Wok This Way Perfectly Easy Fried Rice
Table of Contents
Wok This Way: look into into Easy Fried Rice!
Fancy a takeaway tonight? Nah, mate! What if I told you that making fried rice at home could be quicker, tastier, and way more satisfying? Honestly, you can whip up a restaurant quality dish in less time than it takes for the delivery guy to find your house.
This recipe brings savory, umami flavors together with a slight sweetness.
Fried Rice: A Global Comfort Food
Fried rice isn't just a meal. It is an experience. It's a dish with Asian inspired cooking, steeped in history. Originating as a clever way to use up leftover rice in Chinese cuisine, it has become a global staple.
This simple Chinese food is so good. Our version is a straightforward, quick rice recipes , perfect for a weeknight dinner.
You can make this in under 25 minutes. This recipe serves 4 hungry people.
Why You'll Love This Best Chinese Fried Rice
This recipe isn't just about speed. It is about flavor and nutrition too. It is packed with protein. It's also a brilliant way to sneak in extra veggies for the little ones.
Making fried rice is perfect for a simple family meal ideas , using up leftover rice recipe ideas . It can also be a delicious lunch! Plus, that secret ingredient, sesame oil, adds a nutty depth that'll have everyone begging for seconds.
This is easy chicken recipes for lunch , or easy chicken for dinner.
Fried Rice Ingredients That Matter
Okay, let's talk ingredients. To make the sauce for chicken fried rice super flavorful, you'll need a few key players.
Of course, we need rice. That day-old rice is king! It is also essential to have soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
The exact fried rice ingredients make all the difference. Trust me, a little white pepper adds a subtle heat that elevates the dish.
Ready to gather your bits and bobs? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Wokking!
Alright, fancy making fried rice ? It's easier than you think! Forget those dodgy takeaway menus. We're about to whip up some Best Chinese Fried Rice right in your kitchen.
Honestly, it's the ultimate weeknight dinner idea . I'm talking Easy Chicken Recipes For Lunch type of easy. Ready?
Main Fried Rice Ingredients
Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you've probably already got! This is your ticket to simple Chinese food , mates!
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
- Onion: 1 medium , finely diced (150g). Get a decent one, not some sad, sprouting thing from the back of the fridge.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (6g). Jarred stuff is alright in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
- Ginger: 1 inch , grated (5g). This adds that authentic Asian inspired cooking zest, doesn't it?
- Mixed veggies: 1 cup (150g). Frozen peas, carrots, corn - whatever you've got kicking about.
- Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten. Free range, if you're feeling posh.
- Cooked rice: 4 cups (600g), day-old. This is crucial! Fresh rice is a no-no, we need that leftover rice recipe idea .
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons (45ml). Go for a good quality one. It makes all the difference.
- Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Smells divine, doesn't it?
- Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g). Just a touch to balance things out.
- Ground white pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2g). Black pepper works too, but use less.
- Green onions: 2 , thinly sliced, for garnish.
- Optional protein: cooked chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu, diced
Seasoning Notes: Umami Bomb
This is where the magic happens. These are the key flavor enhancers and aromatics that make this Wok This Way Fried Rice recipe sing.
For the essential spice combination, we are using Soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and white pepper. For a quick sauce for chicken fried rice think a mix of soy sauce, a little bit of brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and a dash of sesame oil.
It's a flavor explosion!
If you're out of sesame oil, just use a neutral oil. It won't have the same nutty flavor, but it will still be tasty.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Don't worry, you don't need a fancy wok setup. This is a simple family meal ideas , nothing complicated.
- Wok or large skillet.
- Spatula.
- Small bowl for eggs.
Wok This Way: Perfectly Easy Fried Rice!
Honestly, who doesn’t love fried rice ? It's the best Chinese fried rice I reckon, and you can bung anything in it.
This isn't just any quick rice recipes , my friend; it’s the one. It’s the simple family meal ideas that everyone begs for.
Need easy chicken recipes for lunch ? Dice up some cooked chicken and chuck it in! This recipe is your blank canvas!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, let's get organized. Dice 1 medium onion (150g). Mince 2 cloves of garlic (6g), and grate 1 inch of ginger (5g).
You need 1 cup (150g) of your fave mixed veggies and get 4 cups (600g) of day-old rice ready. Honestly, day-old rice is essential if you want to avoid a sticky mess.
And don’t forget that sauce for chicken fried rice - we will make one. It is just soy sauce and sesame oil.
From Zero to Hero: step-by-step
Here's how to nail it, step-by-step:
- Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil in your wok over medium high heat.
