Fried rice is a beloved dish that captures the essence of a Chinese restaurant meal at home. This quick recipe is perfect for using up leftover ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes. The beauty of this dish lies in its customizable nature, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins like chicken, shrimp, or beef. With a base of scrambled eggs, baby carrots, and peas, all brought together with soy sauce and a garnish of green onions, you get a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is truly delicious.

Creating the best fried rice recipe is all about balance and using what you have at home. Start with leftover rice and add scrambled eggs, veggies like baby carrots and peas, and a splash of soy sauce for that authentic flavor. Whether you prefer it with chicken, shrimp, or even beef, this dish is highly customizable. It’s a Chinese-inspired favorite that can be made quick and easy. Just make sure to learn the right proportions and you’ll have a copycat meal that tastes better than takeout. The addition of cauliflower and other vegetables makes it a nutritious option, perfect for any meal.

What Is Fried Rice?

Fried rice is a traditional Chinese dish that starts with cooked rice and incorporates vegetables, protein, and a touch of soy sauce. The key to this delicious preparation is the stir-fried technique, using a large pan or wok to ensure even flavor distribution. This dish is perfect for using leftovers and can be quickly made with whatever is available in your fridge. It’s incredibly customizable and simple to prepare, allowing you to create a meal that suits your tastes and dietary preferences.

To give it a personal touch, I often make fried rice when I have bits of vegetables and cooked chicken or tofu left over from previous meals. The process is straightforward: heat some oil in a wok, add aromatics like garlic and ginger, then toss in the ingredients. The beauty of fried rice lies in its versatility and the way it can transform humble leftovers into a delightful, flavorful dish.

The Secret to Perfect Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of my all-time favorite dishes to make at home. It’s inspired by my takeout experiences, but with the added benefit of being able to control the saltiness and sweetness. Plus, I can pack in more veggies when I make it myself. This dish is the perfect accompaniment to my takeout style dishes, often serving it alongside baked chicken and vegetable chow mein beef chow fun recipe.

The key to amazing fried rice is using cold, day-old rice. This step is super important because it prevents the rice from becoming mushy. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to plan ahead, you can still achieve great results. Simply cook your rice and then allow it time to completely cool in the fridge or freezer. Fried rice made with cold rice has a better texture. Cook the rice the night before if possible—the longer the rice sits, the better it tastes!

The Best Rice For Fried Rice

When making fried rice, choosing the right rice is crucial. Long grain rice is ideal due to its low starch content, which helps achieve a soft and fluffy texture. A perfect choice would be jasmine rice. Using short grain varieties like sushi rice can result in a clumpy and gummy texture that is not suitable for fried rice. With long grain rice, you get the right balance and texture every time.

Ingredients: (For 1 Serving)

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup peas
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 green onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Prepare Ingredients: Cook the jasmine rice in advance and let it cool. Chop the onion, carrot, and green onion. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
• Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook Egg: Beat the egg and pour it into the skillet. Scramble it until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
• Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrot, peas, garlic, and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
• Add Rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
• Season: Add the soy sauce, scrambled egg, and chopped green onion. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Additional Info About Fried Rice

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Fried Rice.

Health Benefits:

• Balanced Nutrition: Provides a good mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
• Low in Fat: Uses vegetable oil sparingly.
• High in Vitamins: Carrots and peas are high in vitamins A and C.

Notes:

• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Adjust the soy sauce amount to your taste preference.

Nutrition:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g

Equipment:

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Storing Leftover and Reheating

When you have leftover fried rice, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its flavor and texture. First, refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it. To do this, store the rice in a large zip lock bag. Fill the bag, lay it flat, and remove as much air as possible before sealing. This method makes it easy to stack in the freezer and ensures that it defrosts fast when needed.

When you’re ready to reheat your rice, there are a few options depending on whether it’s refrigerated or frozen. For rice from the refrigerator, you can reheat it in the microwave, skillet, or air fryer. You might need to add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of butter to keep it from sticking to the pan. If your rice is frozen, let it defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Then, just like with the refrigerated rice, you can reheat it in the microwave, skillet, or air fryer.

Why Does The Rice Have To Be Cold or Day Old?

When making fried rice, it’s essential to use cold, day-old rice. This might seem strange, but there’s a good reason behind it. When rice is freshly cooked, it is often too wet and clumps together. Warm rice tends to stick, making it difficult to achieve the right texture when stir-frying.

