Fried Rice, a beloved dish with origins in China's Sui Dynasty, is a versatile and delicious meal made from leftover rice. It's commonly cooked in a wok with vegetables, eggs, and essential seasonings, and is easily customizable with various proteins like chicken, pork, or shrimp. This dish, initially created to repurpose leftovers, has become a global favorite due to its simplicity and adaptability.
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The appeal of Fried Rice lies in its simplicity and the ability to use everyday pantry items. It's a staple in many Asian restaurants and street food scenes around the world. Achieving the perfect Fried Rice at home is straightforward, hinging on four key aspects: using cold rice, high-heat stir-frying, precise seasoning, and a quality wok or pan.
This recipe delivers a simple yet authentic taste, similar to your favorite Asian takeouts, and is ready in under 30 minutes. It pairs wonderfully with stir-fries and can be easily tailored to include your preferred veggies and proteins.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this classic Fried Rice recipe, you'll need essential ingredients commonly found in a Chinese pantry. These items are readily available in most Asian grocery stores. Let's take a look at what you'll need:
- Cold Rice: The foundation of your Fried Rice. Leftover or cold rice (white, brown, basmati, or jasmine) works best as it doesn't clump together, allowing for a more even and crisp stir-fry.
- Vegetables: Add color, texture, and nutrients. Choose a mix of favorites like green beans, carrots, broccoli, and peas. They should be chopped into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- All-Purpose Soy Sauce: This is essential for the savory, umami depth in the dish. It seasons the rice and balances the flavors.
- Dark Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, deep color and a slightly sweet taste, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor profile of the Fried Rice.
- Black Pepper: A simple but vital seasoning that introduces a mild heat and aromatic touch, complementing the other flavors in the dish.
- Sesame Oil: Ideal for its nutty aroma and authentic Asian flavor, perfect for stir-frying rice and veggies. Soybean oil is a great substitute for its neutral taste and high smoke point.
- Eggs: They add a fluffy texture, protein, and a subtle savory flavor, blending seamlessly with the rice and vegetables.
How to Make Fried Rice?
Step into the delicious world of Chinese Fried Rice with our easy-to-follow recipe, enhanced by helpful photos and videos. Let's get cooking and bring this classic dish to life!
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Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups White Rice, chilled leftover rice
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce, light, low sodium
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Oil, canola, or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil, or soybean oil
- 1 tbsp Garlic, chopped
- 2 tbsp Spring Onion, white part chopped
- 1 tsp Pepper Powder, black or white pepper
- ¼ cup Green Peas, frozen
- ¼ cup Carrot, chopped
- Spring Onion, green part to garnish
Instructions
To Make Fried Rice
- Start by heating oil in a wok on high heat. Add garlic and the white parts of spring onions, sautéing them until they release a fragrant aroma.
- Toss in green peas and carrots, stir-frying them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn crisp.
- Move the vegetables to the edges of the wok, creating an open space in the center. Crack the eggs directly into this cleared area.
- Allow the eggs to cook until the edges start to set, then gently scramble them, ensuring they are well combined with the vegetables.
- Introduce the leftover or chilled rice into the wok. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black pepper powder, salt, and sesame oil. Stir-fry the mixture thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes.
- To finish, sprinkle the Fried Rice with chopped spring onions, then remove the wok from the heat. Now the fried rice is ready to be savored!
To Serve
- Serve the Fried Rice hot and fresh from the wok, accompanied by your favorite stir-fry dishes, whether they feature chicken, shrimp, or a medley of vegetables.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Seasonings: The key to delicious Chinese rice lies in the seasonings. Don't skimp on them for the best flavor. Get creative with additions like rice vinegar, chili paste, Szechuan sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for an extra flavor kick.
- Rice Choice: Medium-grain white rice is a great option, but don't hesitate to try brown, basmati, or jasmine rice for variety. The best results come from using leftover, cooled rice, which has reduced moisture and fries better than freshly cooked rice, helping to prevent clumping and sticking. If you're starting with fresh rice, cool it for at least 2 hours or refrigerate for 30 minutes before frying to achieve the perfect texture.
- Cooking the Rice Right: For the perfect foundation of your Fried Rice, cook the rice using your preferred method – rice cooker, instant pot, absorption, or cook and drain. It's crucial to use the correct rice-to-water ratio to prevent the rice from becoming sticky or mushy.
- Cookware: A high-quality wok or iron skillet is preferable for that authentic, restaurant-style flavor. If these aren't available, a regular pan will suffice.
- Temperature: High heat is crucial for achieving a crispy texture in your fried rice. It ensures quick cooking and prevents the rice from becoming soggy.
- Plan Ahead: Stir-frying is a quick cooking method, so it's essential to have all your ingredients prepared and at hand. This preparation ensures a smoother and more enjoyable cooking experience
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
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Serving Suggestions
Explore these expertly curated pairing suggestions to elevate your fried rice into a complete, harmonious meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Complement your fried rice with a colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. This adds a nutritious and vibrant touch to your meal.
- Grilled or Steamed Protein: Pair with grilled chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp. These proteins provide a hearty and flavorful balance to the lightness of the rice.
- Spring Rolls or Dumplings: Serve with crispy spring rolls or steamed dumplings for a classic Asian dining experience.
- Sweet and Sour Dishes: Add a dish with a sweet and tangy profile, like sweet and sour chicken or pork, to create a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Hot and Sour Soup: Start with a hot and sour soup for a warming and appetizing beginning.
- Asian Salads: A light Asian salad, with ingredients like cucumber, carrot, and a sesame dressing, offers a refreshing side to the fried rice.
- Egg Drop or Miso Soup: These light soups can serve as a gentle start to the meal, paving the way for the more robust flavors of the fried rice.
- Teriyaki Dishes: Items like teriyaki chicken or tofu bring a sweet and savory element that pairs beautifully with fried rice.
- Sautéed Greens: Simple sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach, seasoned with garlic and soy sauce, add a healthy and flavorful side.
- Asian-style Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw with a vinaigrette based on rice vinegar complements the fried rice with its texture and acidity.
- Indo-Chinese Favorites: Enhance your fried rice with popular Indo-Chinese dishes like chilli chicken, chicken manchurian, chicken lollipop and chilli paneer, adding a diverse and richly flavorful dimension to your meal.
Storage Suggestions
Enjoy this Fried Rice fresh and warm for the best taste and flavor. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to keep them in a tightly sealed container to maintain freshness.
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