Fried rice is a versatile dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies. Below is a comprehensive homemade fried rice recipe, along with tips and variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or a mix of vegetable oil and butter for added flavor)
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Make sure to use cold, leftover rice. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and cool it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs, scrambling them as they cook. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the carrots and peas, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they soften. Stir in the garlic last and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Fry the Rice: Increase the heat to high. Add the rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using) at this stage. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to crisp slightly on the bottom. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Everything: Once the rice is heated through, return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and stir everything together. Taste for seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or more soy sauce as desired.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving hot. Enjoy your homemade fried rice with your choice of protein or as a standalone dish!
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
- Use Cold Rice: Cold, day-old rice is ideal as it has a lower moisture content and won’t clump or become mushy.
- High Heat: Cooking over high heat helps achieve that signature fried texture without steaming the rice.
- Add Veggies: Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or broccoli for a colorful and nutritious dish.
- Proteins: You can incorporate different proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added substance.
Variations
- Vegetable Fried Rice: Omit the egg and use an array of your favorite vegetables.
- Chicken Fried Rice: Stir-fry cooked, diced chicken with the vegetables.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Add shrimp towards the end of cooking, allowing it to cook through.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: Add chopped kimchi for a spicier, tangy flavor.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
This recipe is not only easy to make but also flexible, allowing you to adjust it to suit your preferences and dietary needs1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
