How to Make Perfect Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be made with almost any leftover ingredients you have in your refrigerator. This classic Chinese side dish is known for its fluffy rice grains and savory mix of vegetables, meats, or seafood. The preparation process is quick, and it offers endless combinations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

The key to making delicious fried rice lies in using cold cooked rice that has been refrigerated overnight. This allows the grains to separate properly during frying, resulting in a fluffy texture. Cold rice absorbs less oil than freshly cooked rice and helps prevent the dish from turning greasy.

Ingredients

• Cold cooked rice - 1 cup (use any type of rice you prefer)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil works well)
• A handful of vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn kernels
• 1/4 cup diced ham or cooked chicken for protein
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional) Green onions chopped finely as a garnish

Instructions

1. Start by frying the egg. Heat your pan over medium heat, add half of the oil, then pour in the beaten egg. Stir gently until set, and remove it from the pan to cool slightly before chopping into small pieces.
2. In another wok or large skillet, add the remaining oil. Once hot, toss in the vegetables first, allowing them to cook for about 2 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
3. Next, stir in the cold cooked rice and continue cooking it until it starts to dry out a bit and separate into individual grains, which takes around 5-7 minutes on medium heat. If you notice that your rice is sticking together or not separating well, let it cool down more before attempting this step.
4. Add the diced ham (or any other type of meat), soy sauce, salt, and pepper to the wok and mix everything thoroughly for about another 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are heated through.
5. Finally, add the scrambled egg back into the pan with your fried rice. Mix well, then cook it briefly just until the eggs are warmed through without overcooking them. Taste the mixture to check if additional seasoning is needed before serving.
6. If desired, garnish your finished dish with chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe requires approximately 20 minutes of active cooking time. With proper planning, you can easily prepare the cold rice ahead of time to save effort during meal preparation. Each serving yields enough fried rice for two people as a side dish or main course.

Tips & Variations

To make your fried rice more interesting and nutritious, try adding different vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini slices. For those looking to enhance the flavor profile, consider incorporating various spices such as garlic powder, ground ginger, or even a dash of curry powder.

If you prefer a lighter version without meat, simply omit the protein and increase the portion size of vegetables accordingly. Adding some cooked shrimp would transform this dish into a seafood fried rice option.

Conclusion

Fried rice is not only quick to prepare but also very adaptable based on your ingredients availability. By mastering this simple technique, you can create numerous variations tailored to your personal taste and nutritional needs. Whether served hot or cold, this comforting dish makes for a satisfying meal any time of the day.