Introduction
Fried rice is a popular dish all over the world, known for its flavorful and aromatic blend of rice, vegetables, meats, and spices. However, for some cooks, making perfect fried rice can be challenging, as it is all too easy to end up with a mushy or dry, bland result. Fear not- this article will provide you with easy-to-follow tips and instructions on how to make the perfect fried rice every time.
Step-by-Step Recipe
To make delicious fried rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of leftover cooked white rice, chilled overnight in the fridge
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
In addition, you will need a wok or large skillet, a wooden spoon or spatula, and a cutting board.
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in the wok or skillet on medium-high heat. Once heated, add the onion and garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened.
- Add the chilled cooked rice to the skillet and break up the rice with your wooden spoon or spatula.
- Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, continuing to stir-fry until all ingredients are evenly mixed, and the rice is heated through.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped green onions.
- Your delicious fried rice is now ready to serve. Enjoy!
Regional Variations
Fried rice is a dish that is enjoyed by many cultures all around the world. In Thailand, for example, they make “Khao Pad” that uses jasmine rice and fish sauce. In Japan, they use small and sticky “mo-chi gome” rice and soy sauce that gives the dish a unique umami flavor. The exciting part of making fried rice is that you can experiment with not just these different cooking methods but also different ingredients from all over the world.
Healthier Alternatives
Fried rice can be a healthy dish with the right ingredients. Switching white rice to brown rice or quinoa will give you more fiber and protein, and using lean protein like chicken breast or tofu instead of fatty meats will help you lower the calorie count. You can also add more vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms, making your fried rice more nutritious and satisfying without compromising flavor.
Creative Mix-ins
Aside from its traditional ingredients, different mix-ins can add more flavors and varieties to fried rice like curry powder, fresh cilantro, or chopped bacon. To get a hint of spicy heat, you can add peppers or hot sauce. And to give your Fried rice some crunch, add some cashews or peanuts.
Leftovers Inspiration
Leftover rice is pretty versatile. If you have some of the cooked rice leftover from dinner, you can prepare some basic eggs and veggies with soy sauce and toss it with cooked rice for breakfast. You can also use leftover rice for making Mexican, Mediterranean, and other types of cuisine. Try cooking some delicious Paella by incorporating your cooked rice with veggies and meat. Your options are endless.
Equipment Tips
When cooking fried rice, woks are typically the best choice because of their curved shape that allows the ingredients to cook through quickly, while also helping to distribute heat evenly. Other cooking equipment that will come in handy are wooden spoon or spatula for stirring and mixing. A rice cooker will be a time-saver if you frequently cook rice for your meal prep.
Best Pairing Suggestions
Fried Rice is a great standalone dish, but it is more delicious when paired with other foods. Popular side dishes to have with fried rice are kimchi, pickled vegetables, or hot and sour soups. A variety of protein dishes like spicy Szechuan beef, General Tso’s chicken, or crispy tofu will complement the rice well. And lastly, Tea or beer is widely enjoyed with rice in many cuisines.
Conclusion
Cooking perfect fried rice can be a breeze when you have the right ingredients, equipment, and know-how. Experiment with different ingredients, mix-ins, regional variations, and you’ll surely create your fried rice recipe that everybody will love. Follow these helpful tips and take advantage of all the possibilities for cooking fried rice.
