Fried Rice

Fried Rice Recipe - Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fried rice is a popular dish that originated in China but has since become a staple in many Asian cuisines. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, making it a great way to use up leftovers. This recipe is a simple and delicious version of fried rice that can be customized to suit your taste.

History

Fried rice has a long history that dates back to ancient China. It was originally created as a way to use up leftover rice and other ingredients, making it a practical and economical dish. Over time, fried rice has evolved and spread to other parts of Asia and the world, with each region putting its own spin on the dish.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked brown or white rice
1 10 oz (283 g) package of frozen mixed vegetables or 2 cups of fresh vegetables, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup of cooked poultry or meat (optional)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 tsp of vegetable oil
3 tsp of soy sauce

How to prepare

In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add onion and rice.
Stir and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium and add vegetables and meat to the rice mixture.
Cook for 2 minutes if using frozen vegetables and 5–7 minutes if using fresh vegetables.
Spread the mixture out to the sides of the pan, leaving space in the middle for the eggs.
Add the eggs and scramble until they are cooked firm.
Mix the eggs with the rice and vegetables, then sprinkle with soy sauce.

Variations

Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
Add garlic, ginger, or chili paste for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use day-old rice for the best results, as fresh rice can be too sticky.

- Make sure to cook the rice before adding it to the pan, as uncooked rice will not cook properly in the pan.

- Be sure to spread the rice out in the pan to ensure that it cooks evenly and gets crispy.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, meats, or seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this fried rice as a main dish or as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice before adding it to the pan.

- Scramble the eggs separately before adding them to the rice mixture.

- Cook the vegetables and meat before adding the rice to ensure that everything is cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of cooked rice, such as brown or jasmine rice.

- Substitute any frozen or fresh vegetables for the mixed vegetables.

- Use any type of cooked meat, such as chicken, pork, or beef.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make this fried rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this fried rice in a bowl or on a plate, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

This fried rice pairs well with dishes such as stir-fries, grilled meats, or Asian-inspired salads.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this fried rice recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this fried rice recipe contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this fried rice recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this fried rice recipe contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This fried rice recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This fried rice recipe contains eggs and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This fried rice recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This fried rice recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. With a mix of vegetables, meat, and eggs, this dish is a balanced meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings for Asian cuisine. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for fried rice. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I admired her skills greatly.

One day, as I watched her prepare a delicious meal for our family, I asked her if she could teach me how to make fried rice. She smiled and nodded, telling me that it was one of her favorite recipes to make. She explained that fried rice was a popular dish in many Asian countries, and that there were countless variations of it.

She began by showing me the basic ingredients: cooked rice, vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce. She told me that the key to making good fried rice was to use leftover rice that had been refrigerated overnight, as it would be less sticky and easier to fry. She also stressed the importance of using a hot wok or skillet to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

As she cooked, she shared with me the story of how she had learned to make fried rice herself. She told me that when she was a young bride, she had moved to a new city with her husband and had to learn how to cook for herself. She had asked her new neighbors for recipes, and one kind woman had shown her how to make fried rice.

My grandmother had practiced making fried rice over and over until she had perfected the recipe. She had added her own twist to it, using different vegetables and seasonings to suit her family's tastes. She had even taught her own daughters how to make it, passing down the recipe through the generations.

As I watched her cook, I could see the love and care she put into each step. She diced the vegetables with precision, scrambled the eggs just right, and tossed the rice in the wok with confidence. The aroma of garlic and ginger filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, she scooped the fried rice onto a platter and garnished it with chopped green onions. She handed me a fork and told me to try it. I took a bite and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The rice was perfectly fried, each grain separate and fluffy. The vegetables added a crunch, while the eggs added a creamy texture. The soy sauce tied it all together with a salty-sweet tang.

I thanked my grandmother for teaching me how to make fried rice, and she smiled warmly. She told me that cooking was a labor of love, and that sharing recipes was a way to connect with others. She encouraged me to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, to make the recipe my own.

Over the years, I have made fried rice countless times, each time adding my own touch to it. I have used shrimp, chicken, and tofu as protein sources, and have added pineapple, cashews, and peas for extra flavor. I have even taught my own grandchildren how to make it, passing down the tradition that my grandmother started.

Every time I make fried rice, I think of my grandmother and the joy she brought to our family through her cooking. I am grateful for the lessons she taught me, not just in the kitchen, but in life. Cooking is a way to nurture and nourish those we love, and I will always cherish the memories of learning to make fried rice with her.