Delicious Pork Fried Rice Recipe: Easy and Quick!
Are you tired of ordering the same Chinese takeout dish over and over again? Look no further than Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe. This flavorful and mouth-watering dish is easy to make and will upgrade your at-home dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a savory meat dish or a healthy vegetable stir fry, this recipe has got you covered.
What makes Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe so special? The secret ingredient that sets this dish apart and adds depth of flavor is the hoisin sauce. Combined with soy sauce and sesame oil, these flavors infuse the rice with a rich umami taste that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Forget about spending money on expensive restaurant fried rice, make this easy fried rice recipe in just 15 minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Not only is it quick to prepare but it’s also a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables in your fridge.
So put down that takeout menu and turn up the heat on your stovetop. Get ready to impress your friends and family with Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe – a Chinese classic that’ll become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for an easy-to-make and delicious rice recipe that satisfies your cravings for restaurant-quality fried rice? Then you will definitely love Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe. With its secret spice mix that includes hoisin sauce and soy sauce, this dish is sure to excite your taste buds.
What makes Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe such an excellent choice is its flexibility. It can be made with meat or vegetables, and you can add your favorite proteins, including ground pork, barbecued pork, honey garlic pork chops, or pulled pork. You can even make it vegetarian by swapping out the meat with stir-fried cauliflower rice or adding extra veggies. This dish fits everyone’s dietary needs.
The recipe is incredibly easy to make and takes only about 15 minutes to prepare! All you have to do is stir-fry cooked long-grain white rice with your customizable ingredients and Cheryl’s unique spice mix, then serve warm. With its ability to showcase different flavors in every bite, this Pork Fried Rice recipe will never disappoint!
Whether you’re craving Chinese food or just don’t have time to go out for dinner, Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice wins every time. So why not whip up a batch tonight? Put on some good music, grab your apron, cook away – this dish will surely become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe:
- 3 cups of cooked, long-grain white rice (1 cup uncooked rice makes about 3 cups cooked rice)
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 1 pound of ground pork
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- ¼ cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
- Optional: Roast pork, barbecued pork, pulled pork or other leftover meat from your fridge or takeout.
With these ingredients and just a little bit of prep work, you’ll have everything you need to create a delicious batch of pork fried rice.
The Recipe How-To
Here’s how you can make my Pork Fried Rice Recipe in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook 1 1/2 cups of long-grain white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Pork and Vegetables
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 cup of diced onions and sauté for about 1 minute until they are tender.
- Then, add 1 cup of sliced celery and continue to sauté for another minute.
- Add your choice of meat (I prefer using ground pork) and cook it until it is browned, which usually takes about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flavors
Add ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, and any other seasoning or sauce you want. This is where you can experiment with different flavors. Some people love adding honey garlic sauce or BBQ sauce to their pork fried rice.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
After adding the seasonings, add the cooled rice to the pan with the meat and vegetables. Stir everything together until it is well mixed. Cook for another 5 minutes or so, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Pork Fried Rice hot with some green onions garnished on top. You can also add some scrambled eggs or edamame beans as an extra touch.
This recipe should take you no more than 15 minutes to make. It’s an easy fried rice recipe that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice Recipe is known for its versatility, making it easy to experiment with different variations and substitutions. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– For a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the ground pork with crumbled tofu or diced mushrooms. You can also skip the egg and use more veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas.
– Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor to the dish while providing more nutrients than white rice.
– Experiment with different protein options by swapping out the pork for chicken strips or shrimp. You can also use leftover roast pork or pulled pork instead of ground pork.
– Customize the flavors by switching up the sauces! Try using oyster sauce or barbecue sauce instead of hoisin sauce, or add a kick with some chili garlic sauce or hot sauce.
– Make it a seafood dish by substituting small-sized scallops, clams, or mussels for the meat.
With all these substitutions and variations available for Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice Recipe, you’ll never tire of this classic Chinese takeout dish. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken stir fry, vegetable fried rice, or barbecued pork fried rice – there’s sure to be an option that suits your preference. So go ahead and get creative with your ingredients as you explore new flavors that make this easy fried rice recipe even more enjoyable!
Serving and Pairing
Once your pork fried rice recipe is ready, the next step involves serving and pairing it with the right kind of accompaniments. The beauty of this food is that it is versatile; so you can serve it with other sides or combinations depending on what you have available.
One option is to simply serve it on its own as the main course, hot and fresh from the wok or skillet. This way, you get to enjoy the flavors and richness of the dish without any distractions from other food items.
If you opt for a more elaborate meal or hosting dinner guests, pairing your pork fried rice recipe with vegetable stir fry, spring rolls, or chow mein can elevate your dining experience. These options provide a variety of textures and flavors, from crispy vegetable stir fry to savory chow mein noodles, enhancing the food’s taste and bringing out its unique flavors.
Additionally, Chinese cuisine usually includes a wide range of sauces that go perfectly well with pork fried rice; hoisin sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce or even BBQ sauce make great choices. You can also serve the dish with an array of proteins like roast pork, pulled pork or BBQ pork if you’re looking to create a hearty meal.
Finally, if you’re looking to keep things light, serving cauliflower rice is an excellent option. It is low in carbohydrates and calories while providing all the deliciousness of traditional fried rice.
