Embrace simplicity with this easy to make fried rice recipe!

Fried rice is a great budget-oriented dish on its own, but fried rice with edamame takes it up to the next level. It promises to ease your stress around meal times because it’s quick, but it also respects your wallet, too! At Workweek Lunch, we understand these challenges.

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What’s the deal with edamame?

Fried rice is a classic comfort food that’s incredibly versatile and easy to make. By adding edamame, you’re not only infusing this dish with a fresh, nutty flavor but also boosting its nutritional value with high-quality plant protein. This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings or when you need a quick, satisfying lunch that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.

Edamame is a young soybean and often served at Japanese restaurants, still in the pod, hot and tosssed with salt. But you can buy edamame fresh sometimes, depending on where you live. Regardless, though, it’s widely available frozen, out of the pod as well, which makes it a lot easier to work with from the frozen state. Having a bag of edamame in your freezer, like shrimp, means you’ve got a great source of protein that’s ready in a flash.

Why Fried Rice with Edamame?

1. Time-Saving: This recipe is a time-saver. In just a few minutes, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a mouth-watering meal. It’s perfect for meal prepping, too! It keeps really well and reheats well, too.

2. Budget-Friendly: We focus on affordable ingredients. Rice and edamame are cost-effective and widely available, making this dish a smart choice for budget-conscious food lovers.

3. Stress-Free Cooking: With minimal steps and simple cooking techniques, this recipe is ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned kitchen enthusiasts.

4. Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, this fried rice is not just tasty but also keeps you fueled and focused.

How to Customize Fried Rice with Edamame

This comes together quickly using frozen veggies but you can certainly use fresh ones, too. The classic combo for fried rice is carrots, corn, and peas. Edamame adds a bit more protein.

PRO TIP! You can use leftover rice in this recipe VERY EASILY. In fact, it often makes for the best fried rice because it doesn’t get soggy at all. Sometimes fried rice you make with fresh rice can get a little soggy.

Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Broccoli florets, chopped smaller, are good in this fried rice.
Use brown or white rice depending on what you have on hand.
Add some cooked chicken or shrimp toward the end of the assembly process.
Add some hot sauce if you want some heat.
Add in some sauteed kale or spinach.
Asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, is also great.
Chopped mushrooms work to provide an umami hit; up the soy sauce if you add this in.
For a bit of sweetness, diced pineapple works well. Use some canned pineapple in its own juices, drain it well, and add it right at the end of cooking.

How to Store and Serve this Fried Rice with Edamame

This meal prep will keep in the fridge in a covered container for 3 to 5 days. If you’re prepping, there are no special instructions. You can keep this fully assembled in separate containers with no issues.

Cooked fried rice can sometimes be frozen, but it’s a bit hit or miss. It tends to get soggy when you try to cook it from frozen. It’s not impossible; it’s just not an optimal texture.

Reheating fried rice is really easy. It does a great job in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You might find it beneficial to add a little bit of water because sometimes it can clump up if refrigerated.

Making Peace with Food Choices

At Workweek Lunch, we believe in intuitive eating. This dish represents a balance of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity, aligning with your goal of being at peace with your food decisions. No more mealtime stress or guilt – just pure enjoyment and satisfaction.

Boost Your Productivity

With meals like this, you’re not only taking care of your physical well-being but also improving your productivity. A well-planned, nutritious meal can make a significant difference in how you tackle your day.

Join Us!

Dive into the world of hassle-free, delicious cooking with our Budget-Friendly Fried Rice with Edamame. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a lifestyle choice that embraces simplicity, health, and enjoyment. And remember, this is just a glimpse of what Workweek Lunch offers. Join us for more recipes, tips, and guides to transform your mealtime experiences.

Stay tuned for more easy, budget-friendly recipes that align with your busy lifestyle and help you make peace with your meal choices. Happy prepping!

This recipe is part of our $25 Meal Prep Meal Plan!

More Budget Meal Deliciousness!