Fried rice is a versatile and beloved dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious plate of homemade fried rice.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works best, but you can also cook a fresh batch and let it cool before using. Long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati are commonly used.
- Protein (Optional): Choose from diced chicken, shrimp, tofu, or any other protein of your choice. Cook it separately before adding it to the rice.
- Vegetables: Use a combination of colorful vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, and green onions. Dicing them into small, even pieces ensures even cooking.
- Eggs: Scramble a couple of eggs and season them with salt and pepper.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the essential savory flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- Oil: A high-heat oil like vegetable or sesame oil is used for frying.
- Garlic and Ginger (Optional): For an extra burst of flavor, add minced garlic and ginger.
Steps to Make Perfect Fried Rice:
- Preparation:
- If using fresh rice, allow it to cool to room temperature or use leftover rice from the day before. Cold rice works best for fried rice.
- Protein Cooking (if using):
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the protein until it’s fully cooked. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the vegetables and stir-fry them until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- Egg Scramble:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the scrambled eggs into the empty space. Let them cook for a minute or so until they start to set.
- Mixing Everything Together:
- Once the eggs start to set, gently stir them into the rice. Add the cooked protein and vegetables back into the pan.
- Flavoring with Soy Sauce:
- Drizzle soy sauce over the rice and toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Final Touch:
- If you have minced garlic and ginger, add them to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute to infuse extra flavor.
Congratulations! You’ve just created a delicious plate of homemade fried rice. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for using up leftovers or showcasing your favorite ingredients. Experiment with different protein and vegetable combinations to make it your own. Enjoy your culinary creation!
For further reading: https://www.norfolkexpress.co.uk/food-blog/egg-fried-rice-a-simple-and-delicious-classic/
This blog has been provided by OSA Digital on behalf of Norfolk Express
