Fried Rice Recipe

Cooked rice: Preferably day-old rice, as it is drier and less sticky, making it ideal for frying.

Carrots: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the fried rice.

Peas: Provides a pop of color and a slightly sweet flavor.

Corn: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture to the dish.

Soy sauce: Gives the fried rice its savory, umami flavor.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients.

Eggs: Adds protein and a rich flavor to the fried rice.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory base for the dish.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the fried rice.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the fried rice.

When making fried rice, it's essential to use day-old cooked rice because it has less moisture than freshly cooked rice. This helps achieve the desired texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy. If you don't have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least an hour to dry it out.

• cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a great source of protein and fiber.

• carrots, peas, corn mixed vegetables - Substitute with bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas: These vegetables add a different flavor profile and maintain the colorful appearance of the dish.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is gluten-free and has a similar umami flavor to soy sauce.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in fried rice.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with tofu scramble: Tofu scramble is a great vegan alternative that mimics the texture of scrambled eggs.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it has a slightly different flavor.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine for a more subtle heat.

• Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.

• Transfer the cooled fried rice into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. This ensures you know exactly what’s inside and when it was stored.

• Store the fried rice in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place it in the freezer where it can last up to 3 months.

• When ready to reheat, if the fried rice is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Reheat the fried rice in a microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. On the stovetop, add a splash of vegetable oil or soy sauce to a pan and stir-fry until heated through.

• If the fried rice seems dry after reheating, add a little bit of water or broth and stir well to restore moisture.

• Avoid reheating fried rice more than once. Repeated reheating can degrade the quality and increase the risk of foodborne illness.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or butter to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover fried rice.
  4. Stir frequently to ensure even heating, breaking up any clumps.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  6. Optionally, add a splash of soy sauce or water to add moisture.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Stir the rice and check the temperature.
  6. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fried rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is thoroughly heated.
  5. Stir halfway through the baking time for even heating.

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a heatproof bowl.
  2. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer basket.
  4. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes or until the rice is hot.
  5. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fried rice in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Check the rice for even heating and continue cooking if necessary.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and flipping ingredients in the wok without scratching its surface.

• Knife: Used for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of the cooked rice and mixed vegetables.

• Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the soy sauce and vegetable oil precisely.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for beating the eggs before adding them to the wok.

• Garlic press: Optional tool for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the fried rice once it’s cooked.

Use day-old rice: Day-old cooked rice is drier and prevents clumping, making it ideal for fried rice.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop vegetables, mince garlic, and beat eggs before you start cooking to streamline the process.

High heat cooking: Use high heat to quickly stir-fry ingredients, which saves time and enhances flavor.

Frozen vegetables: Opt for pre-cut frozen mixed vegetables to eliminate chopping time.

Single pan method: Use one wok or large pan to minimize cleanup and cooking time.