavin! I'm so glad your mom loves this recipe! 🙂
Bianca
My first time trying to make Ketchup Fried Rice, and I am a convert! This is so tasty - I really love that subtle flavour the ketchup provides. I always make extra rice the night before so I have leftovers and can make fried rice. This will be made again very soon!!
Jamie
Thanks Bianca! I love making this with leftover rice too! So glad you enjoyed it!
Yen
Simple and satisfying ketchup fried rice. Tasted delicious!