Fried rice: A Chinese Classic, Versatile and Delicious 

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The Fried Rice it is one of the most emblematic dishes of the cuisine of asian, especially chinese cuisine. Its history dates back more than 1,500 years ago, when in the Sui dynasty (589-618 d.C.) emerged as a practical solution to take advantage of the leftover rice. With time, this recipe evolved, adopting variations in different asian countries, such as the yakimeshi japanese, the nasi goreng indonesian and the kimchi bokkeumbap-Korean. 

This dish is much more than a simple accompaniment: it is a perfect combination of carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables, which makes it balanced and adaptable to any preference food. In addition, its preparation is fast and easy, which makes it ideal for those who are looking for a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. 

Another interesting fact is that the Fried Rice it is one of the most popular recipes in the entire world, with versions that include ingredients that are native to each country. From seafood and meat to vegetarian options and vegan, this dish has a unique versatility that adapts to all tastes. Below, we will show you how to prepare an authentic Fried Rice home with a taste that is irresistible. 

 

Ingredients for the Fried Rice 

Main ingredients: 

  • 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably the day before) 
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil 
  • 2 beaten eggs 
  • 1 chicken breast, diced (optional) 
  • ½ Cup shrimp, peeled (optional) 
  • ½ Cup carrot, diced small 
  • ½ Cup of green peas 
  • ½ Cup chopped green onion 
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 1 tablespoon of grated ginger 
  • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce 
  • 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional, for more depth of flavor) 
  • ½ Teaspoon sugar 
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar 
  • Salt and pepper to taste 

Accompaniments and toppings optional: 

  • Sesame seeds 
  • Strips of nori seaweed, chopped 
  • Hot sauce or sriracha 

  • Sweet and sour sauce

 

Preparation of Fried Rice 

Step 1: Preparation of the ingredients 

Before you begin, make sure that the rice is cold and loose, as this will help to prevent re-sticky to the pan frying. If you don't have rice from the previous day, you can cook and leave it to fully cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour. 

Cut all ingredients into small pieces to cook evenly. Mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and rice vinegar in a small container to keep your list at the time of use. 

Step 2: stir-frying and cooking of ingredients 

In a wok or large frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and kitchen stirring until completely cooked. Remove and reserve. 

Add another tablespoon of oil and sauté the chicken, and the shrimp until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and reserve along with eggs. 

In the same pan, add the garlic, ginger and green onion. Cook for 1 minute until they release their aroma. Then, incorporates the carrot and peas, stir for 2-3 minutes until tender. 

Step 3: Incorporation of rice and completion 

Add the cold rice and mix well with the vegetables. Press gently with the spatula to golden brown slightly and get a texture more crispy. 

Pour the mixture of soy sauce and stir well to distribute the flavors. Stir in the eggs, chicken and shrimp reserved, by mixing all the ingredients until the rice to absorb the sauce, and is very hot. 

Serve immediately and garnish with sesame seeds, the more green onion and a touch of hot sauce if desired. 

 

Nutritional information per Serving 

  • Calories: 450 kcal 
  • Proteins: 25 g 
  • Fat: 12 g 
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g 
  • Fiber: 4 g 
  • Sodium: 850 mg 

 

Benefits of Fried Rice 

  1. Take advantage of ingredients leftover: This is a great way to avoid food waste, since you can use rice and vegetables that you have at home. 
  2. Quick and easy to prepare: In less than 30 minutes, you can have a full plate, and full of flavor. 
  3. Customizable: You can adapt it to your diet by adding more protein, vegetables, and / or by adjusting the spices according to your taste. 
  4. Power source: Thanks to its content of complex carbohydrates, fried rice is an excellent option for maintaining energy during the day. 

 

Variations of Fried Rice

 

1. Fried Rice Vegetarian

It replaces the chicken and shrimp for tofu or mushrooms. Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach and bean sprouts for an extra touch of freshness. 

2. Fried Rice, Thai Style

Adds a touch of curry powder and peanut chopped to give it a whirl thai recipe. You can also include pieces of pineapple for a balance of sweet and salty tastes. 

3. Fried rice Japanese Style

Change the soy sauce for teriyaki and add pieces of nori and an fried egg on top for a version inspired by the yakimeshi japanese. 

 

Tips for a Fried Rice Perfect 

  • Use rice from the previous day: This prevents the rice becomes sticky and helps to achieve a texture that is more crispy when you fry it. 
  • Cooking over high heat: A hot wok helps seal in the flavors and to give it that smoky touch characteristic of fried rice traditional. 
  • Don't overload the pan: Kitchen ingredients in batches if necessary to ensure that each one is browned properly. 

 

Conclusion 

The Fried Rice it is a classic dish, easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows for countless variations according to the tastes and preferences of each person. With basic ingredients and a few tricks, you can enjoy a delicious fried rice, homemade with all of the authentic taste of asian food. 

Now that you know the recipe, dare to prepare it and tell us in the comments what is your favorite version. We would love to hear how you personalize in your kitchen! 

Learn more about the Asian Food in our article:

Discover the Secrets of Asian Cooking

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