Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for using up leftover rice. While there are countless recipes for this popular dish, my recipe stands out as one of the best.

One of the things that sets my recipe apart from others is the use of Kitchen Bouquet. This flavorful seasoning adds depth and richness to the dish, making it even more delicious than your typical fried rice recipe. Additionally, I’ve included some other unique ingredients like sherry wine and monosodium glutamate, which elevate the flavors even further.

Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight meal or impress your dinner guests with a restaurant-quality dish, my homemade fried rice recipe is sure to please. In this article, I will walk you through every step of the process so that you can achieve perfect results every time. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is also super customizable? Look no further than this amazing fried rice recipe! There are so many reasons to love this dish, but let me give you the top ones.

Firstly, making this dish is incredibly easy! All you need is some cooked rice, a few veggies like peas, carrots, onions and bell peppers, eggs, soy sauce, and a few additional flavorings like sherry wine or fish sauce. Not only are these items easy to find at any grocery store, but they’re also super affordable. All you need to do is sauté all of the ingredients together in one large skillet or wok – this recipe can be made in under 30 minutes!

But just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it lacks flavor. This classic dish packs a ton of umami flavor with the soy sauce and fish sauce, and has plenty of texture with the addition of crispy bean sprouts. And best yet – it’s completely customizable to your taste. Want something spicy? Add some chili garlic sauce. Want more protein? Throw in some chicken or shrimp. You really can’t go wrong.

Plus, not only is this dish flavorful and customizable, but it’s also a great way to use up any leftover rice you have in your fridge. In fact, day-old rice works even better in this recipe as it allows for maximum flavor absorption from all of the added ingredients.

So next time you’re in the mood for something savory with minimal effort, try out this amazing fried rice recipe. Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you!

Ingredient List

Sizzle, pop, and crunch! This fried rice is a symphony of flavors and textures.

Before you start cooking, have the ingredients ready:

3 cups cooked rice, preferably a few hours old
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1 cup bean sprouts
1 bell pepper, roughly chopped
1 onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sherry wine or cooking wine
1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (optional)
1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Bouquet (optional)

Make sure you check your pantry and fridge for these items before heading to the store. You could also substitute or add any ingredients on this list based on your preference.

The Recipe How-To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5SqBhJC0Mg

Now, it’s time to dive into the how-to section of the fried rice recipe. We have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go, so let’s get started.

Instructions Heat Oil

First things first, we need to heat up some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

Garlic Fried Rice

Once the oil is heated, add garlic and cook while stirring continuously until it becomes fragrant.

Add Onion and Carrots Cook

Then, add in the onion and carrots and cook for another 1-2 minutes, still stirring continuously to make sure everything cooks evenly.

Add Rice

Next, add in the cooked rice (which should be at least a few hours old) and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, breaking up any clumps of rice as you go along.

Thai Fried Rice

At this point, you can make it a Thai fried rice by adding in some soy sauce, fish sauce, and Kitchen Bouquet for some umami flavors. You can also add any other seasonings or proteins of your choice like eggs, chicken, vegetables or shrimp.

Garlic Fried Eggs

For an added touch of flavor and texture, push the rice mixture aside to create a space in the skillet/wok then pour whisked eggs into the space. Cook until firm then stir them with the rest of the rice mixture to become garlic fried eggs.

Serve Hot

Serve hot with spritzes of sesame oil and chopped green onions.

Remember that the recipe is flexible, so you can adjust or add more ingredients according to your preference.

Substitutions and Variations

Golden and crispy, this fried rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food.

Making fried rice is an art of creativity and innovation, where you can experiment with different ingredients to customize the recipe as per your taste. You can add unique flavors that appeal to your palate by swapping some of the ingredients in the recipe.

For a vegetarian version, omit eggs and substitute them with your favorite veggies such as broccoli, snap peas, cauliflower or mushrooms. You can also add tofu or tempeh for a healthy plant-based protein source.

If you are looking for a healthier version, use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice has more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice. You may need to cook brown rice a little longer than white rice; try boiling it separately in water until tender yet firm, let it cool down, then proceed with frying the cooked brown rice.

For a spicy twist to your usual fried rice, try adding minced ginger or chili flakes while cooking the garlic and onions. To make it more authentic and flavorful, use Thai fish sauce instead of soy sauce or add Kitchen Bouquet in small amounts for an umami flavor boost.

You can also turn this dish into a full meal by adding some shrimp, chicken, beef or pork to it depending on your preference. Make sure you cook the meat first and set it aside before frying the rest of the ingredients.

For an egg-fried variation or an easy chicken-veg fried rice, just scramble the eggs in the same skillet before frying other ingredients.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to fried rice variations. You can tweak this recipe according to your cultural cuisine preference – Indian Masala Fried Rice or Filipino Pineapple Fried Rice are some examples that come to mind.

Remember that experimentation is key when modifying any recipe. Don’t be afraid to take risks by tossing new spices or sauces into your next batch – you never know what flavors will enhance the deliciousness of this classic dish!

Serving and Pairing

Take a trip to Asia with every bite of this authentic fried rice dish.

Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or as a side dish to complement the main course. This savory and filling dish goes well with a variety of proteins including tofu, chicken, shrimp, pork, beef, and even bacon.

If you’re looking to serve this classic rice recipe as a main course, consider pairing it with some steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy or cauliflower. Raw vegetable salads like carrot and cucumber are also good options that add a refreshing crunch.

To achieve an authentic touch to this recipe, consider serving your egg fried rice alongside some spicy Thai dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) or laab moo (spicy minced pork salad). The bold flavors of the spices in many Asian-styled dishes perfectly compliment the flavors of the fried rice.

If you’re looking for a simpler pairing option, a plain omelette or scrambled eggs can mix well with homemade fried rice. Additionally, stir-fried vegetables seasoned with soy sauce and garlic can be served alongside the dish too.

Depending on your taste preference, you can experiment with different seasoning combinations for your fried rice. While soy sauce is a classic flavoring for this recipe, fish sauce or sesame oil make excellent replacements for soy sauce. Feel free to tailor your fried rice with ingredients that match your likings best!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about fried rice? You can throw in any leftovers you have in your fridge!

One of the best things about fried rice is that it can easily be made in advance and reheated when you are ready to serve it. If you are planning to make this fried rice recipe ahead of time, prepare the entire recipe as stated in the instructions, then let it cool completely. Once it has reached room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container before storing it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

When reheating your homemade fried rice, be sure to stir it often while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution. You can reheat your fried rice using a microwave or on the stove. If you’re using a microwave, start by covering your container with a damp paper towel or lid and heat it in intervals of 30 seconds until fully heated.

If you’re reheating your fried rice on the stove, add a small amount of oil or water to the skillet or wok before heating up the fried rice. This can help prevent it from drying out or getting too sticky. Heat it over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

To make this recipe more versatile, you could easily customize your ingredients according to your preference. For example, you could switch out the usual shrimp or chicken for bacon or pork for added flavor. Moreover, adding freshly sautéed veggies like mushrooms or adding some pineapple chunks can enhance the flavors of rice and add a nice balance of sweetness.

Whether you’re making this dish for yourself, family or guest dine-ins, following these guidelines will undoubtedly give you delightful results – crispy and delicious homemade fried rice with just a little bit of touch-ups!

Tips for Perfect Results

This recipe calls for day-old rice, so don't worry if you have some extra rice from last night's takeout. — This recipe calls for day-old rice, so don’t worry if you have some extra rice from last night’s takeout.

To achieve the perfect fried rice, consider the following tips. Firstly, use day-old cooked rice for better results as it is less sticky after drying in the refrigerator, also, it allows a better absorption of flavors. Secondly, when stir-frying vegetables such as onions, peas, and carrots in the pan before adding your cooked rice, aim for crisp-tender pieces so that they don’t get soggy once added to the rice mixture. Conversely, you can also use defrosted frozen vegetables (like peas and carrots) towards the end of cooking so they don’t overcook.

Thirdly, don’t hesitate to add extra ingredients such as bean sprouts or bell pepper to elevate your dish’s nutrition and flavor profiles. Adding sesame oil will give your recipe a delightful nutty taste while Kitchen Bouquet or soy sauce adds a hint of umami flavor. To add some protein into your meal, consider adding shrimp or chicken for an authentic restaurant-style meal at home.

Fourthly, how you cook your eggs can greatly affect the texture of your fried rice. Whip the eggs and cook them first in a separate pan with some vegetable oil to create a fluffy texture or crack them into the skillet/wok with some veggies later in the cooking process to create a silkier consistency.

Moreover, keep all your prepped ingredients close and available so that you won’t scorch the whole batch while rummaging through your pantry for critical elements later. Choose a wide skillet or wok so that there’s enough surface area for all of your ingredients to cook evenly.

Lastly, fried rice can be effortlessly customized by adjusting spices like garlic or ginger and sauces such as fish sauce and soy sauce. It’s best to start with a small amount beforehand and adjust accordingly because extra saltiness from over-pouring soy sauce can change everything. Try using different toppings – sriracha hot sauce or green onions – for spicier or fresher variations respectively.

With these tips in mind, you will have no trouble creating homemade stir-fry that rivals any street-style shop around town!

FAQ

As the smell of the Homemade Fried Rice still lingers, let us now move on to frequently asked questions. Some of your concerns might be related to the recommended substitutions, variations or storing tips. Others might be centered on techniques, ingredients or flavors. It’s my pleasure to address those queries and ensure that your culinary expedition is a successful one. Let’s dive in!

What is the secret to good fried rice?

When it comes to cooking, there are a few things that I always keep in mind. First of all, I like to make sure that I rinse any ingredients before I start cooking with them. This helps to remove any dirt or debris that might be on them, and it also helps to ensure that they cook evenly once they hit the heat.

Another important tip that I like to stick to is to let my food rest after it’s done cooking. This gives the flavors a chance to blend together and it makes the end result taste even more delicious.

Of course, it never hurts to do a little bit of prep work ahead of time. Whether that means chopping up some veggies or marinating some meat, anything that can be done ahead of time will make the rest of the cooking process go much more smoothly.

When it comes to cooking equipment, I always recommend using a large wok. This allows for plenty of room to stir-fry and ensures that everything cooks evenly.

One thing that I believe is crucial when it comes to stir-frying is to keep the heat nice and high. This helps the ingredients to cook quickly and ensures that they don’t end up getting too mushy or overcooked.

Finally, when it comes to flavoring your stir-fry, I like to keep it simple with just a few key ingredients. Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil are all you really need to make a delicious, savory stir-fry that everyone will love.

What gives Chinese fried rice it’s flavor?

When making fried rice, it’s crucial to incorporate certain sauces to enhance the overall flavor profile. Three sauces that stand out above the rest are soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. These sauces each have distinctive tastes that can elevate your dish to new heights. It’s important to exercise caution while adding these sauces, as it’s easy to overdo it. Remember to add small amounts at a time and taste frequently. Ultimately, the focus should be on highlighting the natural flavors of your rice, meat, and vegetables.

What ingredients do we need to make fried rice *?

One ingredient that can take fried rice to the next level is day-old cooked rice. It’s a culinary secret among many chefs, as the texture and firmness of the rice is perfect for frying. If you don’t have a full day for the rice to sit in the fridge, at least six hours will suffice. In addition to the rice, you’ll need eggs, toasted sesame oil, vegetable oil, coconut aminos, soy sauce, salt, and some finely chopped carrots for added flavor and color.

How to make fried rice simple?

To begin, prepare the rice by boiling 1 cup of white long-grain rice in a large saucepan of water until tender, which should take around 12 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain the rice and set it aside to cool.

Next, using a non-stick wok or a large frying pan, heat up 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once heated, add in 2 lightly whisked eggs and cook until scrambled, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Lastly, toss in 2 chopped bacon rashers into the wok and sauté until browned and crispy.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this easy fried rice recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful and healthy food that can be whipped up in minutes. With a variety of delicious variations and substitutions, you can make it your own by adding different meats or veg, or making it spicy. While some may prefer to get their fix from a local Chinese restaurant, there’s just something special about homemade fried rice that can’t be beaten. Plus, cooking at home saves time, money and ensures your dish is free from any unhealthy additives like MSG.

So why not give it a try? Whether you’re new to the kitchen or just looking for a quick and easy meal for the family on busy weekdays, this recipe has got you covered. Remember to use fresh ingredients only and follow the tips and tricks outlined in this article to achieve the best results on your first attempt. Happy cooking!

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Vikas

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.

Delicious Fried Rice Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner