Introduction
Better Than Takeout Fried Rice is a recipe that makes cooking your favorite Chinese takeout dish quick, easy and tasty. It’s so much healthier than the store-bought version and you get to pick what goes in it. Be it as a side or for weeknight dinner, this fried rice will surely be a hit in your home.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
2 large eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or to taste)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 green onions, sliced 13.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions
How to prepare the rice: If using warm rice, spread it on a baking sheet so that it can cool to room temperature and not stick together.
In the second stage; The vegetable oil is heated in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Fry vegetables: Dice onions and fry them till they turn translucent for about 3-4 minutes. Garlic is then included and cooked for another half minute until its fragrance becomes nice.
Boil peas and carrots: Put the defrosted peas and carrots into the skillet, stir them continuously for around two minutes while they are frying.
Cook eggs separately; Move all vegetables on one side of pan, pour beaten eggs into other side of pan and scramble until fully cooked. Then combine that with vegetables together.
Put rice into a saucepan; While doing so, mash every lump using a ladle. Combine with veggies as well as eggs after stirring properly.
Seasoning: Oyster sauce (optional) should be mixed evenly with soy sauce on top of the rice. While still on top salt it up when needed as you drip sesame oil over it also peppered with some ground black pepper.
Finalize: Stir in sliced green onions and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through everything.
Serve food hot: Serve it hot garnished with extra spring onions if you wish.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: You can serve the fried rice alongside other Asian-inspired entrees such as teriyaki chicken, beef stir-fry or dumplings among others.
Storage: The remaining food can be stored in a refrigerator for up to four days using an airtight container. You can reheat it using a microwave or over medium heat until warm or hot enough.
Tips for Success
Use stale rice: Freshly cooked rice is sometimes too sticky and watery. Fried rice is best made from day-old refrigerated rice that has dried out slightly.
High heat: To obtain this characteristic crispy texture of fried rice, cook it on high heat.
Prep ingredients: Prior to cooking, have all your ingredients ready and prepared. Prepare all the components before cooking since you do not want to overcook any of them while trying to catch up with time in preparing the meal.
Health Benefits
Nutrient-rich: There are several types of vegetables included in this dish that provide minerals as well as vitamins.
Protein-packed: With eggs and vegetables, there is protein that makes it a balanced meal.
Lower sodium: Homemade fried rice helps you manage the sodium content unlike takeout versions.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fat 15g
Fiber 3g
Sodium 800mg
Variations and Substitutions
Protein – Cooked chicken, shrimp and tofu can be added to add more protein.
Vegetables – Adapt it with your choice of vegetables e.g. bell peppers, broccoli or snap peas.
Grains – This is one of the portions which you may replace white rice by brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier alternative.
Soy sauce – In case you are on gluten free diet, feel free to go for low sodium soy sauce or tamari.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use freshly cooked rice?
A: It is better to use old rice as it sticks less and gives better fried texture.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce which is a vegetarian alternative.
Q: Can I freeze fried rice?
A: Yes, fried rice can be frozen up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Better Than Takeout Fried Rice has many occasions of use and is extremely satisfying. Healthier as well as customizable option may be chosen whenever the same thing can be made at home. If you have a family or just want to make your meals ahead of time for the whole week then this one is definitely worth trying on! You can enjoy your homemade fried rice by adding other ingredients you like for instance onions and chicken.
