Fried Rice Recipe

This Fried Rice Recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that can easily become the star of your dinner table. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it offers a fantastic solution for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. Serve it as a side or as a main course, and enjoy the deliciousness that comes from combining rice, vegetables, and savory sauces. With this recipe, you’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills while indulging in a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This fried rice recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful: The combination of butter and soy sauce elevates the taste to new heights.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever veggies you have on hand to customize the dish to your liking.
• Great for Leftovers: Ideal for repurposing leftover rice, turning it into a tasty meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love this dish, making it an excellent option for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious fried rice recipe, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for stir-frying, allowing even cooking without overcrowding.
• Spatula: Perfect for scrambling eggs and tossing the rice without breaking it apart.

Ingredients

This simple hibachi-inspired fried rice is packed with flavor and easy to make. Made with white rice, butter, soy sauce, and veggies, it’s a delicious and versatile dish perfect for dinner or as a side.

For the Fried Rice

• 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice (long-grain or jasmine rice also works)
• 1 egg, whisked/scrambled
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup peas (frozen recommended)
• 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2–3 tablespoons peanut, canola, or vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) so it’s cold and firm for frying.

Step 2: Soften the Butter

Leave the butter on the counter to soften. If you’re in a hurry, microwave it in short intervals until soft. Mash the butter with a fork and mix in the soy sauce. It’s fine if it doesn’t combine completely.

Step 3: Cook the Egg

Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the whisked egg and scramble it. Use the tip of a spatula to break it into small chunks. Remove the egg from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

Add another splash of oil to the skillet. Toss in the carrots, peas, and onion. Sauté for about 4 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper before removing them from the skillet onto the plate with eggs.

Step 5: Fry the Rice

Add another splash of oil to the skillet. Then add the cold cooked rice. Toss every 30 seconds to warm through and lightly brown it while cooking for about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Season the Rice

Drizzle your butter-soy sauce mixture over the warmed rice while tossing to coat evenly. Continue cooking until there are no more visible white grains of rice.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return your veggies and scrambled egg back into the skillet. Drizzle with sesame oil if using then stir until well combined. Taste your fried rice recipe and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce if desired before serving immediately.

How to Serve Fried Rice Recipe

Serving fried rice is all about enhancing its flavors and providing a delightful dining experience. This versatile dish can stand alone or complement various meals, making it perfect for any occasion.

As a Main Dish

• Add Protein: Top your fried rice with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty meal.
• Serve with Egg Rolls: Pairing with crispy egg rolls adds a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

As a Side Dish

• Accompany with Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of colorful vegetables adds freshness and nutrition.
• Pair with Teriyaki Chicken: The sweet and savory notes of teriyaki chicken complement the fried rice beautifully.

In a Bowl

• Create a Rice Bowl: Add your favorite protein and veggies on top for a satisfying rice bowl experience.
• Top with Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions for added color and flavor right before serving.

How to Perfect Fried Rice Recipe

Making the best fried rice requires some key techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Cold Rice: Always start with cold, day-old rice to prevent clumping and achieve the perfect texture.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all veggies and proteins chopped in advance to keep the cooking process quick and efficient.
• Control Heat: Use medium-high heat to ensure proper cooking while avoiding burning the ingredients.
• Keep It Moving: Continuously stir the rice in the skillet to promote even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Season Gradually: Start with less soy sauce, adding more as needed to control saltiness.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice pairs wonderfully with an array of sides that can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies or meat make for an excellent appetizer.
2. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a light, savory contrast to the richness of fried rice.
3. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Tender chicken skewers add protein and flavor that complements the rice well.
4. Asian Salad: A refreshing salad with sesame dressing balances the richness of fried rice perfectly.
5. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings offer a delightful bite-sized treat alongside your meal.
6. Sautéed Bok Choy: This lightly sautéed veggie is nutritious and adds a touch of green to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your fried rice recipe, it’s easy to make a few slip-ups that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using fresh rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will clump together when frying. Always use cold, day-old rice for the best texture.
• Not prepping ingredients: Failing to chop vegetables and prepare ingredients beforehand can lead to uneven cooking. Take time to measure and chop everything before you start.
• Skipping the oil: Insufficient oil can cause sticking and burning. Use enough oil when frying your rice and veggies for a perfect finish.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much at once can lower the temperature of the pan, resulting in soggy rice. Fry in batches if necessary for even cooking.
• Neglecting seasoning: A lack of flavor can ruin your fried rice recipe. Always taste and adjust seasoning, adding soy sauce gradually until you reach your desired flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store fried rice in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fried Rice Recipe

• Place cooled fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fried Rice Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and spread the rice on a baking sheet; cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, cover, and reheat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat with a little oil in a skillet over medium heat while stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my fried rice recipe?

Yes! You can add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra flavor. Feel free to mix in different vegetables based on your preference.

What type of rice is best for this fried rice recipe?

Short-grain white rice is ideal as it holds its shape well after cooking. However, long-grain or jasmine rice also works nicely.

How do I make my fried rice recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit eggs and use vegetable oil instead of butter. You can also add more vegetables or plant-based protein options.

Can I use leftover fried rice?

Absolutely! Leftover fried rice makes an excellent meal prep option. Just follow proper storage methods to keep it fresh.

Why is my fried rice sticky?

Sticky fried rice usually means that fresh or improperly cooked rice was used. Always use cold, day-old cooked rice for better results.

Final Thoughts

This hibachi-inspired fried rice recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a main dish or side and allows you plenty of room for customization with different proteins or veggies. Give it a try today!