The Best Fried Rice Recipe
Say goodbye to expensive takeout and learn how to make your own delicious rice at home with this fried rice recipe! This comfort food is cheaper and healthier than takeout, and just as satisfying. Fried rice is simply cooked rice with other ingredients like veggies, corn and meat (optional).
The base of fried rice is, of course, rice, which is cooked to perfection (I prefer to use day old rice for perfect taste and texture) and then cooled and then stir fried with garlic, ginger, and green onion that impart flavor to the dish. Then egg whites and veggies are added along with spices and seasonings to complete the dish.
Garlic and ginger impart a depth of flavor and aroma to this fried rice recipe. Spring onions add a mild flavor and a pop of color to the dish (use onion green part at the end). Soy sauce adds savory and umami flavor to the dish, while oyster sauce adds a sweet, slightly savory flavor.
It is a simple fried rice recipe that I’ve made for years. The secret to making the best rice recipe is experimenting with the ingredients until you create your unique version of this classic dish. It’s super-easy and can be made in less than 30 minutes. Plus, this dish is healthy and can be made with whatever ingredients you have, so it’s perfect for budgeting!
What is Fried Rice?
Fried rice is a staple dish in many Asian cuisines. It is a simple and delicious dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with various ingredients. Some key elements in fried rice include rice, eggs, garlic, ginger, spring onions, black pepper, oil, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Fried rice is often served as a side dish to compliment a variety of meat, seafood, and chicken main course meals.
Ingredients for Fried Rice
Rice – The most crucial ingredient in fried rice recipe is, of course, rice. You can use any rice, but long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati rice works best for fried rice. Cook the rice until it is fluffy and dry, so it doesn’t clump together when you stir-fry it.
Oil – To cook the rice and vegetables, you will need oil. You can use any oil, but vegetables, canola, or peanut oil are good options. I used avocado oil as it has a high smoke point.
Seasonings – Season the rice with ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, and soy sauce, and add black pepper.
Vegetables – Some vegetables used in fried rice include carrots, peas, and bell peppers. You can also add mushrooms or broccoli.
Eggs – Eggs add a rich, savory flavor to the dish. I mixed egg yolks with the boiled rice and stir-fried egg whites in the pan before adding veggies and rice.
Oyster Sauce – Oyster sauce gives fried rice a rich, savory flavor.
Soy Sauce – Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes and is often used to season fried rice. It gives fried rice a salty and umami flavor.
How to make Fried Rice
There’s nothing complicated about making a fried rice recipe at home. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make the best-fried rice recipe at home.
Take 2 cups of boiled rice (I used day-old fried rice) in a medium bowl. Add two egg yolks and mix with a spoon until combined well.
Preheat your pan, sauté ginger, garlic and onion in oil, fry egg whites, add vegetables and rice mixed with egg yolks. Season it with spices and you will have a special side dish ready in no time.
Garnish with green onion. Serve warm!
Fried Rice Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make fried rice with leftover rice?
Yes, fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice. Ensure the rice is cold and properly stored before using it in the recipe.
Can I make vegetarian or vegan fried rice?
Yes, you can make vegetarian or vegan fried rice by omitting meat or seafood and using a plant-based protein source such as tofu, tempeh, or even beans or lentils.
Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze fried rice. Let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How long does fried rice last in the fridge?
Fried rice will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I add other seasonings and herbs to my fried rice?
To customize the flavor, you can add other seasonings and herbs to your fried rice. Some popular seasonings include cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and herbs such as cilantro, basil, and mint.
What are the best vegetables to add to fried rice?
Some popular vegetables to add to fried rice include carrots, peas, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms. You can add any vegetables you like; just ensure they are cooked properly before adding them to the pan.
Can I make fried rice without soy sauce?
Yes, you can make fried rice without soy sauce, but it will lack the saltiness and umami flavor that soy sauce provides. You can use other seasonings and sauces to flavor the rice, such as fish sauce, hoisin sauce, or oyster sauce.
Fried Rice
Say goodbye to expensive takeout and learn how to make your own delicious fried rice at home with this recipe! This comfort food is cheaper and healthier than takeout, and just as satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 2 egg yolk
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ tsp ginger paste
- 2 spring onion
- Two egg whites
- Veggies
- Black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Tbsp oyster sauce
Instructions
- Take 2 cups of boiled rice (I used day-old fried rice) in a medium bowl. Add two egg yolks and mix with a spoon until combined well.
- Take 2 tbsp oil in a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic and sauté for a few seconds.
- Add spring onions (white part) to the skillet and let them fry for 30 seconds. Then add egg whites and let them cook for 1 minute.
- Add veggies (carrot, peas, corn) and spring onion (green part) to the skillet. Then add rice mixed with yolk to the skillet.
- Season the rice with black pepper, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
Notes
Use Cooked, Cold Rice – It's best to use a day-old cooked and cooled rice when making fried rice. It helps to prevent the rice from becoming mushy and ensures that it will stir-fry evenly.
Add Sauces at The End – When adding soy sauce and oyster sauce, add them at the end of the cooking process. It will prevent the rice from becoming too salty or overpowering the flavors of the other ingredients.
Don't Over-Stir – When stir-frying the rice, be sure not to over-stir it. It can result in mushy rice that loses its texture.
Use The Right Pan – Use a wok or a large skillet to make fried rice. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all ingredients and allow them to stir-fry evenly.
Be Creative with Your Ingredients – Fried rice is a versatile dish, and you can add different ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular ingredients include vegetables such as carrots, peas, and bell peppers, meat such as chicken, beef, or seafood.
Use Leftover Rice – Don't throw it away if you have leftover rice!
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