Wok This Way the Ultimate Chinese Fried Rice
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some chinese rice recipe that's better than takeout? Honestly, who doesn't love that savoury, umami rich flavour? It's easier than you think! This recipe delivers that perfect Wok Hei flavour straight from your own kitchen.
Brief Overview
This chinese rice recipe has roots in the Cantonese tradition. It's a fairly easy dish to make, taking about 35 minutes, plus cooling time for the rice.
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It is a great Homemade Chinese Food .
Main Benefits
This dish is great if you need a quick and easy one-pan meal. Plus, you get a good dose of protein and veggies! It is a delicious way to use up leftover rice.
It elevates a humble staple into something truly special.
What You Need: The Rice Base
Let's talk about the star: the rice! You will need 4 cups (950ml) of cooked, cold, day-old long grain rice. Jasmine or Basmati work great.
Don't even THINK about using freshly cooked rice. Trust me, that's soggy city! Day old rice recipe helps keep a non-sticky texture.
Aromatics That Sing
Next up, we need some aromatics. We're talking 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil, 1 diced medium yellow onion (approx.
1 cup / 150g), 2 minced cloves of garlic (approx. 1 teaspoon / 5g), and 1 inch (2.5cm) of minced fresh ginger (approx.
1 teaspoon / 5g). The ginger and garlic are crucial for that authentic flavour.
Protein Power!
Choose your protein! 8 oz (225g) of cooked shrimp for a Shrimp fried rice recipe , diced cooked chicken breast, diced cooked pork, or pressed and diced firm tofu all work wonderfully.
This lets you really customize the dish.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
So, you want to make some Best Fried Rice Recipe , huh? Awesome! First, let's talk ingredients. This chinese rice recipe is super versatile, but a few key things make all the difference.
Honestly, finding good ingredients is half the battle.
Main Ingredients: The Rice is Right
- Cooked, cold, day-old long grain rice: 4 cups (950ml) . Jasmine or Basmati work really well.
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Peanut oil? Even better for that authentic taste!.
- Yellow onion, finely diced: 1 medium (approx. 1 cup / 150g) .
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves (approx. 1 teaspoon / 5g) .
- Fresh ginger, minced: 1 inch (2.5cm) piece (approx. 1 teaspoon / 5g) .
- Frozen peas and carrots mix: 1 cup (150g) .
- Large eggs, lightly beaten: 2 .
- Green onions, thinly sliced: 2 .
- Cooked shrimp, diced: 8 oz (225g) , or diced chicken/pork/tofu!
For the rice, day-old is essential . Fresh rice? Too sticky! Quality really matters for the rice. Avoid anything that's too broken or dusty. My grandma always said, "Good rice, good life!"
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , low-sodium is better, trust me. Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , or use a vegetarian version.
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , that little drizzle makes a HUGE difference. Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) , just a touch.
White pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .
That sesame oil? Game changer! It's what makes this chinese takeout recipe special. For a bit of kick, add chili garlic sauce. Or Sriracha! You know?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!
Large Wok or Skillet. Non-stick is okay. Spatula. Small Bowl. Cutting board and Knife.
You don't need fancy stuff to make great Easy Fried Rice Allrecipes . A Wok hei fried rice is best cooked with a wok, however if you are on a budget, a decent spatula and a non-stick frying pan will do.
Honestly, I've made amazing fried rice with just a basic frying pan!. This Basic Fried Rice Recipe can be so easy, even a beginner can pull it off.
Let's go make some Homemade Chinese Food !
Wok This Way: Conquer the Best Fried Rice Recipe
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Chinese takeout recipe ? But sometimes, you just want to skip the delivery fees.
That's where this fried rice recipe comes in. I'm sharing my go-to, better than-takeout chinese rice recipe that's surprisingly easy. It's all about the prep and the heat , darling! And a little Wok Hei never hurt anyone.
Prep Power: Your Fried Rice Foundation
First things first: mise en place , baby! Dice that onion, mince your garlic and ginger. Get that basic fried rice recipe sauce mixed in its little bowl.
Having everything ready beforehand is a total game changer. Trust me, you don't want to be chopping veggies while your garlic is burning.
Remember day old rice recipe will ensure that perfect texture of your dish. Pro-tip: Prep everything the night before to save time.
And safety? A hot wok is no joke. Be careful around the hot oil, use pot holders, and don't be a hero. A little caution goes a long way!
Wok It Out: step-by-step Easy Fried Rice Allrecipes
Ready to get your wok on? Here's the breakdown:
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper in a bowl.
- Heat vegetable oil in your wok ( high heat! ) until it shimmers.
- Sauté diced onion, garlic, and ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Push the aromatics aside. Scramble the beaten eggs until lightly cooked.
- Add cooked shrimp, chicken, pork or tofu and frozen peas and carrots. Stir fry for 2- 3 minutes.
- Add the cold, cooked rice and break up any clumps.
