Stir-fried Rice Salad

Stir-fried Rice Salad Recipe with Chicken, Pickles, and Pimentos

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stir-fried Rice Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of chicken, rice, vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

History

Stir-fried Rice Salad has its origins in traditional Asian cuisine, where stir-frying is a popular cooking technique. This recipe has been adapted to include a variety of ingredients to create a flavorful and nutritious dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

4 chicken pieces of your choice (about 1 lb or 454 g)
1 cup of chopped onion
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
1.5 cups of sliced celery, including leaves
3 cups of hot cooked rice
0.33 cup of chopped sweet pickles
0.25 cup of chopped pimentos
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
1 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
0.5 tsp of ground ginger
0.33 cup of mayonnaise
1.5 tbsp of sweet pickle juice

How to prepare

Remove the skin and bones from the chicken. Cut the chicken into small, thin pieces. Cook the chicken and onion in butter for about 3 minutes. Stir in celery and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and add rice, pickles, pimentos, eggs, salt, pepper, ginger, mayonnaise, and pickle juice. Toss lightly to blend. Serve while hot. Garnish with tomato wedges and ripe olives, if desired.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch.
Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken for a different protein option.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

- Be sure to chop all the ingredients into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more or less salt, pepper, or ginger as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stir-fried Rice Salad as a main dish for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat while stirring constantly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out ingredients based on your preferences. You can use different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for Stir-fried Rice Salad ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Store the cooked chicken, rice, and chopped vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Stir-fried Rice Salad with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the dish in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Stir-fried Rice Salad with a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup for a complete and balanced meal. You can also serve it with a side of soy sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Stir-fried Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Stir-fried Rice Salad contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates, with the rice, vegetables, and pickles providing energy for your body.

Fats

The mayonnaise and margarine in this recipe contribute to the fat content, providing flavor and richness to the dish.

Proteins

The chicken and eggs in this recipe are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

The celery, onions, and pimentos in this recipe are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Stir-fried Rice Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a quick and easy meal.

Summary

Stir-fried Rice Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, this recipe is a nutritious and satisfying option for any time of the day. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit the local farmers market to pick up some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I was browsing through the stalls, I came across a little old lady selling an array of colorful fruits and vegetables. She had a twinkle in her eye and a smile that seemed to light up the whole market.

I struck up a conversation with her, and she told me that she had been coming to the market for years, selling the produce from her own garden. She mentioned that she also loved to cook and shared a recipe with me that she said was a family favorite - Stir-fried Rice Salad.

As she described the dish to me, I could practically taste the flavors in my mouth. It was a combination of crispy vegetables, fragrant herbs, and savory rice, all tossed together in a tangy dressing. I knew I had to try it.

The old lady was kind enough to write down the recipe for me on a scrap of paper, and I thanked her profusely before heading home to give it a try. The next evening, I gathered all the ingredients and got to work in the kitchen.

I chopped up the vegetables - bell peppers, carrots, and green onions - and sautéed them in a hot pan until they were just tender. In a separate pot, I cooked the rice until it was fluffy and fragrant. Then, I mixed everything together in a big bowl and drizzled on the dressing - a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

The smell that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to dig in. I took a bite of the salad and was immediately transported to a culinary paradise. The flavors were bold and vibrant, each bite a burst of freshness and crunch.

I couldn't believe how simple it was to make such a delicious dish. I felt like I had unlocked a hidden treasure, thanks to the generosity of that kind old lady at the farmers market.

From that day on, Stir-fried Rice Salad became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and even packed it for picnics in the park. It never failed to impress, and I loved sharing the recipe with anyone who would listen.

Over the years, I put my own spin on the dish, adding in different vegetables, experimenting with new dressings, and even tossing in some protein like grilled chicken or tofu. But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, it always remained a crowd-pleaser.

As I grew older, I realized that the magic of cooking wasn't just in the ingredients or the techniques - it was in the memories and stories that came along with each dish. Every time I made Stir-fried Rice Salad, I thought of that kind old lady at the farmers market who had shared her family recipe with me. I imagined her garden in full bloom, the sun shining down on rows of vegetables, and the laughter of loved ones gathered around the dinner table.

And so, whenever I cook this dish, I do it with a grateful heart and a joyful spirit. I know that each bite is a taste of tradition, a connection to the past, and a celebration of the present. And I hope that as I pass on this recipe to future generations, they too will feel the magic and wonder that comes with a simple meal made with love and shared with loved ones.

Stir-fried Rice Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories and stories that it carries within each bite. And for that, I am forever grateful to that kind old lady at the farmers market who opened my eyes to the beauty of simple, homemade cooking.