Fried Rice Recipe stands as a beloved staple in culinary traditions worldwide, embodying a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds. As a versatile dish, fried rice offers endless possibilities, allowing you to incorporate a variety of ingredients to create a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. This timeless recipe invites you to transform simple, leftover rice into a vibrant, aromatic masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, crafting the perfect fried rice is accessible and rewarding. Packed with nutrients, this dish delivers a delicious balance of proteins, vegetables, and grains, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or an impressive side dish. Elevate your cooking repertoire and captivate your palate with this ultimate fried rice guide.

What is Fried Rice?

Fried rice is a popular, flavorful dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with a mix of ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, and often meat or seafood. Originating from Asia, it s a versatile recipe that allows for creativity, adapting to different tastes and dietary needs. Often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, or ginger, fried rice is a quick, satisfying meal perfect for using leftovers, making it a go-to choice for busy families and food enthusiasts alike.

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Video of Fried Rice

Prep Time	15 minutes of hands-on prep
Cook Time	10 minutes of active cooking
Total Time	25 minutes from start to finish
Servings	4 hearty portions

Fried Rice is a culinary gem with roots tracing back to the Sui Dynasty in China over 1,500 years ago. Originally a creative way to repurpose leftover rice, it has evolved into a globally beloved dish, celebrated for its versatility and rich flavors. The popularity of Fried Rice can be attributed to its adaptability to various ingredients, making it a staple in many Asian cuisines. Whether it’s a simple homemade Fried Rice Recipe or a gourmet version at a restaurant, its comforting taste and satisfying texture never fail to please. For anyone looking to explore this dish, a Fried Rice Recipe offers endless possibilities to experiment with flavors and ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience every time.

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Fried Rice Ingredients

Discover the delightful symphony of flavors in our Fried Rice recipe by embracing the freshest ingredients. This vibrant dish brings together a variety of colorful vegetables, including crisp green peas, vibrant carrots, and sweet bell peppers, all harmoniously mingling with fluffy jasmine rice. Enhance the savory essence with succulent shrimp or tender chicken, and infuse aromatic notes using freshly minced garlic and ginger. Topped with fragrant scallions and a drizzle of soy sauce, this recipe celebrates freshness and diversity in every bite.

Rice: Long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled, to provide the perfect texture for frying.
Soy Sauce: A salty, savory sauce that adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Sesame Oil: A fragrant oil used for saut ing that imparts a nutty aroma.
Eggs: Beaten and scrambled into the rice for added richness and texture.
Green Onions: Chopped for a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Carrots: Diced small for a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
Peas: Sweet green peas, either fresh or frozen, for added texture and taste.
Garlic: Minced cloves to infuse the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger for a hint of spice and warmth.
Chicken Breast: Diced and pre-cooked for protein, adding a hearty element to the dish.
Bell Pepper: Red or green, chopped for a crisp texture and colorful presentation.
Oyster Sauce: A thick, rich sauce that adds a subtle sweetness and umami flavor.
Bean Sprouts: Fresh sprouts added for a crunchy texture and freshness.
White Pepper: Ground, for a gentle heat that complements the other flavors.
Salt: To enhance and balance the flavors of the other ingredients.

How to Make Fried Rice

To prepare the perfect fried rice, begin by cooking rice a day ahead and refrigerating it overnight, as cold rice yields better texture. Gather all ingredients beforehand, ensuring vegetables are diced evenly for uniform cooking. Preheat a wok over high heat, and use a light oil for a non-greasy finish. Stir-fry quickly to retain crispness and flavor.

Begin by preparing the rice, ideally one day in advance. Rinse 2 cups of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, then spread it on a baking sheet and refrigerate overnight to allow it to dry out slightly, which prevents clumping during frying.
Gather and prepare your ingredients before you start cooking. Dice 1 onion, 2-3 cloves of garlic, and 1-2 carrots into small, uniform pieces. Slice 3-4 green onions and set them aside for garnishing later, and crack 2 eggs into a bowl, beating them lightly with a fork.
Prepare your protein of choice if using, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Cut chicken or tofu into bite-sized pieces or peel and devein shrimp. Season the protein with salt, pepper, and a touch of soy sauce to add flavor before cooking.
Heat a large wok or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chosen protein and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until it’s cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and toss in the diced onions, garlic, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften, ensuring all the vegetables are evenly cooked.
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to set for a few seconds, then scramble them gently, mixing them with the vegetables once they are fully cooked.
Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring the rice is evenly heated and slightly crisp from the frying process.
Reintroduce the cooked protein to the rice mixture, stirring everything together. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the rice, then toss the ingredients thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, salt, or pepper if necessary. Allow the rice to fry for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring all components are well-integrated and heated through.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions over the fried rice as a garnish. Serve the fried rice immediately, optionally with a side of sliced cucumbers or chili sauce for added flavor.

