How to Make Delicious Fried Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide with Variations and Healthier Alternatives

Introduction

Fried rice is a staple dish enjoyed by people from all over the world. It’s fast and easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking. In this article, we will show you how to make delicious fried rice in the comfort of your own home.

But first, let’s talk about the dish itself. Fried rice is a dish made from cold, leftover rice stir-fried with different meats, vegetables, and egg. This dish originated in Asia, but it has since gained worldwide popularity.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You will need:

• 3 cups cooked white rice (leftover and cooled rice is best)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s start cooking!

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onion and stir-fry until fragrant, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Add frozen peas and carrots and cook for a few more minutes, or until tender.
4. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the beaten eggs in the center. Scramble the eggs until cooked and then mix it with the vegetables.
5. Add the cold rice and stir to combine with the veggies and eggs.
6. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt and pepper. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!

Here are some tips for making the best-fried rice:

• Make sure to use cold, leftover rice. Freshly cooked rice can lead to clumpy and sticky fried rice.
• Preheat the skillet or wok before adding the oil to avoid sticking.
• Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper before adding the soy sauce.
• Add the sesame oil towards the end of cooking to preserve the nutty flavor.
• If using shrimp or other meats, cook them separately before adding them to the rice.

Check out the photos below for a visual representation of each step:

Variations

Fried rice is an incredibly versatile dish that can be easily customized. Here are some popular variations you might want to try:

Vegetable Fried Rice

For a vegetarian-friendly option, substitute the meat with your favorite vegetables. Try adding broccoli, mushrooms, corn, or bell peppers. You can also add some cashews or peanuts for extra crunch.

Shrimp Fried Rice

If seafood is more your thing, try shrimp fried rice. Make the recipe as usual but add some cooked shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.

Spicy Fried Rice

If you like spice, add some diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the recipe. You can also use chili oil or sriracha sauce for an extra kick.

Here are some photos of each variation:

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking for a healthier option, here are a few tips:

• Use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice contains more fiber and nutrients but takes longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
• Add more vegetables such as spinach, kale, or even zucchini to the recipe.
• Reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe and use a non-stick pan instead to cut down on calories.

Here’s a recipe for a healthier version of fried rice:

Brown Rice and Vegetable Fried Rice

You will need:

• 3 cups cooked brown rice (cooled)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 onion (diced)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, or chard)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper

Here are the steps:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onion and stir-fry until fragrant, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Add frozen peas and carrots and mixed greens and cook for a few more minutes, or until tender.
4. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the beaten eggs in the center. Scramble the eggs until cooked and then mix it with the vegetables.
5. Add the brown rice and stir to combine with the veggies and eggs.
6. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and salt and pepper. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!

Here’s some nutritional information for this healthier version:

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg

Cultural Origin

Fried rice has its origins in Asia, where it is a staple dish in many countries. The dish dates back over 1,500 years and was created as a way to use up leftover rice. Here are some interesting facts about fried rice in different cultures:

China

In China, fried rice is known as “chǎofàn” and is a popular street food. The dish can be made with a variety of meats and vegetables. It’s also common to add soy sauce, green onions, and Chinese five-spice seasoning.

Thailand

In Thailand, fried rice is called “khao phat” and is typically made with jasmine rice. Thai-style fried rice often includes Thai chili, fish sauce, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.

India

In India, fried rice is known as “chitranna” and is typically made with basmati rice. Indian-style fried rice often includes curry powder, turmeric, and cumin for a distinctive taste.

Meal Pairing

While fried rice is delicious on its own, it also pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

Egg Rolls

Egg rolls are a classic Chinese dish that pairs well with fried rice. You can buy pre-made frozen egg rolls or make them from scratch. Here’s a recipe for homemade egg rolls:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Ground pork
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tbsp. water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 12 egg roll wrappers

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil, then add the ground pork. Cook until browned, stirring frequently.
2. Add the cabbage, carrots, and onion, and stir to combine. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the pork is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, soy sauce, and water. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir to coat the pork and vegetables. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing towards you. Spoon about 2 tbsp. of the pork mixture onto the wrapper, then fold the bottom corner up over the filling. Fold the sides in, then roll the egg roll up until the top corner is sealed. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the egg rolls and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot with fried rice.

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso’s chicken is a sweet and spicy Chinese dish that complements fried rice well. Here’s a recipe for homemade General Tso’s chicken:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 3 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1-2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the cornstarch until coated.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned and crispy, stirring frequently.
3. Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and cook for a few minutes, until fragrant.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes.
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
6. Serve hot with fried rice and top with sesame seeds for garnish.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

Stir-fry vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish that pairs well with fried rice. Here’s a recipe for stir-fry vegetables:

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 lb. mixed vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large skillet over high heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the mixed vegetables and cook, stirring frequently, until they are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with fried rice.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this step-by-step guide to making delicious fried rice. It’s a simple yet versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer shrimp, veggies or spicy flavors, there is a variation that is sure to please. Remember to try incorporating healthier alternatives by using brown rice and more vegetables.