Make fried rice

Fried rice is one of the very few dishes that benefit greatly from leftover ingredients. In fact, rather than using freshly cooked grains, many fried rice recipes actually call for leftover grains. You are doing your future dinners a favor and achieving that unique, crave-worthy crispy texture by allowing your rice to rest in the refrigerator.

Leftover rice is the secret to the best homemade fried rice, whether you use shrimp, chicken, or just plain vegetables. You should have your rice cold because when you fried heated, freshly cooked rice, moisture is released. Look no further than the leftover rice in your refrigerator for a cheap at-home lunch that tastes just like your favorite Chinese takeout.