How to make the best fried rice from scratch
Calvin’s Fried Rice Recipe is something that you simply cannot resist. This recipe is savory, mouthwatering, and utterly delicious. Anyone who loves fried rice must try this recipe at least once in their lifetime. The taste of this recipe will take you on a journey to the streets of Asia, where fried rice is a staple food.
What makes Calvin’s Fried Rice Recipe stand out from all other fried rice recipes is its blend of flavors. The combination of sesame seeds, soy sauce, garlic cloves, and boneless pork chops create an explosion of flavors in your mouth that you won’t find in any other recipe. This recipe also includes carrots, peas, and green onions which add a burst of color to the dish.
If you’re looking for a recipe that tastes like it was made in a restaurant and has people begging for seconds, then this is the one for you. Impress your friends and family with the delicious taste of Calvin’s Fried Rice Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a life-changer! If you are a fried rice fanatic like me, then this one will absolutely knock your socks off. I guarantee that this dish will taste like restaurant-style fried rice that you won’t be able to tell apart from your favorite Chinese takeout joint. And the best part? You don’t have to leave your home and spend your hard-earned cash just to satisfy your cravings.
What secret ingredient makes this dish special? The answer lies in the combination of soy sauce, garlic cloves, sesame oil, and bacon. In addition, the boneless pork chops blended with eggs, peas, green onion, and carrot pull together an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Trust me when I say that one serving will not be enough for you once you try it!
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re a beginner cook or pressed for time, you can whip this meal up in just 10 minutes without breaking a sweat. Plus, you can customize the ingredients to cater to your preferences or use whatever leftovers you have in the fridge. It’s versatile and perfect for busy weeknights.
To top it all off, this dish pairs well with many options of entrees such as stir-fry shrimp fried grouper or crispy beef as suggested by Poor Calvin’s restaurant in Atlanta GA. So if you’re hosting a dinner party or want to treat yourself to something candlelit on Mother’s Day or any day dinner ideas, give this recipe a try because trust me you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Below is a list of key ingredients for Calvin’s Fried Rice recipe:
1. Cooked rice
The star of the show! Use jasmine rice to achieve a soft and fluffy consistency.
2. Boneless pork chops
This ingredient adds a savory taste to the dish. Cut into small pieces before cooking.
3. Bacon
A delicious addition that gives the dish a smokey flavor.
4. Eggs
Scramble the eggs in high heat to achieve an “easy, egg fried” taste.
5. Peas
Brighten your dish with some greens! Frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe.
6. Carrot
Aside from adding color, carrots also add sweetness and a perfect crunch to every bite.
7. Garlic cloves
A staple ingredient in many dishes that adds a bold taste and aroma.
8. Soy sauce
Use this to give your fried rice that distinct Chinese rice taste.
9. Green onion
Add thinly-sliced green onion to achieve that restaurant-style finish.
10. Sesame seeds and sesame oil
These add-ons will enhance your dish with their nutty undertone and subtle flavors.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting with anything else, set aside all the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. Gather your cooked rice, boneless pork chops, green onion, carrot, bacon, peas, garlic cloves, and eggs.
Step 2: Cook the Pork and Bacon
In a wok or a pan over medium-high heat, cook your boneless pork chops until they are browned and no longer pink in the middle. Then, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Next, cook your bacon in the same pan until crispy. Once cooked to perfection, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to cool off.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Using the same pan you used for cooking the pork and bacon (to keep all of that delicious flavor), add your garlic cloves and cook until fragrant. But beware of burning them; garlic can turn bitter quickly.
Once they become fragrant, toss in your chopped green onion and carrots. Stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through but still crisp. Add peas to this mixture and cook for another minute or two. Afterward, remove everything from the pan immediately but treat yourself in taking an intentional pause while you enjoy fragrant smells coming out of your kitchen.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Crack in your eggs onto a bowl and whisk it with a fork lightly. Put a new batch of sesame oil onto the wok/pan then add in some rice for taste color/texture. Sec with salt not too much as other ingredients will generate sodium already like soy sauce.
Cook it into small pieces as per common scrambled eggs we know by breaking into smaller bits while frying on high heat. Remove from heat after it’s fully cooked since there will still be carry-over cooking once leaving it inside the wok/pan.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Return all of previously cooked items; pork chops (cut into bite-size pieces), bacon (crumble them first though), vegetable mixtures onto wok/pan with eggs earlier prepared into cooking chamber.