- Sauté the onion for 2- 3 minutes , then add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 more minute.
- Toss in 1 cup of veggies and cook for 3- 5 minutes .
- Push everything aside and scramble 2 large eggs in the wok.
- Add 4 cups of day-old rice, breaking it up with your spatula.
- Pour in 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil, 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon (2g) white pepper. Mix it all!
- Add your protein. Cooked chicken? Leftover roast pork? Go wild!
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot. Dinner's ready!
Secret Wok Star Tips
- High heat is non-negotiable . A hot wok is key for that lovely, slightly charred flavour.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok! Cook in batches if needed to keep the heat up.
- Feeling lazy? Pre-cooked rice from the supermarket is fine in a pinch.
If you are searching for simple Chinese food , this is It. You can easily adapt this into one of your favorite weeknight dinner ideas .
This is the leftover rice recipe ideas you will ever need. Asian inspired cooking has never been easier! Now get in the kitchen and give this recipe a go!
Alright, let's dive deeper into this Best Chinese Fried Rice recipe. It's more than just tossing rice in a pan.
We need to consider the finer details. Think of it as adding those extra sprinkles to your ice cream! It elevates the whole experience.
Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce
Here’s the lowdown on the stuff that makes this simple Chinese food amazing. These are the things I've learned making fried rice over the years. Honestly, they’re game changers.
Plating Like a Pro
Forget just dumping it in a bowl! Presentation matters, you know? Try molding the rice with a small bowl for a neat look.
Garnish generously with sliced green onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds always looks fancy. For a bit of fun, serve it with crispy wonton strips.
A vibrant ginger salad dressing alongside will make it even more visually appealing.
Storage Savvy
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop it in an airtight container. Stick it in the fridge for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze it. Divide it into portions for easy weeknight dinner ideas . To reheat, microwave it or stir fry it in a pan.
Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
Adapt It Your Way
This recipe is super flexible. Want a simple family meal idea ? Add some easy chicken recipes for lunch . For a vegetarian version, use tofu.
Swap out veggies based on the season. Bell peppers in summer are great. Root veggies in winter, too. Dietary adaptations? Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce if you're looking for a gluten-free option.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Each serving is about 350 calories. It's got roughly 12 grams of protein and 45 grams of carbs. There's about 15 grams of fat, but that's the sauce for chicken fried rice ! Fried rice isn't exactly a health food.
But you can control the ingredients. Use brown rice or add more vegetables. That's part of Asian inspired cooking .
Honestly, leftover rice recipe ideas like this are lifesavers. So grab your wok, get fried rice ingredients , and get cooking! Don't forget about these quick rice recipes , are you ready to improve your Asian inspired cooking ? I know you can nail this! It will be the Best Chinese Fried Rice ever!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is day-old rice so important when making fried rice? Won't fresh rice work?
Using day-old rice is crucial because it has less moisture than freshly cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and will clump together in the wok, resulting in a mushy fried rice, which is a bit naff, to be honest.
Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to dry out, leading to separate, distinct grains that fry up beautifully.
What if I don't have a wok? Can I still try making fried rice?
Absolutely! While a wok is ideal for its high heat and sloped sides, you can definitely make great fried rice in a large, heavy bottomed skillet. Just make sure it's nice and hot before you start cooking. A cast iron skillet works a treat!
How can I customize my fried rice and what are some good additions?
Fried rice is incredibly versatile, so get creative! You can add pretty much anything you fancy. Some popular additions include diced chicken, shrimp, pork, tofu, or even leftover roast dinner meat. Veggie wise, try adding bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or bean sprouts. Kimchi fried rice is also worth a try.
The possibilities are endless!
Can I make fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can! Allow the fried rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, make sure it's piping hot all the way through to avoid any dodgy tummies!
I'm trying to watch my salt intake. How can I reduce the sodium when making fried rice?
That's a smart move. The soy sauce is the biggest culprit when it comes to sodium. Try using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce you use and add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor without adding extra salt.
Taste as you go and adjust accordingly - it's your fried rice at the end of the day!
What's the secret to getting that slightly charred, smoky flavour when making fried rice like you get in restaurants?
That elusive smoky flavour, often called "wok hei," is achieved through high heat and a little bit of technique! Make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding the ingredients. Don't overcrowd the pan - cook in batches if necessary.
As the ingredients cook, let them sit undisturbed for a few seconds to develop a slight char on the bottom before tossing. It's all about patience and a bit of controlled burning!
Wok This Way Perfectly Easy Fried Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |