Vegetable Fried Rice (蔬菜炒饭)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 tablespoon black bean sauce
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil ((or vegetable oil))
• 4 eggs (, beaten)
• 3 cloves garlic (, minced)
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables ((*Footnote 1))
• 3 cups cooked white rice (refrigerated medium grain rice works best)
• 4 green onions (, sliced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt ((or to taste))

Steps

1. 1

   Combine the chili oil, black bean sauce, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Stir to mix well.

2. 2

   Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add the eggs. Wait until the bottom is cooked, then scramble slightly until just cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. 3

   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and the garlic. Stir a few times to release the fragrance.

4. 4

   Add the vegetables. Stir and cook until thawed and all the liquid has evaporated.

5. 5

   Add the rice. Stir and cook until the rice is heated through and lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Pour in the chili oil mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is evenly coated with the rice, 2 minutes or so.

7. 7

   Return the eggs to the pan, add the green onions, and sprinkle the salt. Keep stirring to mix everything well, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn to low heat and taste the rice. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, if needed.

8. 8

   Transfer everything to a plate and serve hot as a main dish or side dish.