Fried rice is a tasty dish that is traditionally made from steamed rice stir-fried in a wok, but it can also be made in a pan. Fried rice is delicious with a variety of ingredients, including almost any type of vegetables, meat, and eggs. Not only is it easy to make, but it's absolutely delicious. If you want to know how to make fried rice, just follow these steps.
Ingredients
Simple Fried Rice
- 4 cups (946 ml) cooked white rice
- 1 carrot
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp. (5 ml) fresh ginger
- 1 cup (240 ml) bean sprouts
- 3 eggs
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 tsp. (5 ml) salt
- 3 tbsp. (44.4 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) sesame oil
- Green onion for garnish
- 1/2 lb. (0.23 kg) cooked chicken
Crispy Pork Fried Rice
- 1 1/2 (22.2 ml) tablespoons peanut oil
- 2 lightly beaten eggs
- 1/2 (120 ml) cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tsp. (10 ml) minced ginger
- 2 diced cooked pork chops
- 1 cup (240 ml) cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp. (10 ml) sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro leaves
Indonesian Fried Rice
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) long-grain white rice
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) water
- 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 qt. plus 3 tablespoon (44.4 ml). vegetable oil
- 8 krupuk (Indonesian shrimp crackers; optional)
- 2 cups (480 ml) thinly sliced shallots
- 2 large chopped garlic cloves
- 1 lb. (0.45 kg) sliced skinless boneless chicken breast
- 1 lb. (0.45 kg) medium shrimp
- 2 minced hot red chiles
- 1 1/4 tsp. (6.2 ml) salt
- 2 tbsp. (30 ml) ketjap manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp. (15 ml) Asian fish sauce
- 4 sliced scallions
Steps
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Cook 4 cups of white rice. Just place the rice in boiling water and cook it for the amount of time listed on the instructions. Some types of white rice can take just 10 or so minutes to boil, while others can take 30 minutes or more. You can also microwave instant rice in the microwave, but it may not be as tasty. Once done, you can fluff it up so that it does not stick. [1] X Research source
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Prepare the vegetables. First, wash 2 cups of carrots, 1 medium onion, 1 clove of garlic, one ginger root, and 1 cup of bean sprouts. Then, dice the carrots and onions, and mince just 1 tsp. of fresh ginger. Set these ingredients aside.Advertisement
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Pour 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil into a large pan. The pan should be very deep, almost like a wok. [2] X Research source Place it over medium heat. Make sure the pan is clear of any trace of water, because the oil crackles and flies everywhere.
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Cook the vegetables in the pan for 3 minutes. Place the carrots, onion, garlic, bean sprouts, and ginger into the pan. Throw in 1 tsp. of salt and a pinch of black pepper. The vegetables should sweat a bit, but they shouldn't turn brown. [3] X Research source
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Throw 1/2 lb. of cooked chicken into the pan. You can use chicken that you've cooked for another meal the day before, or buy or make cooked chicken especially for the fried rice. Just dice the chicken into thin strips and place it in the pan. [4] X Research source
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Put up to 2 tablespoon (29.6 ml). of sesame oil into the frying pan. You can gradually add the oil when it becomes necessary -- you don't have to throw it in at once. [5] X Research source
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Add three eggs to the pan. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together. Then, pour the eggs into the pan. [6] X Research source
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Toss the cooked rice into the pan. Fry the rice and the other ingredients together for 2-3 minutes, just enough time to heat up the rice and mix the ingredients. Keep stirring as you fry the rice. Add 3 tablespoon (44.4 ml). of soy sauce to the mixture and fry the ingredients together for another 30 seconds. [7] X Research source Then, remove the pan from the heat.
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Serve. Place the rice in a dish and garnish it with a few sprigs of green onion. Enjoy this dish as a main course.
