Buzz
The secret to perfect fried rice lies in using “leftover” rice—previously cooked and chilled, ideally in the fridge. Similarly, the most amazing breakfast burritos are crafted with leftover fried rice. At least, that’s what made the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever tasted so unforgettable.
It all began with an order of phat kaphrao, a Thai dish featuring stir-fried meat with holy basil, served alongside rice. The portion was large and packed with spice, lasting me multiple meals. The first meal was enjoyed as-is, while the second involved transforming the leftovers into a buttery, soy-sauce-seasoned fried rice. (It was absolutely delicious.) Even then, I still had some leftovers, which I happily repurposed.
The final meal became a breakfast burrito—spicy basil pork, rice, eggs, ham, and cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla. The Thai-inspired flavors elevated the burrito, adding heat, umami (from fish sauce), and herbal notes (thanks to holy basil). These elements perfectly balanced the richness of the eggs and cheese. (Call it “fusion” if you like, but it’s really just smart use of leftovers.)
You don’t have to prepare fried rice from scratch to enjoy this trick. Whether it’s takeout or homemade, any fried rice will do the job perfectly. Begin by warming the rice in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s sizzling and hot, create a well in the center, crack an egg or two into it, and scramble quickly before blending it into the rice. Toss in any cooked breakfast meats you like, sprinkle cheese on top, remove the pan from the heat, and let the cheese melt. Meanwhile, warm your tortilla directly over a burner for a few charred spots, then fill it with the rice mixture, roll it up, and dig in.
