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Egg fried rice is a versatile, quick, and flavourful dish that can easily be a part of your homemade Chinese meals. This delightful recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with rich umami flavours that make it an irresistible addition to your dining table. Whether you’re looking to recreate a takeaway-style meal at home or simply want a satisfying dish to enjoy on its own, this egg fried rice recipe is perfect for you.
Why Cold Rice is Essential
The most important tip for making perfect egg fried rice is to use cold, cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky and claggy, which can result in a mushy texture. By using cold rice, the grains remain separate, allowing you to achieve that desired fluffy and non-sticky consistency.
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Preparing Your Rice in Advance
To ensure you always have cold rice ready for your egg fried rice, consider boiling a pan of rice in the morning or cooking a batch and freezing it. When you freeze the rice, you can defrost it overnight in the refrigerator, making it ready for frying the next day. This method not only saves time but also ensures that your fried rice will have the perfect texture.
Video Credit: Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
Choosing the Right Rice
For the best results, use long grain rice. While basmati and brown rice can work, long grain white rice is ideal for achieving the perfect fried rice texture. The grains are less likely to stick together, resulting in a better final dish.
How to Make Egg Fried Rice
Ingredients Needed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
800 g (4 cups) bubbled and cooled long-grain rice
½ tbsp sesame oil
2 eggs
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp garlic salt
1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled is fine)
½ bunch of spring onions/scallions, chopped (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Fry the Onion and Garlic: In a large wok, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns out to be delicate and clear. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring regularly.
Add the Rice: Increase the heat to high and add the boiled, cooled rice to the wok. Drizzle with sesame oil and use a spatula to toss everything together, ensuring the rice heats evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Cook the Eggs: Push the rice to one side of the wok and crack the eggs into the space. Add a splash of soy sauce to the eggs and scramble them using the spatula. Once the eggs are mostly cooked but still a little runny, mix them into the rice.
Season and Serve: Add the remaining soy sauce, salt, garlic salt, and lemon juice to the rice. Toss everything together and taste, adjusting the seasoning if needed. Serve the egg fried rice topped with chopped spring onions.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Egg fried rice is incredibly versatile, and you can easily modify the recipe to suit your taste or make use of leftovers:
Add Vegetables: Chopped bell peppers, peas, finely chopped mushrooms, and carrots make great additions.
Add Protein: Incorporate cooked, shredded chicken for chicken fried rice or use any leftover meat from your previous meals.
Scaling the Recipe
This recipe can be handily increased or down relying upon your necessities. If doubling the recipe, ensure you have a large enough wok and be prepared for a longer cooking time to heat the rice through evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Egg fried rice can be served as a side dish with your favourite Chinese meals such as Crispy Sesame Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken. It also makes a delicious and satisfying main dish on its own.
Storing and Reheating
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes! Reheated fried rice often tastes even better. To prepare ahead, cook the rice, spread it out in a large dish to cool quickly, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When ready to serve, reheat the rice in a wok over medium-high heat, adding a splash of oil and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
Freezing Instructions
Egg fried rice can also be frozen. Spread the cooked rice in a large dish to cool quickly, then freeze. Defrost the rice in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a wok with a splash of oil. This method ensures the rice maintains its texture and flavour.
Conclusion
Egg fried rice is a delicious, quick, and versatile dish that can elevate your homemade Chinese meals. By following these tips and steps, you can achieve the perfect non-sticky, flavourful fried rice every time. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, egg fried rice is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.