Tips for Making Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Start with cold, day-old rice for the best texture, and use high heat to quickly fry ingredients. Incorporate a mix of colorful vegetables, such as peas and carrots, and add protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of garlic or ginger can enhance flavor, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh green onions for a vibrant finish.

Use Day-Old Rice: Always opt for day-old rice as it’s drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice, which helps achieve the perfect texture without clumping. Spread the rice on a tray and refrigerate it uncovered to dry it further.
Preheat the Pan Properly: Ensure your wok or skillet is thoroughly preheated before adding any ingredients to achieve a good sear and prevent sticking. The high heat also aids in developing a smoky, charred flavor known as “wok hei.”
Cook Ingredients Separately: Cook proteins and vegetables in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, ensuring even cooking and maintaining their distinct textures. Combine them with the rice only at the final stages.
Use High-Smoke Point Oil: Select an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or canola oil, to handle the high temperatures necessary for frying without burning or altering the taste.
Incorporate Aromatics Early: Start by saut ing garlic, ginger, and onions to infuse the oil with their flavors, creating a fragrant base for your fried rice. Push them to the side of the pan before adding rice to prevent burning.
Season Gradually: Rather than adding all of your soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce at once, incorporate them gradually, tasting as you go to achieve a balanced flavor without over-salting.
Add a Splash of Liquid: If your rice starts to look dry, add a small splash of broth or water to help steam the rice and keep it moist without making it soggy. This step helps to revive the texture and flavor.
Finish with Fresh Herbs and Acid: Just before serving, toss in fresh elements like chopped scallions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice to add brightness and elevate the dish s overall taste profile.

Directions for Making Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile and delicious dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a last-minute gathering. This recipe will guide you through creating a flavorful fried rice using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, these straightforward instructions will help you whip up a satisfying meal in no time.

Prepare Ingredients: Gather all necessary ingredients including 2 cups of cooked and cooled rice, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 3-4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn), 1/2 cup of chopped green onions, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and optionally, protein like diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Heat the Oil: In a large wok or non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, which indicates it’s hot enough to cook the ingredients quickly.
Cook the Eggs: Pour the beaten eggs into the pan, swirling to create a thin layer. Allow the eggs to set slightly, then scramble them gently with a spatula until fully cooked, and remove them from the pan to a bowl.
Saut Garlic and Vegetables: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and saut for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re tender-crisp.
Add and Stir Fry the Rice: Add the cooled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir fry the rice with the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to get slightly crispy and heated through.
Incorporate Protein: If using protein, add it to the pan and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the protein is heated through and well mixed with the rice.
Season with Soy Sauce: Drizzle the soy sauce evenly over the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are coated with soy sauce, and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce if needed, tasting frequently.
Finish with Eggs and Green Onions: Return the scrambled eggs to the pan, breaking them up into smaller pieces and gently folding them into the rice. Add the chopped green onions, stirring thoroughly to combine and heat through.
Serve Immediately: Transfer the fried rice to serving plates or bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor before serving.

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Nutrition Facts of Fried Rice

This Fried Rice Recipe offers a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition. Packed with essential nutrients, it provides approximately 300 calories per serving. It’s rich in carbohydrates for energy, contains moderate protein, and is low in fat. The dish is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome meal option.

Calories	250-300 kcal
Protein	6-8 grams
Fat	10-12 grams
Saturated Fat	2-3 grams
Cholesterol	40-50 mg
Carbohydrates	35-40 grams
Fiber	2-3 grams
Sugar	1-2 grams
Sodium	500-600 mg

Conclusion on Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice is a versatile and delicious dish that brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. Its adaptability is one of its greatest strengths; you can tailor it to your preferences by incorporating your favorite proteins, like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and an assortment of vegetables. This not only enhances its flavor but also boosts its nutritional value, offering a balanced meal rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Fried rice is perfect for utilizing leftover ingredients, reducing food waste while delivering a satisfying dish. Serve it as a main course or a complementary side dish alongside Asian-inspired mains like stir-fried dishes or grilled meats. Its quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its vibrant presentation is sure to impress at gatherings. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of fried rice, a dish that effortlessly combines convenience with culinary pleasure.