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Cook the eggs. Add 2 lightly beaten eggs to the pan. Tilt the pan to coat the surface with the eggs. Cook the eggs in an even layer until they're cooked all the way through. Halfway through the cooking, after about 2 minutes, flip the eggs. Then, remove the eggs, dice them into small pieces, and set them aside. [9] X Research source
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Add onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Heat 1/2 cup of chopped onion, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 2 tsp. of minced ginger to the pan. Cook these ingredients together for 2 minutes in the remaining peanut oil. [10] X Research source
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Add 2 diced pork chops to the rice. The pork chops should already be cooked. Cook the diced pork for an additional 3 minutes, or until they're golden brown. [11] X Research source
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Add the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Add 1 cup of cooked brown rice, 1/4 cup of reduced-sodium soy sauce, and 2 tsp. of sesame oil to the pan and cook them for 2 more minutes. Season the fried rice to taste with salt and black pepper. Then, remove the fried rice from heat. [12] X Research source
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Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro leaves. Mix the cilantro well with the remaining ingredients. [13] X Research source
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Serve. Place this fried rice on a serving plate and top it with chopped eggs.
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Rinse and drain 1 ½ cups of long-grain white rice.
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Bring the rice, ¾ cups of water, and 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to a full rolling boil in a 4-quart heavy saucepan.
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Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook the ingredients until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. This should take about 15 minutes. Then, remove the pan from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes, giving the rice time to absorb the flavors.
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Transfer the rice mixture to a shallow bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature – this should take about 30 minutes. Chill the rice mixture for 8 to 12 hours.
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Heat 1 quart of oil a 4-quart pot over high heat. Heat it until a thermometer registers 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the krupuk (optional). Gently drop 2 krupuk in the oil. Fry the krupuk until they float to the surface and curl up and expand, which should take about 20 seconds. Then, turn the krupuk over and fry them until they’re pale golden – about ten more seconds. Then, transfer them to a paper towel with a slotted spoon until they drain. [14] X Research source
- Fry the remaining krupuk in 3 batches in the same way. When the krupuk is cooked, cool it and break it into pieces.
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Break up the rice into individual grains. Do this with your fingers. This will help the rice absorb the other ingredients.
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Heat the remaining 3 tablespoon (44.4 ml). of oil in a wok over high heat. Heat it until it's hot but not smoking. Then, add 2 cups of thinly sliced shallots and fry them in the heat for 1 minute. Add 2 large chopped garlic cloves to the mixture and stir-fry them for an additional 30 seconds.
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Add the chicken to the stir-fry mix. Add 1 lb. of sliced skinless boneless chicken breast to the mixture until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 2 minutes.
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Add the shrimp, chiles, and salt to the mixture. Add 1 lb. of peeled and deveined medium shrimp, 2 minced hot red chiles, and 1 1/4 tsp. of salt to the mixture and cook them for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked through. [15] X Research source
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Add the remaining broth and ketjab manis to the rice. Add 1/4 cups of chicken broth and the ketjab manis (Indonesian sweet soy sauce) to the mixture and stir-fry it until the rice is heated, which should take another 2 minutes.
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Remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml). of Asian fish sauce and 4 sliced scallions until the mixture is combined well. [16] X Research source
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Serve. Serve the Indonesian fried rice on a platter with krupuk, cucumber slices, and hard-boiled eggs.
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Make vegetarian fried rice. This type of fried rice is perfect for fried rice lovers who don't eat meat.
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Make Japanese fried rice. Make this fried rice with a healthy portion of scrambled eggs and peas.
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Make Chinese fried rice. Make this delicious fried rice with a few strips of bacon and a sliced omelet.
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Make shrimp fried rice. Make this version of fried rice if you love adding tasty shrimp to your meals.
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Make Thai fried rice. Make this tasty fried rice with a variety of ingredients that include peanut oil, fish sauce, and chili pepper.
Fried Rice Shopping List and Recipe
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the best way to scramble eggs in fried rice?Chef Sasha Reyes is the Executive Chef and Owner of Artisan Personal Chefs. With over 20 years of food industry experience, she specializes in private dinner parties, custom sports nutrition plans for professional athletes, and cooking lessons. Chef Reyes graduated from Arizona Culinary Institute in 2011 with a degree in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Restaurant Management.The best technique is to make sure that you're thoroughly whisking your eggs before you add them to the pan with just a little bit of salt, don't do any other seasonings before cooking like you can season them afterward. But just adding a little bit of salt and then whisking them very thoroughly before adding them to the pan will make them more fluffy.
