Savory Asian Fried Rice
Most countries in Asia have rice as their staple food, which is very versatile. It can be eaten with just about anything. From meat, fish, sausages, veggies to sauce, you name it!
For leftover rice not to go to waste, Asians fry them. It could be as simple as using cooking oil, garlic, and a little bit of salt. But the options are endless when it comes to the mix-ins. It all depends on the ingredients that you have in your fridge.
Is Rice Beneficial?
Many people stay away from rice because they think that it is fattening. While it is true that rice is a good source of carbohydrates, you really won’t have to worry about gaining weight if you limit your intake. A cup here and there won’t hurt. Plus, if you opt for whole-grain rice, you will greatly benefit from it.
So, what are the real benefits of eating rice?
White rice and brown rice have their own nutritional values. The white variety is rich in minerals like iron and calcium. Brown rice, on the other hand, is high in fiber, which is exactly what you need if you are trying to lose weight.
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Savory Asian Fried Rice
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The authentic Asian fried rice…mixed with various seasonings and loaded with veggies…It’s the BEST!
Ingredients
4 cups of cooked rice
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
3 large eggs
2 medium carrots (diced)
1 cup green peas
3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Using a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Scramble the eggs, remove from the pan, and set aside.
- Add the remaining butter into the pan and cook carrots as well as onions for about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for about a minute.
- Add the rice and peas. Saute for up to 5 minutes.
- Put the eggs back into the skillet, stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
When sauteing the rice, it would be better to have it brown a little bit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Is Freshly Cooked Rice Okay?
If you really want to achieve the best-fried rice, using freshly cooked rice is not recommended. Why? Because it is still moist and hot. Technically, it won’t fry and will only result in soggy rice. You don’t want that.
The best thing that you can do is to cook the rice ahead of time. Preferably a few hours before you intend to make your fried rice. Even better, chill it.
Substitute for Butter
Most of the time, in Asian restaurants, they utilize butter. But you have the option to use cooking oil, too. In fact, if you have fried pork or chicken, the fat will definitely add flavor to the end result.
Closing Thoughts
Eating rice once in a while is not bad at all. It offers versatility, so you can mix anything to it. Aside from the above-mentioned ingredients, you can also add ham, chopped pork, flaked chicken, or hotdogs. Shrimps would be excellent as well. Again, the options can go and on.