Fried Rice Recipe
This Fried Rice Recipe brings the delightful flavors of hibachi-style cooking right into your home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, ready in under 35 minutes. With just a few staple ingredients—rice, fresh vegetables, and soy sauce—you’ll create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Customize it with your favorite protein or extra veggies for a unique twist each time. Whether served as a main dish topped with grilled chicken or as a side to complement your favorite Asian recipes, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe can be made in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Customizable Flavors: Add your choice of protein or veggies to suit your taste preferences.
- Easy Cooking Technique: With simple stir-frying steps, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Healthier Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and fresh ingredients to control sodium and fat content.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the colorful veggies and savory flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your delicious fried rice, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will make the preparation smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows you to stir-fry all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
- Spatula: Essential for mixing and flipping ingredients while preventing them from sticking.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for prepping all your ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice
- 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Oil for frying
How to Make Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Cook rice per package instructions and chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling the rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy during frying.
Step 2: Soften Butter
Mix softened butter with soy sauce in a small bowl until well combined. This will add flavor to your fried rice.
Step 3: Cook Egg
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Scramble the egg until fully cooked, then set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Veggies
In the same skillet, stir-fry chopped carrots, peas, and onions until tender—about 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Fry Rice
Add oil to the skillet and heat it up. Once hot, add the chilled rice and cook until warm and slightly crispy, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Season Rice
Drizzle the butter-soy sauce mixture over the warm rice. Toss well to ensure even coating throughout.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Gently fold in the sautéed veggies and scrambled egg. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot. Enjoy!
How to Serve Fried Rice Recipe
Serving your delicious Fried Rice Recipe is an important step in making a meal feel complete. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in many ways, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or the occasion.
As a Main Dish
- Grilled Chicken: Top your fried rice with sliced grilled chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with garlic and toss them into the rice for a seafood twist.
- Tofu: Add pan-fried tofu for a vegetarian option that’s packed with protein.
As a Side Dish
- Spring Rolls: Serve crispy spring rolls alongside your fried rice for added crunch and flavor.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the savory notes of fried rice beautifully.
- Asian Salad: Fresh greens with sesame dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the rice.
With Condiments
- Soy Sauce: Offer soy sauce on the side for those who want an extra burst of flavor.
- Chili Oil: Spice things up by drizzling chili oil over individual servings for heat enthusiasts.
How to Perfect Fried Rice Recipe
Achieving the perfect Fried Rice Recipe requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Day-Old Rice: Chilled rice from the day before helps prevent clumping and achieves better texture when frying.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat allows for quick frying, which enhances flavor and creates that desirable crispy texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Season Gradually: Start with less soy sauce, adding more as needed to ensure balanced flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and proteins for optimal taste and nutrition, adding brightness and crunch to your fried rice.
- Garnish Wisely: Finish your dish with green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Fried Rice Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Fried Rice Recipe can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Egg Rolls: These crispy delights filled with meat or veggies are perfect for dipping and complement fried rice well.
- Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch without overwhelming flavors.
- Dumplings: Both steamed and fried dumplings make great companions, offering varying textures and flavors.
- Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: Sweet and savory skewers add protein while complementing the Asian flavor profile of fried rice.
- Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles provide a sharp contrast that balances out the richness of the fried rice.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad offers crunch and coolness, perfect alongside hot dishes like fried rice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making fried rice can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to keep in mind.
- Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when fried. Always use chilled, day-old rice for the best texture.
- Overcooking Vegetables: Sautéing vegetables too long can lead to a loss of crunch and flavor. Cook them just until tender for the best results.
- Skipping Oil: Not using enough oil can cause the rice to stick. Ensure you have a sufficient amount to fry the rice evenly.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly can leave your fried rice bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed during cooking.
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too much rice at once can lower the pan’s temperature and result in steaming instead of frying. Fry in batches if necessary.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep leftover fried rice in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Fried Rice Recipe
- Allow the fried rice to cool completely before freezing.
- Store it in freezer-safe bags or containers; it can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Fried Rice Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the fried rice on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Microwave: Place a portion of fried rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and stir-fry the fried rice until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about this Fried Rice Recipe.
How do I make Fried Rice Recipe healthier?
You can add more vegetables or swap out butter for olive oil to make it lighter while keeping it delicious.
Can I use leftover rice for this Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, leftover cold rice is ideal as it prevents clumping and creates better texture.
What proteins work well with this Fried Rice Recipe?
Chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu are excellent choices that complement the flavors of fried rice beautifully.
How spicy is this Fried Rice Recipe?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for an extra kick based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Rice Recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile and customizable. You can modify it by adding different proteins or veggies each time you prepare it. Whether it’s a comforting main dish or a delightful side, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!
Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Bring the flavors of hibachi-style cooking to your kitchen with this quick and easy Fried Rice Recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, you can whip this up in under 35 minutes using just a handful of staple ingredients like rice, fresh vegetables, and soy sauce. Customize it with your favorite proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a personalized twist that will impress everyone at the dinner table. This versatile dish can be served as a hearty main course or as a delightful side to complement your favorite Asian meals. Enjoy the colorful medley of veggies and the rich flavors that make this fried rice a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Mix softened butter with soy sauce in a small bowl until well combined.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and scramble the egg until fully cooked; set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir-fry carrots, peas, and onions until tender (about 3–5 minutes).
- Add oil to the skillet; once hot, add chilled rice and cook until warm and slightly crispy.
- Drizzle the butter-soy sauce mixture over the rice and toss to coat evenly.
- Gently fold in sautéed veggies and scrambled egg; adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
