Fried rice combines chilled, cooked rice with sauteed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and proteins like chicken or tofu. It's flavored with soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, all stir-fried over high heat for a delicious, smoky taste. Using cold rice prevents clumping and ensures a perfect texture. The recipe allows for endless variations with ingredients of your choice. Prepping everything in advance makes the process smooth. Garnished with spring onions, it's served hot for a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- Cooked rice: 3 cups (preferably a day old or chilled)
- Vegetable oil: 2-3 tbsp
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce (optional): 1 tbsp for a deeper color
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: 1 tsp
Vegetables and Protein (Adjust as per preference):
- Onion: 1, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1, finely diced
- Beans: 6-8, finely chopped
- Capsicum/Bell peppers: 1, finely diced
- Spring onions: 2, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- Eggs: 2, lightly beaten (optional)
- Chicken, shrimp, or tofu: cup, cooked and diced (optional)
Seasoning and Extras:
- Vinegar: 1 tsp
- Chili sauce: 1-2 tsp (optional for spice)
- Sesame oil: 1 tsp for aroma (optional)
Preparation Steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Cook rice: If you don't have pre-cooked rice, cook 1 cups of rice with minimal water so it's not mushy.
- Cool the rice: Spread the cooked rice on a tray or plate to cool completely. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for best results. This helps the grains stay separate during frying.
Step 2: Prep Ingredients
- Chop vegetables: Finely dice all the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare protein: If using chicken, shrimp, or tofu, cook it separately and keep it aside.
Step 3: Make Scrambled Eggs (Optional)
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Saut Vegetables
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in the same wok over high heat.
- Add the garlic and onion. Saut for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add carrots, beans, and capsicum. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crunchy.
Step 5: Combine and Fry
- Increase the heat to high. Add the chilled rice and stir gently to combine with the vegetables.
- Drizzle soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and vinegar over the rice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together quickly, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
Step 6: Add Protein and Finish
- Stir in the scrambled eggs, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (if using).
- Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes.
- Add a splash of sesame oil for added aroma and toss again.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the green parts of spring onions on top for a fresh finish.
- Serve the fried rice hot with your favorite side dishes, such as chili paneer, Manchurian, or soup.
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice:
- Use cold rice: Chilled rice prevents clumping and ensures a perfect texture.
- Cook over high heat: High heat helps achieve a smoky flavor and evenly cooked ingredients.
- Prep all ingredients in advance: Fried rice cooks quickly, so have everything ready before starting.
- Avoid overcrowding: Use a large wok or pan to allow ingredients to stir-fry properly.
Enjoy your homemade fried rice, packed with flavor and freshness.