Stir everything together evenly (it’s best done on high heat). Add soy sauce little by little whilst continually stirring until desired seasoned taste has achieved followed by a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch sensation.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove everything from high heat source after seasoning well enough then transfer fried rice onto plates or serve immediately in bowls topped with green onions chopped bit thicker than earlier preparation plus I recommend adding a dash or two more soy sauce over it as it will elevate overall taste sensation even further.
Fried rice is best enjoyed freshly made but can also be store if necessary just make sure to store in air-tight container or zip lock to keep its freshness much longer periods of time.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to fried rice, the possibilities are endless. You can easily customize the dish to your own taste by switching out ingredients or adding in some new ones. Here are a few ideas and recommendations that I have found work well:
– Protein: If you don’t eat pork, you can substitute it with chicken, shrimp or beef for a different flavor. Alternatively, try some fried grouper or crispy bacon bits on top for an added crunch. For a really decadent twist, lobster tail is a fantastic addition that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
– Vegetables: Feel free to add any additional vegetables that you like! Sliced mushrooms, chopped broccoli or even diced water chestnuts can add different textures and nutrients to the dish. I highly recommend adding some frozen peas and thinly sliced carrots for pops of color and sweetness.
– Sauce: You can play around with the sauce too. Swap out soy sauce for some teriyaki or hoisin sauce for an even richer taste. For something new and unusual, try a combination of ketchup and Sriracha sauce – it’s called “ketchup fried rice,” and it has been gaining popularity rapidly on TikTok and other social media platforms recently.
– Oil: If you prefer a nutty sesame oil taste rather than using vegetable oil, use sesame oil sparingly during the stir-fry process. A tablespoon or so will provide an additional layer of umami flavour while keeping the rice moist.
– Don’t forget the eggs! – If you are not keen on eggs or allergic to them, simply omit this ingredient altogether from the recipe. Alternatively, you could try making egg-less fried rice for a vegan version!
Remember 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘪𝘹 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations of protein and vegetables until you find your perfect mix. The best way to do this is to keep track of what works – take note of your favourite food combinations – so that you can replicate them again in future dishes!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have cooked up a tasty batch of Calvin’s Fried Rice, it’s time to enjoy it to the fullest! This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Here are some great serving and pairing suggestions to make your fried rice meal even more enjoyable.
Firstly, serve your plate of Calvin’s Fried Rice hot off the stove! A steaming bowl of this savory dish can be a meal on its own or served as a side dish. This mouth-watering fried rice is perfect with grilled, pan-fried seafood like lobster tail or fried grouper. The freshness and tenderness of the sea flavors in these dishes provide an excellent contrast to the savory taste of Calvin’s Fried Rice. Thinly sliced, crispy beef stir fry also pairs nicely with this rice as it adds both textural and flavor contrast.
If you’re going for a more traditional route, serve Calvin’s Fried Rice alongside classic Asian dishes such as stir-fried shrimp or chicken, Chinese rice wraps or dumplings or soy sauce-glazed vegetables. These familiar dishes will complement the flavor of the fried rice perfectly, giving an authentic Asian cuisine experience.
To balance out the savory fried rice taste, consider serving fresh green beans or sautéd spinach for a healthy vegetable option. The sweet and salty taste of soy sauce in the recipe blends nicely with sweet carrots and green peas that add color and texture to your plate.
Finally, if you prefer an all-American twist to your meal plan, whip up some crispy bacon on the side or add some ketchup-fried chicken for added texture and flavor. This unexpected addition provides a surprising punch of umami, making for an interesting twist on classic comfort food.
With this versatile fried rice recipe, whether you go traditional Asian-style or experiment with New American twists, you will soon discover that no matter how you pair it up, Calvin’s Fried Rice always tantalizes the taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Calvin’s Fried Rice Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prepping. If you want to make a big batch of rice to enjoy throughout the week, simply follow the recipe and let the rice cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When it comes to reheating the rice, there are a few ways to go about it. The easiest way is to simply microwave the rice, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the rice on the stovetop in a skillet with a little bit of oil over medium-high heat. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
If you have any leftovers from your meal, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating them, just make sure that they are heated through before serving.
Overall, Calvin’s Fried Rice Recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or want to meal prep for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for restaurant-style fried rice at home.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and steps to make Calvin’s Fried Rice recipe, let me give you a few tips to ensure perfect results.
1. Use high heat
Cooking fried rice requires high heat. This will give the rice that crispy texture that we love so much. Be sure to preheat your pan before adding the ingredients.
2. Cook the rice beforehand
For best results, it is recommended that you use cooked and chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and result in a mushier fried rice dish.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan
When adding ingredients to the pan, be cautious not to overcrowd it. If you do, the excess moisture that is released will cause the dish to become soggy instead of crispy.