Cold rice from the fridge has dried out a bit, which allows the kernels to be easily broken apart. This process ensures each kernel gets properly fried, resulting in a less mussy fried rice. Even if you don’t have time to chill the rice, you can still make it tasty; just be prepared for a slightly different texture. The key is to aim for cold, day-old rice to get the best results in your fried rice.

Recipe Tips

Making fried rice at home can be both fun and rewarding. To get the best results, it’s important to plan ahead and follow a few key tips. First, use chilled, cooked rice. A fresh batch of rice is great, but if you use it warm or even lukewarm, it can become soggy and form sticky clumps when you try to fry it. For the ideal texture, cook your rice and spread it out on a baking sheet. Let it cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can spread the rice on a sheet and pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.

When you’re ready to cook, heat your non-stick skillet or pan until it’s very hot. Add a bit of toasted sesame oil for a delicious aroma and flavor. Start with your veggies—frozen ones work fine—and stir-fry them until they’re just tender. Next, add your rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir it constantly to prevent steaming and ensure even frying. Use a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce for a perfect balance of color and flavor. If you like a bit of extra kick, add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.

A few personal pet peeves: don’t overcrowd the pan, which can make the rice mushy instead of crispy. And always taste and adjust the salt level, especially if you’re using brands of soy sauce with different sodium content. Green onions are a nice finishing touch to add some freshness and a pop of color. This method is a great way to use leftover, refrigerated rice, giving you a dish that’s both delicious and reminiscent of Chinese restaurant take-out.

Recipe Variation

Fried rice is highly customizable, allowing you to add chicken, shrimp, salmon, or kimchi to suit your taste. It’s ideal for both vegetarians and meat lovers, and experimenting with different ingredients often leads to creative, delicious dishes.

For Chicken Fried Rice, sauté and shred or dice chicken before mixing it with the rice. Beef Fried Rice requires sautéing steak or browning ground beef, then crumbling or dicing it into the rice. Shrimp Fried Rice involves sautéing peeled shrimp before adding it to the dish. Vegetable Fried Rice can be made with stir-fry veggies like onions, carrots, peas, and garlic. Add fresh pineapple for a Chinese or Thai twist, or mix in kimchi for a tangy Kimchi Fried Rice.

For a healthier version, use cooked brown rice or try cauliflower, quinoa, or riced broccoli. Brown the protein (beef, shrimp, chicken) first, then add it back in with the rice and veggies. Kimchi adds tang and heat, while brown rice provides extra fiber and nutrients. Use any available vegetables like red bell peppers, celery, or broccoli.

Can You Make Fried Rice in the Air Fryer?

Yes! Cooking fried rice in the air fryer is super easy! Simply add all of the ingredients to the air fryer and cook until warmed through. Using an air fryer for fried rice is not only convenient but also a great way to achieve a perfect texture without needing a lot of oil. I’ve found that by spreading the rice evenly and giving it a quick stir halfway through, it comes out just right every time. The ingredients can vary, but typically include leftover rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and some protein like chicken or shrimp.

This method is not just simple but also cuts down on cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The air fryer evenly heats everything, ensuring that the rice is warmed through and has a slight crispiness that’s hard to achieve with traditional stovetop methods. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a beloved dish with minimal fuss.

What is the Secret Ingredient in Fried Rice?

Mirin is key for perfect fried rice, deglazing the pan to capture savory bits of chicken and add a sweet undertone to pan-fried vegetables. While frying rice, add mirin for enhanced flavor, like salt or soy sauce. Use honey or apple cider vinegar with sugar for the same sweet effect, maintaining authenticity and taste.

What makes fried rice taste better?

The secret to delicious fried rice lies in the oil you use and the soy sauce you add. Sesame oil is my favorite for its unique flavor, and a drizzle of soy sauce elevates the taste. For extra richness, you can add a bit of butter. These ingredients give fried rice its signature flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking, whether you prefer much or little. Fry your rice to perfection for a satisfying meal.

Why is Fried Rice Unhealthy?

Fried rice is often not the healthiest option because it can be quite high in calories and sodium. This dish is typically cooked with a good amount of oil, which increases its calorie content. Additionally, the use of high-sodium sauces like soy sauce or oyster sauce adds to the overall sodium levels, making it less healthy.

Do I Boil Rice Before Frying?

When making fried rice, cook the rice at least 30 minutes ahead, or a day in advance. Let the rice sit uncovered in the fridge to dry out, ensuring it won’t be mushy. Rinse the rice in a fine sieve with water to remove excess starch. Then, drain and cook the rice in a saucepan.