Introduction
This delightful dish combines the heartiness of rice with savory flavors from fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Though you can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences, the simplicity of the ingredients ensures that it will always be a quick and satisfying meal. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this recipe promises to deliver both flavor and nourishment.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1/2 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 120 g (4 oz) bacon, chopped (optional, or use ham)
– 1 to 1 1/2 cups diced vegetables, frozen or fresh
– 2 cups (packed) cooked day-old white rice (refrigerated or frozen and defrosted)
– 3 eggs, whisked
– 3/4 cup green onions (shallots/scallions), sliced
Sauce
– 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (substitute with Mirin, cooking sake, or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or all-purpose)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Heat about 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a wok or 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke.
Step 2: Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Bacon
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the chopped bacon (if using). Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until the bacon turns light golden.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Incorporate the diced vegetables into the mixture. It is acceptable for them to be frozen. Cook for 2 minutes to allow them to defrost and to help evaporate the water released.
Step 4: Mix in Rice and Sauce Ingredients
Add the cooked day-old rice along with the sauce ingredients. Cook for approximately 1 1/2 minutes until the liquid evaporates.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to the side of the wok or skillet. Pour 1/2 tablespoon of oil into the cleared space. Ensure the heat is focused on this area. Pour the whisked eggs into the space and scramble them completely, avoiding a “soft scramble.”
Step 6: Combine with Green Onions
Once the eggs are cooked, add the sliced green onions. Gently stir the eggs into the rice mix. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Using Bacon or Ham
Bacon adds richness to the dish, but you can choose to use ham or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
Rice Recommendations
Day-old rice is best as it is drier and less sticky than freshly made rice. If using frozen rice, ensure it is thoroughly defrosted before cooking.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to use any combination of fresh or frozen vegetables, such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, or corn.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chinese cooking wine can be substituted with Mirin, cooking sake, or dry sherry if you don’t have it on hand. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. You can serve it as a main dish or a side dish alongside other Asian-flavored dishes.
Cook techniques
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying involves cooking food quickly at high heat in a small amount of oil. It’s essential to keep the ingredients moving in the wok or skillet to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.
Sautéing
This technique involves cooking food quickly in a pan with a small amount of fat over relatively high heat. It’s ideal for softening onions and garlic, allowing them to release their flavors.
Scrambling Eggs
When scrambling eggs, cook them in a separate cleared area of the pan after the other ingredients have been prepared. Stir constantly to achieve a firm texture without overcooking or undercooking.
Using Day-Old Rice
Day-old rice is drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice, which makes it ideal for fried rice dishes. It allows the rice to absorb flavors better without clumping.
Making Sauce
Combining various sauces, such as oyster sauce and soy sauce, adds depth and umami flavor to the dish. It’s best to mix these ingredients in a bowl before adding them to the stir-fry for even distribution.
Garnishing
Garnishing with fresh green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor, enhancing the presentation and taste of your dish.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat instead of bacon?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with ham, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
What vegetables work best in fried rice?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as peas, carrots, bell peppers, corn, and broccoli, either fresh or frozen.
How do I prevent the rice from being mushy?
Using day-old rice that has been refrigerated helps prevent mushiness, as it is drier and less sticky than freshly cooked rice.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the meat and use more vegetables or tofu, and ensure the sauces used are vegetarian-friendly.
What can I substitute for Chinese cooking wine?
You can use mirin, cooking sake, or dry sherry as substitutes for Chinese cooking wine.
Conclusion
This delicious fried rice dish, infused with savory flavors from the bacon and a delightful mix of vegetables, offers a quick yet satisfying meal that can be easily customized. Perfect for using up day-old rice, this recipe highlights the importance of fresh ingredients and simple techniques to create a comforting and hearty dish. Enjoy versatile variations to suit your palate!
Vegetable Fried Rice
Swap out the bacon for extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas for a healthier vegetarian option.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Add cooked shrimp instead of bacon for a seafood twist, combining the ocean’s taste with the rich flavors of the sauce.
Spicy Fried Rice
Incorporate sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their fried rice.
Thai-style Fried Rice
Include ingredients like fish sauce, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing Thai-inspired variation, complementing the existing flavors perfectly.
Egg Fried Rice
Omit the bacon and add scrambled eggs with a sprinkle of turmeric for a simple yet flavorful egg fried rice dish that’s rich in color and goodness.
Chicken Fried Rice
Substitute the bacon with diced, cooked chicken for a protein-packed version that’s family-friendly and satisfying.
Cheesy Fried Rice
Stir in grated cheese towards the end of cooking for a creamy variant that decadently elevates the rice dish.