4. Use sesame oil for extra flavor
Sesame oil has a unique and authentic taste that enhances fried rice’s flavor. Use it sparingly when frying your diced vegetables or protein source.
5. Incorporate soy sauce gradually
Soy sauce can easily overpower fried rice if too much is added at once. When adding soy sauce, start slowly and adjust as needed towards the end of cooking.
6. Add eggs separately
Beat your eggs in a separate bowl first before adding them to the frying pan. Scramble them on medium heat until they are fluffy then set them aside and add them back later when integrating with other ingredients.
7. Don’t forget garlic and green onion
Garlic and green onion add powerful aroma and flavor profile in dishes where they are added. For this recipe, be sure to mince your garlic beforehand and slice the green onions into small pieces to add as garnish at serving time.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious restaurant-style fried rice dishes right in your own home!
FAQ
Now that you know all about Calvin’s Fried Rice recipe, it’s time to answer some frequently asked questions. Here are some answers to help you troubleshoot any issues that may come up during the cooking process.
What is the secret to Chinese fried rice?
When it comes to making impeccable fried rice, the grains should be distinctly separated and the ingredients and seasonings should be thoroughly mixed. For the optimal experience, I always turn to jasmine rice, which boasts a delightful fragrance and maintains a non-sticky texture when cooked. But if jasmine rice is not available, long grain rice will work just fine. It is also worth noting that cold leftover rice is the way to go for crafting perfectly textured fried rice.
What is the secret to good fried rice?
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure to rinse our ingredients thoroughly. Once we’ve cooked up a storm, it’s important to let our dish rest so the flavors can meld together. To make things easier, we can prep our ingredients ahead of time. We don’t need to get too fancy with this recipe – simple is best! A large wok will come in handy to make sure everything is evenly cooked.
When it’s time to start cooking, turn up the heat and get things hot! We want our ingredients to cook quickly and retain their crunchiness. To add some depth of flavor, we can toss in a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. These ingredients are packed with umami and acidic contrasts that will elevate the dish.
What makes restaurant fried rice taste good?
To achieve the sought-after, flavorful taste of Chinese fried rice, a crucial component is cooking it on high heat in a wok. A skilled cook’s tosses and well-practiced techniques, along with the use of a gas range, are integral in achieving the desired outcome. This unique cooking method and resulting flavor profile, commonly referred to as ‘wok hei,’ is what differentiates restaurant-quality fried rice from homemade versions.
How do you make fried rice taste like a restaurant?
To get the best result for an authentic restaurant-style rice, it is recommended to stir the rice over high heat in a pot for about 5 minutes before cooking. This technique helps to keep the grains of rice separate and reduces stickiness, making it more like the rice served in restaurants. So, to have a restaurant-inspired dining experience at home, try applying this tip.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a quick, easy-to-follow recipe that will satisfy your craving for that restaurant-style fried rice taste, then Calvin’s Fried Rice is the way to go. With its flavorful blend of ingredients such as bacon, boneless pork chops, and soy sauce, this dish is sure to become your new go-to whenever you are in the mood for something savory and filling.
With the help of this recipe, you can now recreate that copycat lobster fried rice from Poor Calvin’s Atlanta at home in just 10 minutes. Plus, with the numerous variations and substitutions available, you can easily tailor this recipe to suit your own personal tastes.
So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch of Calvin’s Fried Rice tonight for dinner or brunch and impress your family or friends with restaurant-quality food right at home. Remember to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make it truly your own. You won’t be disappointed!
Calvin’s Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked rice, chilled
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 green onion (white & green parts)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 boneless pork chops
- 1 (6 ounce) can peas, drained
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Instructions
- in a large skillet or wok fry bacon until crisp, crumble & reserve about half of the fat, set aside.
- in a smaller skillet or on a bbq, cook chops until just done, cube into 1x1 inch pieces, set aside.
- crack eggs into a bowl & beat lightly.
- add seasame oil to bacon fat in wok or skillet & heat on med-high.
- add the carrots & saute for 1 minute.
- add the onion, garlic and cold rice, don't over stir or you'll break down the rice.
- once rice starts to brown (10 minutes) add bacon & pork chops.
- move rice to one side of the pan & pour beaten eggs onto the other side of the pan, let cook stirring occasionally for 1 minute, coarsely chop with spatula and mix gently into rice.
- add peas and let rice sit for 5 minutes without stirring.
- after 5 minutes use a spatula to flip rice & cook other side for 5 more minutes.
- finish off with soy sauce & seasame seeds.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.