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QuestionIs it safe to reheat rice?Community AnswerYes, as long as the rice is cooled soon after cooking. Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature.
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QuestionWhat materials do I need to make fried rice?Daidra ThomanderCommunity AnswerThere are many different recipes that have different materials, but all fried rice will need a pot to cook the rice in, a pan, something to stir and/or serve it with, and the individual ingredients listed at the top of this article.
Video
Tips
- Love fried rice but are trying to eat healthy? Look for lower-fat oils, or try vegetable oil for a healthier outcome. [17] X Research sourceThanks
- There are many things you can add to fried rice. You're really only limited by your imagination. Here are some ideas:
- Tofu
- Chicken
- Pork
- Ham
- Beef
- Vegetables, such as peas, broccoli, or bamboo shoots.
- Lup cheong, also known as lop chong, or Chinese sweet sausage, is a wonderful, traditional addition to fried rice. It should be cooked (steamed or pan-fried) first, and diced or sliced before being added to the fried rice. [18] X Research source
- Oyster sauce, which can be found in Chinatown, adds great flavor, and doesn't taste like oysters. only a little is needed, and you can add after cooking. The Lee Kum Kee brand is good. However, some may contain MSG, so check the label if you want to avoid that. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Thanks - You can substitute butter for oil.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cooking, check out our in-depth interview with Sasha Reyes .
References
- ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/Pasta_Rice_Main/Perfect-White-Rice.htm
- ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/79543/fried-rice-restaurant-style/
- ↑ https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-better-takeout-chicken-fried-rice/
- ↑ https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-better-takeout-chicken-fried-rice/
- ↑ https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-better-takeout-chicken-fried-rice/
- ↑ https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-better-takeout-chicken-fried-rice/
- ↑ https://www.averiecooks.com/easy-better-takeout-chicken-fried-rice/
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/crispy-pork-fried-rice-recipe-1951510?ic1=obinsite
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/crispy-pork-fried-rice-recipe-1951510
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/crispy-pork-fried-rice-recipe-1951510
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/crispy-pork-fried-rice-recipe-1951510
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/crispy-pork-fried-rice-recipe-1951510
- ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/robin-miller/crispy-pork-fried-rice-recipe-1951510
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/indonesian-fried-rice-233562
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/indonesian-fried-rice-233562
- ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/indonesian-fried-rice-233562
- ↑ https://www.livescience.com/59893-which-cooking-oils-are-healthiest.html
- ↑ https://archives.starbulletin.com/2004/09/29/features/ingredient.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/monosodium-glutamate/faq-20058196
About This Article
To make fried rice, first cook 2 cups (450 g) of white rice in a rice cooker. If you don’t have a rice cooker, fill a pot with 4 cups (950 mL) of water and bring it to a boil. Add your rice, cover, and let the pot simmer for roughly 25 minutes until the rice absorbs the water. When the rice is cooked, fill a small saucepan with water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 cup (roughly 50 g) of chopped baby carrots to the saucepan and cook them for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup (150 g) of frozen peas to the saucepan and cook the vegetables for 3 more minutes before draining the water. Then, coat a large wok with 4 tablespoons (60 mL) of vegetable oil and heat it over high heat for 3 minutes. Pour the carrots and peas into the wok and cook them for roughly 30 seconds. Then, crack 3 eggs and add them to the wok. Stir quickly to scramble the eggs and work them into the vegetables. Then, stir the cooked rice into the wok. Add 6 tablespoons (90 mL) of soy sauce and 4 tablespoons of sesame oil, then mix everything together. Finally, cook the fried rice for 3 more minutes and serve. If you want to learn how to make fried rice with pork or shrimp, keep reading the article!
Reader Success Stories
- "I chanced upon this article and found it very useful. I have never cooked fried rice in my life, and being so slow, I hope to improve. Will definitely try and let you know much sooner than later. Thank you for this article. It was really helpful. :)" ..." more