Ultimately, there’s no wrong way to pair your pork fried rice recipe since everyone has different tastes and flavor preferences!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This pork fried rice recipe is a great one to make in advance, as it reheats well and can even be stored in the fridge and freezer. If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time, simply follow the recipe instructions and let the rice cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
To store the rice in the fridge, place the container in the refrigerator immediately after it has cooled down. You can keep it there for up to 3-4 days, but be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving. You may need to add a splash of water or oil during reheating, as the rice may have dried out slightly.
If you’re planning on freezing your pork fried rice, let it cool down completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat frozen pork fried rice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before heating it up on the stove or in a microwave-safe dish.
When reheating pork fried rice, be sure to use medium heat and stir constantly to avoid any burning or scorching. If you’d like to add a bit of extra flavor, you can drizzle some additional soy sauce or hoisin sauce over the top.
Overall, this dish is perfect for those who are looking for an easy meal that can be made ahead of time and reheated quickly. So don’t hesitate to make a big batch of pork fried rice and store it away for your next meal!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results when making Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice Recipe, consider the following tips:
1. Cook rice in advance:
Cooking rice from scratch for fried rice can result in mushy and clumpy texture. It is best to use leftover long-grain white rice which is dried out and has a firmer texture. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook it earlier in the day and let it dry out in a sieve or colander for a few hours.
2. Freeze the pork:
When chopping pork into small cubes for fried rice, it is best to slightly freeze it first. If it’s totally frozen, then cut it while still firm but not hard enough that your knife won’t go through without added pressure. Doing this will make the meat easier to cut and lead to even-sized pieces.
3. High heat is key:
Fried rice requires a swift stir-fry and high heat to keep it from sticking together or getting too soggy. Make sure your wok or skillet is nice and hot before adding oil to the pan.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan:
Stir-fry ingredients should be done in batches and not all at once; Your vegetables need enough room to cook well in their own space. You can end up with unevenly cooked vegetables and meat if everything is shoved into one pan.
5. Add aromatics last:
Garlic, ginger, green onions, shallots – these all add important flavors to your dish but they can easily burn on high heat, which will make them bitter instead of fragrant. Only add them until right before the end of the stir fry process, so they keep their sharp flavors.
6. The secret ingredient:
Hoisin sauce! It adds depth of flavor with its sweet-savory balance so important for achieving those classic restaurant-style flavors!
By following these tips, you are guaranteed perfect results with Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice Recipe every time!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the FAQ section. This segment will help clarify any doubts or questions you may have regarding Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice Recipe. From ingredient substitutions, to reheating tips and storage options, keep reading to learn more!
What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?
For years, professional chefs have been relying on a secret ingredient to elevate the flavor of their dishes. And now, as a culinary explorer, I am excited to share this game-changing ingredient with you: butter. It’s the key element used in hibachi restaurants to cook up their famous fried rice, adding not only flavor but also assisting in the browning process. Incorporating butter into your cooking will surely take your dishes to the next level.
What gives Chinese fried rice it’s flavor?
When preparing fried rice, it’s crucial to use the right sauces to enhance its taste. In my experience, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce are the most crucial sauces to use. However, you must apply them in moderation as each sauce has a unique flavor. It’s easy to go overboard with these sauces, so it’s essential to keep tasting the rice as you add the sauce. Remember, ultimately, you want to highlight the taste of your rice, meat, and vegetables, so take it easy with the sauces.
What makes restaurant fried rice taste good?
Fried rice from a Chinese restaurant always seems to have a flavor and texture that’s nearly impossible to replicate at home. However, according to J. Kenji López-Alt’s article in Serious Eats, there are three crucial elements that contribute to the restaurant-quality taste: high heat, expert tossing, and the concept of ‘wok hei.’ These factors come from skilled cooking using a wok and a gas range, making a big difference in the overall quality of the dish.
What makes the pork red in pork fried rice?
Have you ever wondered why the pork in your Pork Fried Rice from a Chinese restaurant appears red? It’s because the type of meat used in the dish is char siu – giving the rice its signature sweet flavor and a glossy, brick-red coating on the outside.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe is an easy-to-make dish that can be a delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion. With the combination of tender pork, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, this rice recipe will surely become a favorite among your household. The secret ingredient in this recipe – hoisin sauce – is what sets it apart from ordinary fried rice recipes.
By following the steps in our recipe article, you will have a perfectly cooked and well-seasoned pork fried rice dish in less than 30 minutes. This recipe is also highly customizable – feel free to substitute or add ingredients based on your preferences. You can make it with chicken, beef or even go veggie by using cauliflower rice instead.
Moreover, with its simple ingredients, you won’t have to break the bank to prepare it at home. Plus, making it at home means that you can control what goes into the meal and avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives found in takeout Chinese food.
So next time you’re craving restaurant-style pork fried rice, remember Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice recipe is easy to make at home and can compete with any takeout pork fried rice. Try it today and you’ll never want to order from your local Chinese restaurant again!
Cheryl’s Pork Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups uncle ben's long-grain white rice
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 4 onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup pork chop (meat only)
- 2 tablespoons Chinese red sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 5 ounces la choy hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- In a pan, cook pork chops. When meat is cooked fully through, add 2 Tbsp of Ah-So pork sauce and stir around so meat is evenly coated. Take pork chops out of pan and chop into bite-size pieces.
- Place chopped celery and onions in a frying pan coated with cooking spray and heat until browned.
- Add celery, onions and pork to the rice and stir until well blended. Add the hoisin sauce and soy sauce and stir until the rice, pork, celery and onions are coated evenly. (Everything should have a nice brown color to it.).
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.