Fried rice is a Chinese food that many believe is difficult to prepare. Although in reality this is not the case. Today we will dispel this myth and prepare one of the most popular dishes in Asian countries.
Recipe content:
- How to cook fried rice - tips and secrets
- Fried rice in a pan: a basic recipe
- Thai fried rice
- Chicken fried rice
- Fried rice with meat
- Video recipes
Fried rice is the base or ingredient for any dish. It will take a minimum of time and certain skills to prepare it. The process is quite simple, while the dishes are quite nutritious. The most common cooking method is to boil the grains until half cooked and fry them with water and spices. In Asian countries, the process of boiling rice depends on local traditions and sometimes recipes may differ from each other. It is allowed to cook fried rice from dry rice. This process is a bit similar to our risotto and pilaf. Then the rice is fried in oil, and then the liquid is added. But this is rarely done. However, the methods of preparing this recipe may be different, I propose to consider some of them in this review.
How to cook fried rice - tips and secrets
As mentioned above, there are so many variations of fried rice that the possibilities of recipes are not limited by anything. Therefore, each dish has its own subtleties, but, nevertheless, some tips can be given for all recipes.
- For frying rice, different oils are used, a combination of varieties is allowed. For example, one spoonful of sesame oil and a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Any kind of rice will work, but jasmine or glutinous rice is the best choice.
- For a light Asian flavor, use only sesame oil.
- Oil is added both when cooking rice and frying. At the same time, the fried rice should remain light and not greasy. A tablespoon will be enough.
- Each grain of rice does not have to be covered with oil, it is important that they are the same color. There should be no white spots. This happens when the soy sauce is not evenly distributed.
- The most typical ingredients for fried rice are: onions, eggs, ham, shrimps, some vegetables.
- Of the vegetables, all types of cabbage or hard vegetables are most often used: peas, corn, green beans and peas, celery, carrots, bean shoots and others.
- Soft vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant or pumpkin are not recommended. Then the rice will become wet, which is the worst thing you can do when frying rice.
- To give fried rice an Italian flavor and aroma, use the same recipe as a basis, but use the olive oil on which to fry the garlic, use balsamic vinegar instead of soy sauce, do not use eggs and do not forget to season with Italian spices.
- Delicious fried rice, both hot and at room temperature.
- Fried rice can be prepared in advance and then reheated in the microwave.
- Rice is kept in the refrigerator for about a week.
- Rice can be frozen and stored in the freezer for a very long time.
Fried rice in a pan: a basic recipe
This fried rice recipe is a simple and classic version of the dish. Based on this basic recipe, you can prepare and create a variety of culinary masterpieces with the addition of all kinds of products. It is only necessary to give free rein to fantasy.
- Caloric content per 100 g - 163 kcal.
- Servings - 1
- Cooking time - 30
Ingredients:
- Rice - 100 g
- Water - 200 g
- Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
- Salt - a pinch
Cooking fried rice in a pan step by step:
- Rinse the rice well. It is advisable to do this under 7 waters to wash out all the gluten. Only then will it turn out crumbly, and each grain of rice will separate from each other.
- Pour the rice over with water and place on the stove to boil. Boil, reduce heat and cook until tender, observing the time indicated on the manufacturer's packaging.
- By this time, heat the skillet with oil and add the rice.
- Fry it until it acquires its characteristic color. Another important characteristic of fried rice is its light crunch.
- Salt the rice before serving.
Thai fried rice
The peculiarity of Thai fried rice is the use of fish sauce and the pressure of garlic. Sometimes chili sauce or ketchup is added. It is usually cooked with pork, chicken, or crab meat. To prepare the dish, you need already boiled dry rice. To do this, you need to hold it on fire a little longer so that all the water evaporates. The main thing is that the rice is fried, and not just a warm "pilaf" with meat. For this, it is important that the temperature is high.
Ingredients:
- Boiled rice - 300 g
- Fish sauce - 1 tsp
- Soy sauce - 2 tsp
- Shrimps - 300 g
- Cucumber - 0.5 pcs.
- Green onions - 2 feathers
- Cilantro - twig
- Ground black pepper - a pinch
- Lime - 1 pc.
- Garlic - 1 clove
- Chili pepper - half a pod
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Eggs - 1 pc.
How to prepare Thai fried rice step by step:
- Put the pan on maximum heat and pour in vegetable oil.
- Heat oil and add crushed garlic and finely chopped chili. Fry for half a minute.
- Transfer the peeled, raw shrimp to the skillet and fry until tender. If using pre-boiled seafood, place it in the skillet after the rice.
- Add boiled rice and stir.
- Sprinkle the rice with fish and soy sauce and stir slowly to prevent the rice from turning into porridge.
- Add sliced cucumbers.
- Move the rice away from one side of the pan and break the egg into that spot. Stir until the egg flakes throughout the rice.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro and black pepper over the food.
- Serve the rice with a wedge of lime.
Chicken fried rice
Chicken, rice, egg, and soy sauce is a simple recipe, yet quite tasty. If desired, you can add any fresh or frozen vegetables and vegetable mixes to the recipe. The main thing is to observe the temperature of the rice before frying. It should be chilled, not hot.
Ingredients:
- Cold boiled rice - 250 g
- Cashew nuts - handful
- Chicken fillet - 100 g
- Onion - 1 pc.
- Red bell pepper - 1 pc.
- Chinese cabbage - 2-3 leaves
- Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper - a pinch
- Finely chopped garlic - 2 cloves
- Sugar - 1 tsp
- Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
- Oil - 1 tablespoon
Cooking Chicken Fried Rice Step by Step:
- Finely chop the peeled onion and garlic.
- Cut the chicken fillet into thin strips of 0.5 cm. To make it easier to cut, pre-soak the piece in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Cut the Chinese cabbage and bell peppers into strips, like fillets.
- Heat oil in a skillet to smoke and add garlic. Fry it for 30 seconds.
- Add onion and stir. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add cashews and cook for 30 seconds.
- Lay out the chicken and fry for 1-2 minutes so that the meat turns white and browns without juicing.
- Pepper, stir, add bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Loosen the boiled and chilled rice with a fork so that no grains stick together and add to the pan.
- Stir, season with sugar, add soy and fish sauce.
- Stir until the rice is soaked in oil and sauces.
- Reduce heat and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat, leave the rice for a while so that it is saturated with aromas and serve.
Fried rice with meat
Fried rice with meat, one of the many varieties of East Asian dishes. The main secret of successful cooking is that the rice must cool well so that the grains dry out and take on an individual shape. Then, during the frying process, they will not break and acquire a blush shade.
Ingredients:
- Long grain rice - 400 g
- Eggs - 3 pcs.
- Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic - 1 clove
- Green onions - a couple of feathers
- Green peas - 130 g
- Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - 1 tsp
Step by step preparation of fried rice with meat:
- Wash the rice, drain the water and boil in the proportion: 1, 5 portions of water and 1 portion of rice.
- Cover the rice with a lid and cook over low heat to absorb all the water.
- Cool the cooked rice.
- Beat the eggs with a fork and stir fry in a pan until stiff. Remove from pan and place on a plate.
- Chop green onions and garlic.
- Heat oil in a skillet and add garlic, onion and green peas.
- Add the rice and stir. Heat, pour in soy sauce and stir.
- Add eggs and salt.
- Warm up while stirring and serve the dish to the table.
Video recipes:
