Here are a few fried rice recipes that can beat take-out in flavor and freshness. Each one has unique twists to elevate the classic dish!
1. Classic Fried Rice (Better Than Take-Out)
This recipe mimics the standard fried rice, but with a few enhancements for better flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or pork)
Instructions:
- Prep Ingredients: Cook the rice ahead of time and refrigerate it for at least an hour to dry out. This prevents the rice from being too sticky.
- Cook the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Scramble the eggs in the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots until soft, about 3 minutes. Add peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Fry the Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, breaking up any clumps. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, then mix well.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked eggs and protein. Toss everything together, then stir in the green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot!