How to Cook Fried Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Fried rice is a favourable dish that you can easily prepare with your favorite ingredients. It's mostly used in big occasions like birthday parties, wedding's burial,s etc.
Ingredients
Rice: 2 cups of cooked and cooled white rice (preferably day-old rice)
Vegetables: 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, corn)
Protein: 1 cup of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional)
Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons (vegetable or canola oil)
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Green Onions: 2 stalks, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce for added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready. This includes chopping vegetables, beating eggs, and having the rice ready to go.
2. Cook the Protein (if using)
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add your chosen protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu) and cook until it’s fully cooked and slightly browned. Remove the protein from the pan and set it aside.
3. Scramble the Eggs
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, and pour in the beaten eggs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are fully scrambled and set. Remove from the pan and set aside with the protein.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Cook the Vegetables
- Add the mixed vegetables to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. If using frozen vegetables, ensure they are thawed and drained before adding.
6. Add the Rice
- Increase the heat to high and add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir the rice until it’s evenly mixed with the vegetables. The key to great fried rice is to use cold rice, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy.
7. Season the Fried Rice
- Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, stirring to evenly coat the grains. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer more flavor, you can add a splash of oyster sauce or fish sauce at this point.
8. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked protein and scrambled eggs back into the pan, stirring to combine with the rice and vegetables. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Tips and Variations
Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist, making it sticky when fried. Day-old rice has a firmer texture, which is perfect for frying.
Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the protein or use tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add more veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information
Calories: Approx. 250-300 per serving (varies depending on ingredients)
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 10g
Conclusion
- Fried rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that you can whip up in no time. With this easy recipe, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients to make this dish your own!
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