- Pour the sauce over the rice mixture. Stir fry vigorously until everything's coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Secret Homemade Chinese Food Tips and Tricks
Want to elevate your Cantonese fried rice game? First, use cold, day-old rice . It absorbs the flavors better and doesn't get mushy.
Trust me on this. Secondly, don't overcrowd the wok. Cook in batches if needed. And thirdly, taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Add more soy sauce for saltiness , a pinch of sugar for sweetness , or even a dash of chili flakes for heat .
Avoid adding too much soy sauce at once, it is always better to add some at the end.
And if you're making this ahead of time, cook the rice and chop the veggies the day before. It's a lifesaver! This makes preparing the best Shrimp fried rice recipe , vegetarian fried rice or any variation of your choice much easier!
I swear you'll never order takeout again.
Recipe Notes For the Best Fried Rice Recipe
Right then, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this epic chinese rice recipe . Honestly, these are the things that will take your Easy Fried Rice Allrecipes from "meh" to "OMG that's better than takeout!".
I have been cooking for years and I can tell you that there are some secrets.
What to Serve with Your Homemade Chinese Food
Okay, plating is key, innit? Pile your steaming hot Basic Fried Rice Recipe high in a bowl. Garnish it properly with extra spring onions.
For a bit of fancy pants presentation, use a small bowl to mold the rice. Then flip it onto the plate.
Think Masterchef but, y'know, less stressful.
As for sides, egg rolls or spring rolls are total winners. A bit of chili oil or sweet chili sauce is a must for dipping.
Wash it all down with some iced green tea or a cold beer. Bang on.
Storing Your Leftover Chinese takeout recipe
Right, if you've got leftovers (unlikely, mind!), get them in the fridge pronto. Pop the Day old rice recipe into an airtight container, and it'll be grand for 2-3 days .
Don't leave it hanging about. Bacteria are not your mates.
Freezing? You can, but the texture might change a bit. Reheat it in the microwave or in a wok. Make sure it’s piping hot above 74° C ( 165° F) all the way through.
Food safety first.
Remixing Your Wok hei fried rice
Fancy a change? Easy peasy. For a veggie version, swap the meat for mushrooms or tofu. Want it spicy? Chuck in some chili flakes or sriracha. Honestly, the possibilities are endless.
If you don't have all the veggies, don't worry. Just use whatever you have in the fridge. You can use frozen veggie mixes too! No biggie.
Quick Nutrition Rundown
Alright, so roughly, a serving clocks in at around 400-500 calories . You are what you eat! It's packed with protein and carbs, giving you a good energy boost.
It's a great way to get some veggies in too.
Remember though, it's just a guide. Every ingredient can be different depending on many factors.
Honestly, making your own Shrimp fried rice recipe is so rewarding. This Vegetarian fried rice or Cantonese fried rice version is much healthier than ordering in.
So, give it a go, have some fun, and enjoy your delicious homemade Chinese fried rice. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my chinese rice recipe always turn out soggy? It's a right palaver!
Ah, soggy fried rice, the bane of many a home cook! The most common culprit is using freshly cooked rice. Day-old, cold rice is key because it has less moisture. Also, make sure your wok or pan is hot enough; you want to fry the rice, not steam it. And don't overcrowd the pan, work in batches if needed!
Can I make this chinese rice recipe vegetarian or vegan? What substitutions can I use?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli. To make it vegan, substitute the oyster sauce with a vegetarian or vegan oyster sauce alternative (often made from mushrooms).
Also, ensure you're using a plant based protein like tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
What's the secret to getting that "Wok Hei" smoky flavor in this chinese rice recipe?
"Wok Hei" is that coveted smoky flavour that makes fried rice taste like it came straight from a restaurant! The secret is high heat and a well seasoned wok. Also, don't overcrowd the wok. The Maillard reaction (browning) at high heat will develop the flavor. If you don't have a wok, a cast iron pan works well too.
How long does leftover chinese rice recipe last, and what's the best way to reheat it?
Leftover fried rice should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will last for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down quickly before refrigerating to prevent bacteria growth.
To reheat, you can use a microwave (add a splash of water to prevent drying out), or better yet, reheat it in a wok or pan over medium high heat with a little oil, stirring frequently until heated through.
Is fried rice healthy? What are the nutritional considerations for this chinese rice recipe?
Fried rice can be part of a balanced diet, but portion control is key! It can be high in carbohydrates and sodium. Consider using brown rice for added fiber, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. Using low-sodium soy sauce and healthy oils will make it a more nutritional meal.
Be mindful of serving sizes, and load up on the veggies!
I don't have oyster sauce! Can I still make this chinese rice recipe?
No worries, you can still whip up a tasty batch! Oyster sauce adds a depth of umami flavor, but you can create a reasonable substitute. Mix a bit more soy sauce (start with an extra half tablespoon) with a tiny pinch of cornstarch to help thicken it.
A splash of fish sauce (if you're not vegetarian) can also add a similar savory note.
Wok This Way The Ultimate Chinese Fried Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400-500 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | Varies |
