Fried rice is such a delicious and popular dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world for decades. It is a simple and easy-to-make recipe that can be prepared in a short amount of time and almost everywhere. Making it a great option for busy weeknights or for when you’re craving something savory and satisfying on the go.
I will share with you a step-by-step guide on how to make the best fried rice at home.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the rice. Fried rice is traditionally made with leftover rice, as it is firmer and drier than freshly cooked rice. However, if you don’t have any leftover rice, you can cook a fresh batch and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the frozen peas and carrots and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until they are heated through and tender.
Step 4: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through, then mix them in with the vegetables.
Step 5: Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the rice is evenly coated and the soy sauce is absorbed.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy!
Additional tips:
- You can customize this recipe by adding other ingredients, such as diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or by using different vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli, or bean sprouts.
- To make the fried rice even more flavorful, you can add other seasonings, such as sesame oil, ginger, or chili flakes.
- Make sure to use a large enough pan or wok to stir-fry the ingredients, as this will help to ensure that everything cooks evenly and doesn’t get overcrowded.
- It’s important to use cold cooked rice, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried. If you don’t have any leftover rice, you can also use day-old rice that has been stored in the refrigerator.
- Don’t over-stir the rice when cooking it, as this can cause it to become sticky and clumpy. Instead, gently fold the rice in with the other ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it up in a pan on the stove.
Fried rice is a great versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course since you can add vegetables and meat to it. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice or vegetables in your fridge and save money by doing so. By following these simple steps, you can make delicious and satisfying fried rice that is sure to please your friends and family’s taste buds.
One of the keys to making good fried rice is to ensure that the rice grains are separate and not clumped together. This can be achieved by using a fork or chopsticks to break up any clumps of rice before adding it to the pan. It’s also important to use high heat and a large wok or frying pan, as this will help to prevent the rice from becoming soggy and overcooked.
You can also do that by rinsing your rice before cooking it, it will improve the quality of the fried rice.
Tips to make the perfect fried rice at home
If you want to take your fried rice game to the next level and make it truly perfect, here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
Use cold, day-old rice: As mentioned earlier, it’s important to use cold rice that has been refrigerated for at least a day. This will help the rice grains to separate and become less sticky when stir-fried.
Don’t use too much oil: While you need some oil to stir-fry the ingredients, using too much oil can make the fried rice greasy and heavy. Use just enough to coat the pan and prevent the ingredients from sticking.
Use high heat: To achieve that smoky, slightly crispy texture that is characteristic of good fried rice, you need to use high heat. This will help to quickly stir-fry the ingredients and prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you add too many ingredients to the pan at once, they won’t have enough room to cook evenly and may become soggy. It’s best to cook the ingredients in batches if necessary and to use a large enough pan or wok to allow for plenty of space.
Add the ingredients in the right order: Start with the aromatics (such as onions and garlic), followed by any protein (such as chicken or shrimp), then the vegetables, and finally the rice. This will ensure that each ingredient has enough time to cook and develop its own flavor before being combined with the other ingredients.
Season the rice gradually: Add the seasonings (such as soy sauce or oyster sauce) gradually and taste the rice as you go. This will allow you to adjust the seasoning to your liking and prevent the rice from becoming too salty or overpowering.
Let the rice sit for a bit: After the fried rice is cooked, let it sit in the pan for a minute or two before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to crisp up slightly.
By following these tips, you can make the perfect fried rice at home that is flavorful, satisfying and has just the right texture. Every time you will do fried rice, it will be better. So go ahead and give it a try.
Homemade Fried Rice Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make homemade fried rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
You can also customize the ingredients to your liking, such as adding diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu, or using different vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli, or bean sprouts. The key is to use ingredients that are firm and hold up well when stir-fried, and to balance the flavors and textures to your liking.
Easy fried rice variations
If you love fried rice and want to experiment with some easy variations at home, here are a few ideas to try:
Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced fresh pineapple, diced ham, or cooked shrimp, and some chopped cashews or peanuts to your basic fried rice recipe. The sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the ham or shrimp create a delicious contrast, and the nuts add a nice crunch.
Kimchi Fried Rice: If you love Korean flavors, try adding some chopped kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), sliced scallions, and some gochujang (Korean chili paste) to your fried rice. This variation has a spicy, tangy flavor that is perfect for kimchi lovers.
Curry Fried Rice: If you enjoy Indian flavors, try adding some curry powder, diced potatoes, green peas, and chopped cilantro to your fried rice. This variation has a fragrant, slightly spicy flavor that is perfect for curry fans.
Bacon and Egg Fried Rice: For a simple yet delicious variation, add some crispy bacon and scrambled eggs to your basic fried rice recipe. The saltiness of the bacon and the richness of the eggs make this variation a crowd-pleaser.
Vegetable Fried Rice: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try adding a variety of chopped vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, to your fried rice. This variation is packed with nutrients and has a fresh, crunchy texture.
These are just a few easy variations to get you started – feel free to experiment with your own favorite flavors and ingredients to create a customized fried rice that suits you.
Another important tip is to add the soy sauce gradually and taste the rice as you go. This will allow you to adjust the seasoning to your liking and prevent the rice from becoming too salty. Always taste before adding more. You can also experiment with other sauces and seasonings, such as oyster sauce, chicken stock, hoisin sauce, or Chinese five-spice powder, to give your fried rice a unique and flavorful twist.
When it comes to adding protein, such as chicken or shrimp, it’s important to cook it separately before adding it to the pan. This will ensure that the protein is cooked through and tender, without becoming overcooked or dry. You can also marinate the protein in soy sauce or other seasonings before cooking it, to give it extra flavor and tenderness.
What you can serve with fried rice
Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with fried rice:
Stir-fried Vegetables: Serve your fried rice with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bok choy, broccoli, and snow peas. This adds some extra nutrition and freshness to the meal.
Egg Rolls: Serve some crispy egg rolls alongside your fried rice for a complete Chinese-style meal. You can buy premade egg rolls from the grocery store, or make your own at home.
Teriyaki Chicken: Grilled or sautéed teriyaki chicken is a classic pairing with fried rice. You can marinate chicken breasts in teriyaki sauce and then grill or sauté them, or buy premade teriyaki chicken from a Chinese restaurant or grocery store.
Steamed Dumplings: Steamed dumplings, such as pork or vegetable dumplings, are a delicious accompaniment to fried rice. You can buy premade dumplings from the grocery store, or make your own at home.
Soup: Serve your fried rice with a bowl of hot and sour soup, egg drop soup, or wonton soup for a warming and comforting meal.
The key is to balance the flavors and textures of the different dishes to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
At last, fried rice is a simple and delicious dish that can be customized to your liking in so many ways. By following these tips and experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings, you can make delicious and satisfying fried rice that will be sure to impress your family and friends.
So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give fried rice a try and see how versatile and delicious it can be!
