Fried rice is a popular dish that is adored by people everywhere. It’s simple to make and always a hit with the crowd. But every now and then, we could all use a little diet adjustment. This is where the skill of improving your fried rice comes in. You can transform your plain fried rice into a delectable dish of restaurant quality with a few easy adjustments and additions. We’ll outline five quick ways to improve your fried rice at home in this post. With these suggestions, you can make your fried rice into a delectable dish that you and your family will enjoy, from adding flavorful spices to including fresh vegetables and protein. So don your chef’s hat and let’s start cooking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients and method to prepare Fried Rice
Ingredients
3 tbsp. sesame oil, divided
3 large eggs
Kosher salt
2 carrots, diced
3 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. peeled and minced ginger (from a 1″ piece)
4 c. cooked long grain rice (preferably leftover)
3/4 c. frozen peas
3 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
Directions
Step 1.
A large cast iron skillet needs about 2 minutes to get extremely hot over high heat. Include 1 tablespoon of oil.
Step 2.
Add beaten egg to skillet along with 2 teaspoons water and a generous pinch of salt. For about 30 seconds, cook while stirring to produce large, soft curds. Onto a plate, transfer.
Step 3.
Put the skillet back over high heat and add the carrots, green onions, and 2 tablespoons of oil. 2 minutes is about the time it takes to lightly golden. Stirring constantly, add the ginger and garlic, and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Step 4.
Cooked eggs, rice, and peas should all be added to the skillet. After adding the soy sauce, stir the mixture for 1 minute to fully reheat it. Add the remaining green onions and season with salt and pepper.
5 easy ways to upgrade your fried rice at home
1. Add protein to your fried rice
Fried rice is a common food that is simple to prepare at home. With whatever you have on hand, you can make it quickly and delectably. Thoughtfully incorporate some protein into your fried rice if you want to elevate it.
Fried rice can be transformed into a complete meal by adding protein. Chicken, shrimp, beef, and tofu are a few common protein choices. Cooking the protein in the same pan as the fried rice will produce a more flavorful end product than cooking it separately and adding it to the fried rice.
Aside from making your fried rice more filling, adding protein will also give the dish more texture and flavor. The protein will take on the flavors of the fried rice and develop a richer flavor. Additionally, if you’re trying to consume more protein, this is a simple and delectable way to do so.
Consider adding some protein to your fried rice the next time you make it at home. You won’t be dissatisfied with the outcome!
2. Use different types of rice
Utilizing various types of rice is one simple way to upgrade your fried rice at home. For their fried rice, most people use plain white rice, but there are many other varieties of rice that can take the dish to a whole new level.
For instance, brown rice lends a nutty flavor and chewy texture to fried rice. Additionally, because it has more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice, it is a healthier option.
Jasmine rice, which is fragrant and flavorful and frequently used in Thai cooking, is an additional choice. Your fried rice may take on a whole new level of flavor thanks to the jasmine rice’s floral aroma.
You could even experiment with adding wild rice or black rice to your fried rice if you’re feeling particularly daring. Wild rice can give your dish a more rustic feel with its earthy, nutty flavor and chewy texture. Black rice, also referred to as forbidden rice, can make your fried rice stand out because of its stunning deep purple color and slightly sweet flavor.
You can make a special and mouthwatering dish that your family and friends will adore by using various types of rice in your fried rice. So why not experiment with different types of rice and see which one works best for you?
3. Add vegetables for extra nutrition
You can eat fried rice at any time of the day and it is a delicious and filling dish. Even though it is usually prepared with vegetables, meat, and rice, there are a number of ways to improve it to make it even more nourishing and tasty. Including vegetables in your fried rice is one of the simplest ways to improve it.
Vegetables not only give your fried rice color and texture, but also the vital vitamins and minerals your body requires. Among the numerous vegetables that can be included in your fried rice are carrots, peas, bell peppers, and broccoli. In addition to adding nutrition to the dish, these vegetables also give it a delicious crunch.
