Orzo Fried Rice Style (Print Version)

Orzo stir-fried with vegetables and savory sauces, bringing bold fusion flavor to a quick, satisfying meal.

# Components:

→ Staples & Pasta

01 - 1 1/4 cups orzo pasta
02 - 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
04 - 1 small onion, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Sauces & Seasonings

07 - 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
08 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Additions

10 - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
11 - 3 1/2 ounces cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
12 - Sesame seeds, for garnish

# Method:

01 - Cook orzo in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain orzo, rinse briefly under cold water, and set aside to prevent sticking.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour beaten eggs onto the empty side of the pan. Scramble eggs until almost set, then combine with onions.
05 - Add cooked orzo and thawed peas and carrots to the pan. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the orzo to begin to crisp.
06 - Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Season with black pepper and toss to coat the orzo evenly. Continue to stir-fry for 2 minutes.
07 - If using, stir in cooked protein. Remove from heat, top with sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds as desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy edges and nutty flavor of stir-fried orzo are a serious secret weapon for quick meals.
  • This flexible fusion dish adapts easily to what’s in your fridge, making dinner genuinely fun and stress-free.
02 -
  • Rinse the orzo after draining or you’ll end up with a sticky, clumpy mass instead of fluffy grains.
  • Letting the orzo sit in the hot pan for a minute or two untouched helps create those delicious crispy bits that make all the difference.
03 -
  • If your pan looks dry, add just a splash more oil before frying the orzo for best crispness.
  • A handful of green onions at the end wakes up all the flavors in surprisingly delicious ways.
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