The Ultimate Guide to Making Classic Fried Rice at Home
When it comes to ordering Chinese food, fried rice is nearly an essential accompaniment. Its variations are abundant, but there is something timeless and comforting about the classic fried rice recipe. This simple dish is not only delicious but also offers a great opportunity to utilize any leftover vegetables you have lying around in your kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delectable dish.
Preparing Your Ingredients
To begin making your fried rice, first gather all of your ingredients.
Vegetable Prep: Dice one large carrot (or two smaller ones). If you don’t have fresh carrots, you can easily substitute with frozen carrots and peas. You will also need half of a small yellow onion, diced, along with four green onions. When preparing the green onions, it’s crucial to separate the green parts from the white parts. The white parts will be cooked with the other veggies, while the green tops will serve as a garnish.
Ginger and Peas: Freshly minced ginger is another essential ingredient—about half a teaspoon will do. While you can skip it if necessary, the flavor it provides is well worth the effort. You should also measure out one cup of frozen peas, which can be added directly to the pan without thawing.
Eggs and Rice: For the egg component, crack three large eggs into a bowl and lightly beat them. You'll also need day-old rice, preferably long-grain jasmine rice. This is a crucial step as day-old rice is less sticky and better suited for stir-frying. If you need to prepare rice fresh, spread it on a sheet pan to cool quickly before refrigerating it.
Cooking the Fried Rice
With your ingredients prepared, it’s time to get cooking.
Heating the Pan: Begin by heating a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add about two tablespoons of high-heat oil, such as avocado oil.
Sautéing the Vegetables: Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced carrots and onions. Sauté these for two to three minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add minced garlic cloves and your ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds.
Scrambling the Eggs: Instead of removing the vegetables from the pan, push them to one side and scramble the eggs right next to them. This method saves time and dishes while ensuring a beautifully integrated flavor profile.
Adding Rice and Peas: After the eggs are scrambled, add the cup of peas along with four cups of the cooked rice. Stir everything together for another two to three minutes until all ingredients are heated through.
Flavoring the Fried Rice
The sauce is what gives fried rice its signature flavor and color.
Pour in three tablespoons of tamari soy sauce, two teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, and season with kosher salt and finely-ground white pepper to taste. It's important to keep a light hand on the white pepper, as too much can overwhelm the dish. For those who are not gluten-free, you might add a splash of oyster sauce for additional richness.
Stir the mixture well to ensure that every grain of rice is coated in the sauce before adding the green parts of the green onion as a fresh garnish.
This homemade fried rice recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For casual dining, serve it family-style in a big bowl alongside other main dishes like chicken lettuce wraps or Kung Pao chicken. Alternatively, for a fancier presentation, pack the fried rice tightly into a small bowl, invert it onto a plate, and reveal an elegant mound of deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this fried rice lies in its simplicity and flavor. With just a few essential ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can whip up a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy.
If you’re looking for more recipes to accompany your fried rice, consider trying Asian chicken lettuce wraps, egg drop soup, or even Mongolian beef for a complete meal.
Be sure to share your culinary creation and if you enjoyed this recipe, give it a thumbs up and consider rating it five stars on the website. Happy cooking!
Part 1/7:
The Ultimate Guide to Making Classic Fried Rice at Home
When it comes to ordering Chinese food, fried rice is nearly an essential accompaniment. Its variations are abundant, but there is something timeless and comforting about the classic fried rice recipe. This simple dish is not only delicious but also offers a great opportunity to utilize any leftover vegetables you have lying around in your kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delectable dish.
Preparing Your Ingredients
To begin making your fried rice, first gather all of your ingredients.
Part 2/7:
Vegetable Prep: Dice one large carrot (or two smaller ones). If you don’t have fresh carrots, you can easily substitute with frozen carrots and peas. You will also need half of a small yellow onion, diced, along with four green onions. When preparing the green onions, it’s crucial to separate the green parts from the white parts. The white parts will be cooked with the other veggies, while the green tops will serve as a garnish.
Ginger and Peas: Freshly minced ginger is another essential ingredient—about half a teaspoon will do. While you can skip it if necessary, the flavor it provides is well worth the effort. You should also measure out one cup of frozen peas, which can be added directly to the pan without thawing.
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Cooking the Fried Rice
With your ingredients prepared, it’s time to get cooking.
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Sautéing the Vegetables: Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced carrots and onions. Sauté these for two to three minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add minced garlic cloves and your ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds.
Scrambling the Eggs: Instead of removing the vegetables from the pan, push them to one side and scramble the eggs right next to them. This method saves time and dishes while ensuring a beautifully integrated flavor profile.
Adding Rice and Peas: After the eggs are scrambled, add the cup of peas along with four cups of the cooked rice. Stir everything together for another two to three minutes until all ingredients are heated through.
Flavoring the Fried Rice
The sauce is what gives fried rice its signature flavor and color.
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Stir the mixture well to ensure that every grain of rice is coated in the sauce before adding the green parts of the green onion as a fresh garnish.
Serving Suggestions
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This homemade fried rice recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For casual dining, serve it family-style in a big bowl alongside other main dishes like chicken lettuce wraps or Kung Pao chicken. Alternatively, for a fancier presentation, pack the fried rice tightly into a small bowl, invert it onto a plate, and reveal an elegant mound of deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this fried rice lies in its simplicity and flavor. With just a few essential ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can whip up a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy.
If you’re looking for more recipes to accompany your fried rice, consider trying Asian chicken lettuce wraps, egg drop soup, or even Mongolian beef for a complete meal.
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Be sure to share your culinary creation and if you enjoyed this recipe, give it a thumbs up and consider rating it five stars on the website. Happy cooking!