7 Simple Steps to Making Perfect Fried Rice

Are you a fan of fried rice? Well, who isn’t?! Fried rice is one of the most delicious and easy-to-make dishes that comes to mind when you’re looking for a quick fix. It’s a dish that is loved by many people across different cultures, and it can be made with a variety of ingredients. If you’re interested in making this amazing dish, then this article is perfect for you!

Making fried rice can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. The secret to having the perfect fried rice is to start with the basics. You need rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein. You can use any type of rice, from jasmine to basmati to brown rice, as long as it is cooked and cooled before frying. You can also experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and onions. As for the protein, you can use eggs, chicken, shrimp, tofu, or anything else you prefer. Let’s get started on the step-by-step process of making fried rice.

Ingredients

To make a delicious fried rice, you need to gather the following ingredients:

1. Rice – preferably long-grain

2. Vegetables – carrots, peas, bell peppers, onions, and scallions.

3. Egg – one large egg.

4. Soy sauce – low sodium or light soy sauce.

5. Garlic and ginger – finely minced or grated.

6. Oil – vegetable or sesame oil.

7. Salt and pepper – to taste.

8. Water – boiling water.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Rice Preparation: For fried rice, you need to use day-old cooked rice. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then bring to a boil in a pot of boiling water. Cook the rice until it is tender but not mushy. Drain in a colander and transfer into a bowl. Let cool for several hours or overnight.

2. Vegetables Preparation: Wash the vegetables thoroughly, peel and chop the onion into small dices. Cut the carrot and bell peppers into small cubes. Rinse the green peas, and slice the scallions. Set the vegetables aside.

Preparing the Egg Mixture

Beat the egg in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of oil. When hot, pour in the egg mixture, and scramble it into small bits until it’s fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Stir-Frying the Veggies

Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and add the chopped onions. Stir for a few minutes until they’re slightly softened, then add the finely minced garlic and ginger and stir for 30 seconds. Next, add carrots and pepper and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes. Lastly, add the green peas and scallions and stir-fry for an additional minute.

Stir-Frying the Rice

Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add a tablespoon of oil to the other side. Add the cooled rice to the skillet, breaking up any lumps with a spatula. Stir-fry the rice for several minutes until they’re heated through and the grains separate. Finally, add the cooked egg and stir to combine.

Adding Soy Sauce and Seasonings

Add two tablespoons of soy sauce into the skillet and mix to combine. Taste the rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You can add more soy sauce if needed.

Variations

1. Meat-You can add any type of meat like chicken, beef, pork or shrimp into the stir-fry. Cook them first then set aside until the veggies are cooked. Add them back at the last stage when the rice is added.

2. Pineapple-You can add fresh pineapple chunks to give your fried dress an extra burst of flavor. This works especially well for a Hawaiian-style fried rice.

3. Nuts-Add roasted peanuts, cashews, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.

Serving and Storing

Serve the fried rice in bowls and garnish with some extra sliced scallions and sesame seeds if you desire. You can store the leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze the fried rice for up to one month.

Conclusion

Cooking fried rice is easy when you have the right ingredients and follow the right steps. Whether you prefer it vegetarian or with meat, with soy sauce or oyster sauce, the possibilities are endless. So, don’t hesitate to experiment with different seasoning and ingredients to make your own signature fried rice.

Ingredients for Making Fried Rice

The ingredients used in making fried rice may vary depending on the desired taste. In general, the commonly used ingredients for making fried rice include cooked rice, vegetables, meat, eggs, and soy sauce. Here’s a more detailed list of the ingredients you will need to make delicious fried rice at home.

Cooked Rice

The primary ingredient used in making fried rice is cooked rice. You can use either white or brown rice, but white rice is the most commonly used. Cooked rice that is at least one day old is preferred because it tends to be drier, which makes it easier to stir-fry and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Vegetables

Vegetables are essential in making a balanced and nutritious fried rice dish. You can use any vegetables of your choice, but the most popular ones include carrots, peas, broccoli, corn, beans, and onions. Chop your vegetables into small pieces that can be easily stir-fried.

Meat

The most commonly used meat in fried rice is chicken, but you can also use beef, pork, or shrimp. Before adding it to the dish, slice your meat thinly to allow it to cook quickly and evenly. Marinate your meat in soy sauce or oyster sauce for a flavor boost.

Eggs

Eggs are an essential ingredient in fried rice, and they add a creamy texture and flavor to the dish. Beat your eggs in a separate bowl and scramble them before adding them to the dish. Be sure to stir the eggs as they cook to avoid burning them.

Oil

Oil is necessary for frying the vegetables, meat, and eggs. The best oils to use for making fried rice include peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil. These oils have a high smoke point and are less likely to burn while cooking.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is used to add seasoning and color to your fried rice dish. It’s best to use light soy sauce, which is less salty than dark soy sauce. Too much soy sauce can make your dish too salty, so add it sparingly.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce made from oysters. It’s used to add depth and umami flavor to your fried rice dish. Oyster sauce is a bit sweeter than soy sauce, so it’s best to use it in moderation.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are used to season your fried rice dish. Add salt and pepper to taste, but be careful not to overdo it as soy sauce and oyster sauce already provide some seasoning.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce and make it stick to the rice. Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry and add it to the sauce as it cooks. This step is optional, but it helps to create a cohesive and flavorful dish.

Garnishes

Garnishes are used to add some color and freshness to your fried rice dish. The most commonly used garnish for fried rice is green onions, but you can also use chopped cilantro or parsley. Add the garnish just before serving to ensure that it’s fresh and not wilted.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for your Fried Rice

Making the perfect fried rice requires the right ingredients. Here’s a list of ingredients you can use:

Choosing the Right Rice

The most important ingredient in fried rice is the rice itself. The perfect fried rice should have grains that are separated and fluffy. Therefore, choose long-grain rice such as jasmine rice or basmati rice. Rinse the rice in cold water to remove excess starch before cooking. For best results, use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight. This will reduce moisture in the rice and prevent clumping.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, use a mix of colorful vegetables to add texture and flavor to your fried rice. Diced carrots, green beans, peas, bell peppers, corn, broccoli, and onion are great vegetables to add to your fried rice. Be sure to dice the vegetables into small, even pieces so that they cook evenly and are evenly distributed in your dish.

Choosing the Right Meat

Adding meat to your fried rice is optional, but it can definitely enhance the flavor of your dish. Choose lean meats such as diced chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. You can cook the meat separately before adding it to your fried rice or you can cook it with the vegetables. Either way, be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Choosing the Right Seasonings

The seasoning is what makes or breaks a dish. Soy sauce and sesame oil are the two most important seasonings when making fried rice. Soy sauce gives the dish its characteristic color and flavor, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Use a light soy sauce to prevent the rice from becoming too salty. Oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and fish sauce are other seasonings you can add to your fried rice to give it extra depth of flavor.

Choosing the Right Oil

Use a neutral oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil to fry your rice. Avoid using olive oil or butter as they have a low smoke point and can burn easily. Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan until hot before adding the rice, vegetables, and meat. The high heat will prevent the rice from becoming mushy and will give your dish a nice crispy texture.

Time to Dig In!

Now that you’ve learned how to make delicious fried rice, it’s time to grab a fork and start eating. We hope this recipe gave you the confidence to experiment with different ingredients and make fried rice your own. Thank you for reading and visit us again soon for more tasty delights!