Waste Less, Live More with Leftovers
In a world where nearly a third of all food goes uneaten, the simple act of finishing what we start is a quiet rebellion against wastefulness.
Wasted food contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, but every meal made from leftovers reduces that impact. For your wallet, the story’s just as compelling. What’s languishing in your fridge or takeout container might be the key to skipping a trip to the grocery store and saving money.
Fried Rice: The Ultimate “Leftovers” Dish
The beauty of cooking is in the transformation. A few odds and ends in the fridge can become a meal that’s more than the sum of its parts. And for the environment, stretching your leftovers is as resourceful as it is essential.
Fried rice is the kitchen chameleon. Whether it’s grains from last night’s dinner, the vegetables that didn’t make it into a stir-fry, or the stray protein left from takeout, it can all find a second life here. It’s forgiving and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
2–3 cups cooked and chilled rice (any variety works)
2 tablespoons neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced leftover vegetables (carrots, broccoli, peppers, or whatever’s on hand)
1 cup protein (cubed tofu, tempeh, or whatever you had last night)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and golden.
Toss in your vegetables and protein, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes to warm through.
Add rice to the pan. Use your spatula to break up any clumps, ensuring even heating.
Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat every grain. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, sriracha or whatever your heart desires.
Some zero-waste pro-tips:
Reimagine Takeout: That small box of leftover stir-fried veggies or the protein from last night’s dinner? It’s perfect for fried rice.
Rice Matters: Day-old rice is best, as it’s less sticky. If you’re starting fresh, spread the rice on a baking sheet and let it cool in the fridge for an hour.
Herbs and Zests: Fresh cilantro, basil, or even a hint of lime zest can elevate the flavor while using up stragglers from the fridge.
Help build a culture where nothing goes to waste. And the next time you’re eyeing those odds and ends, think of fried rice. Let the leftovers tell their story, and you’ll be amazed at the result.