Fried Rice Recipe

This fried rice recipe is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be found in many variations across different cultures. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, making it a staple in my kitchen for quick and delicious meals.

Why I Love This Dish

I love fried rice for its incredible flexibility and the rich flavors it can encompass. It’s a comfort food that combines the savory taste of sautéed vegetables and rice with the satisfying texture of scrambled eggs or bits of meat.

Each ingredient adds a layer of complexity, creating a dish that’s both nutritious and full of flavor.

Total Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fat: 10-15g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sodium: 400-600mg

Ingredients List

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old or chilled)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Ensure the rice is cold; day-old rice from the fridge works best as it’s less sticky and more firm.
2. Cook the Eggs: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the onion, garlic, and mixed vegetables until they start to soften.
4. Add Protein: If using, add your choice of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pan and stir-fry until heated through.
5. Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is hot.
6. Season the Dish: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Final Touches: Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for another minute or two.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?

In my experience, the secret ingredient that often distinguishes restaurant-style fried rice is oyster sauce. This rich, savory condiment adds a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with soy sauce alone.

Oyster sauce provides a unique combination of sweetness, saltiness, and umami, enhancing the overall taste of the fried rice and giving it that distinctive restaurant-quality flavor.

Additionally, the use of high heat in restaurant kitchens allows for the rice to develop a slight char and a smoky ‘wok hei’ flavor, which is the essence of a great stir-fry. This, combined with the oyster sauce and other fresh ingredients, contributes to the complex and satisfying taste of restaurant-style fried rice.

What are some secrets for perfect fried rice?

Creating perfect fried rice is all about texture and flavor. One of the secrets is using day-old rice because it’s drier and less sticky, allowing each grain to fry up nicely without clumping together. I always make sure to spread the rice out and let it chill in the refrigerator before using it.

Another tip is to use high heat to cook the rice quickly, giving it a nice texture and a slightly smoky flavor, similar to what you’d find in a restaurant. It’s also important to cook the ingredients separately to ensure everything is cooked properly before combining them; this way, the vegetables stay crisp, and the protein, whether it’s chicken, shrimp, or tofu, is perfectly cooked before mixing with the rice.

Seasoning is crucial, too—besides soy sauce, I like to add a bit of sesame oil for its nutty aroma and a dash of oyster sauce or fish sauce for depth. Lastly, not overcrowding the pan is key; it allows the ingredients to fry rather than steam, which can make the difference between good and great fried rice.

What gives Chinese fried rice its Flavour?

The distinctive flavor of Chinese fried rice comes from a combination of key ingredients and cooking techniques.

Firstly, sesame oil and soy sauce are essential for imparting that authentic taste; sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic depth, while soy sauce brings saltiness and umami. Another important component is the use of fresh garlic and green onions, which are stir-fried to release their fragrant oils and flavors into the dish.

The high heat used in cooking allows for the rice to develop a slightly caramelized, smoky taste known as ‘wok hei’, a hallmark of Chinese stir-frying. Additionally, ingredients like oyster sauce or fish sauce can be used to enhance the umami and complexity of the dish.

The use of well-seasoned woks in many Chinese kitchens also contributes to the depth of flavor in fried rice, as these pans accumulate layers of seasoning over time that add character to the dish.

In my experience, it’s this blend of savory sauces, aromatic oils, and the right cooking method that gives Chinese fried rice its distinctive, delicious flavor.

Helpful Resources

• All our Main Course Recipes
• All our Fish and Seafood Recipes
• All our Poultry Recipes
• All our Beef Recipes
• Fried rice history

Wrap-Up

Fried rice is not just a dish but an experience, bringing together a harmony of flavors and textures that can be tailored to any preference. It’s a testament to the joy of cooking, allowing for creativity and flexibility.

Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and vegetarian or a more protein-packed meal, fried rice offers a satisfying solution that’s quick, easy, and always delicious.