Fried rice is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish, it’s packed with protein, veggies, and all the savory goodness you could ask for. Let’s dive into the key elements of this delicious recipe and how you can make your own fried rice!
What’s in Fried Rice?
- Cooked Rice: The star of the dish! Day-old rice is preferred here because it’s drier and less sticky, allowing the grains to stay separate when fried. Freshly cooked rice can work too, but day-old rice yields the best texture for this dish.
- Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the rice and vegetables, vegetable oil adds a nice sheen and keeps everything from sticking. You can use canola, avocado, or any neutral oil you prefer.
- Onion: Sweet and savory, onions add depth to fried rice. Yellow onions are the go-to for their balanced flavor and mild sweetness.
- Garlic: A must-have ingredient that infuses the dish with irresistible flavor and aroma. Garlic is key to making your fried rice taste homemade and mouthwatering.
- Zucchini: This vegetable adds a lovely crunch and freshness to the dish, sneaking in some extra nutrition. Feel free to swap it out with other vegetables like bell peppers or peas.
- Eggs: Fried rice wouldn’t be complete without eggs! Scrambled eggs make the dish hearty and protein-packed while contributing a rich flavor.
- Cooked Chicken (or Beef): A great source of protein, leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) or diced beef work well in fried rice. You can also use shrimp or tofu if you prefer.
- Soy Sauce: The essential umami flavor! Soy sauce adds a salty, savory note that brings all the ingredients together. For a lighter option, go for low-sodium soy sauce.
- Oyster Sauce: Optional, but highly recommended. It adds an extra layer of savory richness to the dish. If you like deeper flavors, include it in your fried rice!
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but necessary seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Green Onions: A vibrant garnish to give your fried rice a fresh bite and a pop of color.
- Additional Vegetables: This is a great opportunity to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge, such as peas, bell peppers, or carrots.
Is Fried Rice Healthy?
Fried rice can absolutely be a nutritious meal when made with the right ingredients. Let’s break down the nutritional benefits:
- Cooked Rice: While rice is a carbohydrate, it provides energy to fuel your body. For a healthier option, choose brown rice, which offers extra fiber and nutrients.
- Vegetables: The zucchini, onions, and any additional veggies you add are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making fried rice a well-rounded dish.
- Protein: Adding chicken, beef, or eggs makes fried rice a balanced meal with plenty of protein. If you want to keep it lighter, use leaner protein options or opt for a plant-based alternative like tofu.
A downside to traditional fried rice is the sodium content due to soy sauce, but you can easily make a healthier version by using low-sodium soy sauce and increasing the amount of veggies.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (or beef)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Additional vegetables (like bell peppers, peas, or carrots)
How to Make Fried Rice
- Heat the Pan: Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it heat up.
- Sauté Onions: Toss in the sliced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Zucchini: Stir in the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Continue stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender and everything smells amazing.
- Cook the Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until cooked through. Once done, mix the eggs with the veggies.
- Add Protein: Toss in the cooked chicken (or beef) and stir everything together until well combined.
- Mix in Rice: Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps as you go. Stir to mix everything evenly.
- Season and Stir: Pour in the soy sauce and optional oyster sauce. Stir to coat the rice and ensure it’s evenly seasoned.
- Finish with Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh and crunchy garnish!
Fried Rice Remix Ideas
- Add Some Flavor: Try drizzling sesame oil over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
- Switch Up the Protein: Experiment with shrimp, tofu, or even leftover pork for a twist on the classic.
- Go Gluten-Free: For a lighter, gluten-free version, swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, serve your fried rice with a side of chili sauce or mix in some red pepper flakes!
This fried rice recipe is a perfect dish to try on a busy weeknight. It’s quick, flavorful, and can be customized with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy!