Start by sautéing your vegetables in a little oil until they are tender before adding them to your fried rice. Then incorporate them into your fried rice after adding them. To give your dish even more flavor, you can also add a little soy sauce or other seasoning. You can make your fried rice more nutrient-dense, colorful, and flavorful by adding vegetables to it.
4. Use different types of oil for different flavors
If you enjoy fried rice, you can easily upgrade your recipe and add a variety of flavors by using various types of oil. The majority of fried rice recipes call for vegetable oil, but you can also experiment with many other oils to improve the flavor of your dish.
To give your fried rice an authentic Asian flavor, for instance, sesame oil is a fantastic choice. It gives your dish a slightly sweet flavor and a nutty aroma. Another choice to add a touch of the tropics to your fried rice is coconut oil. Its distinctive flavor can go well with chicken, pineapple, shrimp, and other ingredients.
Olive oil is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for something healthier. It has a potent flavor that can improve the flavor of your fried rice. For those who are concerned about their health, it is a fantastic choice because it is high in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Use duck fat or bacon grease for a stronger flavor. With their potent flavor, these oils can give your fried rice more depth. Use them sparingly though, as they are high in saturated fat.
In conclusion, upgrading your fried rice is a simple and effective process that uses various types of oil. Take your fried rice to the next level by experimenting with various oils to find the flavor that suits your palate.
5. Add extra seasonings for more depth of flavor
Addition of additional seasonings can significantly alter the depth of flavor of your fried rice if you want to take it to the next level. While soy sauce is great, there are a variety of other seasonings that can give your fried rice a special and mouthwatering twist.
Oyster sauce is a common seasoning to use because it gives food a rich, savory umami flavor. Sesame oil, which has a nutty flavor and aroma that goes perfectly with the rice, is also a fantastic choice.
For those who enjoy a little spice, adding some chili oil or sriracha sauce can give your fried rice a nice kick. For added flavor, you might also try adding a little ginger, garlic, or green onions.
Find the seasoning combination that works best for you by experimenting with various seasonings. You can even combine flavors to make your own special blend. When it comes to seasoning, just be careful not to go overboard — a little goes a long way.
How to make sure your fried rice is always perfect
One of the most important things to remember is to use cold rice.
Another important tip is to use high heat when frying.
Adding the right amount of sauce is also crucial to making perfect fried rice.
Don’t be afraid to add some extra ingredients to your fried rice to give it some extra flavor and texture.
Lastly, don’t forget to season your fried rice with salt and pepper.
Tips for storing and reheating leftover fried rice
However, there are certain things you should keep in mind when storing and reheating leftover fried rice.
To store leftover fried rice, it’s important to cool it down quickly.
Store the containers in the refrigerator and consume the leftover fried rice within two to three days.
Another tip for upgrading leftover fried rice is to add some fresh ingredients.
In summary, storing and reheating leftover fried rice can be done easily by following a few simple tips.
Quick recipe ideas for upgraded fried rice
Here are a few quick recipe suggestions to help you improve your homemade fried rice:.
- Garlic Fried Rice: To give your rice a flavor boost while it cooks, add some chopped garlic.
- Vegetable fried rice: For a tasty and wholesome meal, mix in some fresh or frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn to your rice.
- Kimchi Fried Rice: Try adding some kimchi to your fried rice if you like spicy and sour flavors. It’s an excellent way to use up any leftover kimchi you might have in the fridge.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: To give your fried rice a sweet and savory twist, combine some chopped pineapple with some cashews and raisins.
- Add cooked shrimp to your fried rice for a meal that is high in protein. Try experimenting with other meats, such as pork, beef, or chicken. The list doesn’t end with these quick recipe suggestions. You are welcome to experiment with various flavors and ingredients to make your own special fried rice dish. You can improve your fried rice and make a delicious meal at home with a little imagination and basic cooking abilities.
We hope you enjoyed reading our blog post on how to make better fried rice at home. It’s always fun to add some variety to your everyday meals by using inventive ingredients or innovative cooking methods. You can quickly turn your plain fried rice into a delectable and impressive meal by using the five simple methods we provided. Try these suggestions the next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food, and then let us know which one is your favorite!
