What are the ingredients of fried rice? A simple complete step by step recipe to cook perfect fried rice at home.
Cook fried rice – overview
Fried rice is a versatile and delicious meal that you can make quickly and easily with ingredients you probably have in your kitchen. Whether you want a simple meal for a busy weeknight or a way to use up leftover rice and vegetables without letting them go to waste, fried rice can be a great option for you. This guide will walk you through how to make the perfect fried rice at home, step by step, using simple language and accessible ingredients.
What You’ll Need to prepare perfect fried rice at home
Before you start cooking fried rice, gather all of the ingredients listed. You’ll need:
Ingredients for make fried rice
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 2 eggs (optional)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
- 1/2 cup of diced onion (optional)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional, for extra flavour)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance flavours)
- Green onions or scallions (for garnish)
- Cooked protein (like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, optional)
Required tool to cook rice
- A large frying pan or wok
- A spatula or wooden spoon and
- A knife and cutting board
Recipe to prepare fried rice with egg (optional)
Step 1: first Prepare Your Ingredients
Preparation is key to making the best fried rice, especially because the cooking process moves very quickly. Having all the ingredients ready before you begin will make the process easier and more efficient.
First, if you don’t have any leftover rice, you need to cook 2 cups of rice and let it cool completely. It is less sticky and much easier to fry, which helps to make a delicious meal. To cool the rice quickly, spread it on a plate.
Next, if you are using fresh vegetables in the rice, chop them into small bite-size pieces. For frozen vegetables, make sure they are thawed and well dried before using.
If you want to add eggs to your fried rice, break them into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Although this step is up to you, eggs help add a nice texture and extra flavour to the dish.
Finally, prepare the aromatic ingredients by mincing garlic and chopping onions. These ingredients are vital to adding depth and richness to the fried rice, ensuring that every fried rice bite is full of flavour for you.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs (If Using)
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your frying pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beaten eggs. Let the eggs cook for a minute without stirring, then continue to whisk them gently with your spatula. When the eggs are fully cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. If you are using onions, add them first and cook them until they are translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds to prevent it from burning.
After that, add the mixed vegetables to the pan. Sauté the vegetables for 3-5 minutes, or until they are soft but still crispy. If you are using fresh vegetables, they may take a little longer to cook. Stir them occasionally so that they are cooked thoroughly.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
Once the vegetables are cooked, it’s time to add the rice. Use your hands to break up any clumps of rice before adding it to the pan. Spread the rice evenly over the vegetables.
Let the rice rest for a minute or two to crisp up a little. This makes for a delicious, slightly crunchy and tasty fried rice. Stir the rice occasionally, but not too much – you want it to crisp up a little.
Step 5: Season the Rice
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar to the rice. Mix everything together so the rice and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Taste the rice and add seasoning if needed. If you like your fried rice saltier, add a little more soy sauce. For a little sweetness, add a pinch more sugar.
If you cooked the eggs earlier, now is the time to add them back to the pan. Stir them into the rice until they are well combined.
Step 6: Add Your Protein (Optional)
If you want to make fried rice more filling, you can add some cooked protein like chicken, shrimp or tofu if you want. Simply chop it into small pieces and add it to the rice. Make sure the protein is fully cooked before adding it, as the rice will only take a few minutes to cook.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
When everything is well incorporated into the rice and heated through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle some chopped green onions or scallions on top to freshen up the flavor. You can also add a drizzle of sesame oil for extra richness.
The fried rice can be served hot straight from the pan. It’s delicious on its own or as a side dish with other Chinese or Asian-inspired dishes.
