Fried rice is practically a staple at many oriental food places, particularly Americanized Chinese restaurants and buffets. In a world of picky eaters where oriental food holds many mysteries, fried rice is relatively safe because you can readily see what is in it. The fact that it is delicious is the reason why many people strive to create their own fried rice recipe.
There is really no one in particular fried rice recipe that you should follow. In fact, each time you make it, you will come up with something totally new. The basis of the recipe starts with leftover rice you have in your refrigerator and then adding other ingredients that you might have on hand. However, there are a few basic things you should be aware of that pertains to any fried rice recipe you may try to create.
The Basics of the Fried Rice Recipe
The secret to a great fried rice recipe starts with the rice that you use. Whatever you do, do not use freshly cooked rice as it will not create the fluffy, separated rice that you would expect. Instead, use leftover rice you might have on hand in the fridge or if you must cook rice for the fried rice recipe, spoon the cooked rice onto a dish and spread it out so it can cool and dry out a bit. You will end up with a fried much pile if you try to use freshly cooked rice that is still moist and steamy.
Other fried rice recipe ingredients all depends on what you have on hand in the refrigerator. Do you have any leftover carrot and pea medley from meatloaf night or perhaps steamed broccoli or corn? These are great additions to fried rice but you must remember to drain any juices or pat down vegetables to absorb any excess moisture. Leftover ham, bacon, chicken, pork or even beef are also delightful additions that must be cut up into bite size pieces for your recipe.
In terms of seasonings and condiments, you have a broad hand and can incorporate anything you want such as soy sauce, oyster sauce or even fish sauce. Each type of sauce you could use has a different salt content and flavor so you will want to choose which one would best complement the other ingredients you have.
Some thinly sliced celery, green onion, green or red bell peppers and even hot peppers are additional ingredients that you can add to make your fried rice recipe really pop. In some cultures, fresh herbs are often chopped up and added at the last minute to any fried rice recipe preparation and include sweet basil, lemongrass or even cilantro. Use these fresh herbs sparingly as they are more potent than dried herbs and can potentially take over the flavor of the rice.
Cooking your Fried Rice
Your wok is the most important tool you need in order to create an awesome fried rice dish. You must have the temperature on high and keep it on high as you cook, so that means no multi-tasking in the kitchen when cooking your fried rice recipe! When the wok is hot, add a thin layer of oil such as olive oil or even sesame oil. Some people will use a combination of olive oil and sesame oil as the sesame oil is rather strong and too much can overpower a dish.
Expect the oil to pop on the hot surface as it forms a non-stick coating which will prevent your rice and ingredients from clumping together. Add the freshly sliced ingredients you have on hand and stir constantly for about 30 seconds before you add in the rice and leftovers. When you add the rice, break up the clumps for easier cooking and then add the sauce you have on hand. Just a few minutes before serving, add any fresh herbs you may have and stir. Turn off the heat and prepare to enjoy your own homemade fried rice recipe.
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