Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice

Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice Recipe - Chinese Cuisine

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

Introduction

Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice is a delicious and simple dish that can be whipped up in no time. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side dish for a larger gathering. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will please even the pickiest of eaters.

History

Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian cultures and has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in China as a way to use up leftover rice and other ingredients. Over time, the dish has evolved and been adapted to include a wide variety of ingredients and flavors. Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice puts a modern twist on this classic dish, making it accessible and easy for home cooks to prepare.

Ingredients

2 tsp of vegetable oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 eggs
0.5 cup of peas
0.5 cup of thinly sliced carrots
0.5 cup of sliced green onions
3 cups of cooked rice, chilled
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of sesame oil
0.13 tsp of ground white pepper

How to prepare

Place a wok or wide frying pan over high heat until hot.
Add oil, swirling to coat the sides.
Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 15 seconds.
Add peas, carrots, and onions; stir for 1 minute.
Add rice and stir to separate grains with the back of a spoon.
Make a hole in the rice and add beaten eggs.
Stir the eggs around with chopsticks until cooked.
Mix well with rice.
Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper; cook until thoroughly heated.
(Shrimp/Chicken/Spam are optional—Need to be cooked first).

Variations

Add your favorite protein, such as shrimp, chicken, or spam.
Mix in additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
Spice it up with some chili paste or sriracha for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use chilled cooked rice for this recipe, as it will help prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

- Make a well in the rice when adding the eggs to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.

- Stir-fry the vegetables quickly over high heat to retain their crispness and vibrant colors.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite protein, such as shrimp, chicken, or spam.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use high heat when stir-frying the vegetables to retain their crispness.

- Use a wide frying pan or wok to ensure even cooking and distribution of ingredients.

- Stir the eggs quickly to prevent them from sticking to the pan and ensure even distribution throughout the rice.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of oil you prefer in place of vegetable oil.

- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Feel free to use any type of cooked protein you have on hand, such as tofu or beef.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice ahead of time by chopping the vegetables and cooking the rice. When you're ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing beverage, such as green tea or a crisp white wine. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of steamed edamame or a cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir-fry the rice until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice contains approximately 300 calories, making it a relatively light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the rice, peas, carrots, and onions. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the vegetable oil and sesame oil. While fats are often demonized, they are essential for overall health and can help the body absorb certain vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

Proteins in this dish come from the eggs and any optional protein you choose to add, such as shrimp, chicken, or spam. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the vegetables used. Peas, carrots, and onions are all excellent sources of vitamins A and C, as well as various minerals like potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and soy sauce, which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal option that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or as a side dish for a larger meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying and delicious dish that will please the whole family. Enjoy this classic recipe with your own twist and make it your own!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just finished watching one of his cooking shows on TV. Martin Yan's enthusiasm for food and cooking was infectious, and I couldn't wait to try out his recipes in my own kitchen.

I had always been a fan of fried rice, but I had never been able to quite get the flavors and textures just right. I had tried countless recipes over the years, but none of them seemed to capture that perfect balance of savory and umami that I craved. But as soon as I saw Martin Yan preparing his Easy Fried Rice on TV, I knew that this was the recipe I had been searching for.

The next day, I set out to gather all the ingredients I would need to make Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice. I followed his instructions carefully, taking my time to chop the vegetables just so and season the rice with just the right amount of soy sauce and sesame oil. As the rice sizzled in the pan, filling the kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and ginger, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside me.

When the fried rice was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each ingredient coming together in perfect harmony to create a dish that was truly sublime. The rice was perfectly cooked, each grain separate and fluffy, and the vegetables added a fresh crunch that contrasted beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the soy sauce and sesame oil.

I couldn't believe how simple and easy it was to make such a delicious dish. Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice had truly changed the way I thought about cooking and inspired me to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

As I continued to make Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice over the years, I started to add my own twist to the recipe. I would sometimes throw in some shrimp or chicken for a bit of extra protein, or swap out the vegetables for whatever was in season. Each time I made the dish, it turned out slightly different, but always delicious.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who were all amazed at how something so simple could taste so good. They would often ask me for the recipe, and I would happily pass it on, urging them to give it a try and experience the magic of Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice for themselves.

As the years went by, I continued to watch Martin Yan's cooking shows and try out new recipes in my kitchen. But no matter how many new dishes I discovered, Martin Yan's Easy Fried Rice remained a staple in my cooking repertoire. It was a dish that never failed to impress, and one that always brought a smile to my face whenever I made it.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on all the recipes I have learned and mastered over the years, I can't help but feel grateful for that fateful day when I first saw Martin Yan prepare his Easy Fried Rice on TV. It was a moment that sparked a lifelong passion for cooking and a love of delicious, homemade food that I will cherish forever.