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Simple Leftover Recipes - Easy, Tasty Ways to Use What You Have

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked rice or grains (white rice, brown rice, quinoa, farro)
  • Cooked protein (chicken, beef, pork, tofu, beans, shrimp)
  • Cooked or raw vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, spinach, corn, roasted veggies)
  • Eggs
  • Tortillas (flour or corn)
  • Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any melting cheese)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth (carton or bouillon)
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Olive oil or neutral oil
  • Butter (optional)
  • Garlic and ginger (fresh or powdered)
  • Green onions or any fresh herbs
  • Hot sauce, salsa, or chili flakes
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Lime or lemon (optional but brightens flavors)

Method
 

  1. Prep your mix-ins: Chop leftover veggies and protein into small, even pieces. Cold leftover rice works best.
  2. Heat the pan: Add 1 tablespoon oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add onions or firm veggies and cook 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add rice: Stir in 2–3 cups of leftover rice, breaking up clumps. Let it sit for 30–45 seconds to crisp slightly, then stir.
  4. Season: Add 1–2 tablespoons soy sauce, a pinch of garlic and ginger, and black pepper. Taste and adjust.
  5. Add protein and soft veggies: Stir in chopped chicken, tofu, or shrimp and any quick-cooking veggies like peas or spinach. Warm through, 2 minutes.
  6. Egg finish (optional): Push rice to one side, add a little oil, scramble 1–2 eggs until set, then mix into rice.
  7. Top and serve: Add green onions and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with chili flakes or hot sauce.
  8. Warm the pan: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium with a light brush of oil or butter.
  9. Build it: Place a tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese, then add chopped leftovers (meat, beans, roasted veggies). Top with another light layer of cheese and a second tortilla.
  10. Cook: Press gently with a spatula. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
  11. Season and slice: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a few drops of hot sauce or salsa inside. Cut into wedges.
  12. Serve: Add a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole if you have it.
  13. Sauté aromatics: In a pot, warm 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery if available. Cook 3–4 minutes.
  14. Add broth: Pour in 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  15. Mix in leftovers: Add chopped cooked protein, cooked grains or pasta, and any leftover veggies. Aim for a balanced mix.
  16. Season: Add salt, pepper, a pinch of garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. Simmer 8–10 minutes to blend flavors.
  17. Finish: Stir in herbs or a handful of spinach. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.