Penulis Fried rice is a popular dish made by stir-frying pre-cooked rice with a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, and sometimes eggs. It's often seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and other spices.
It's a versatile dish that can be customized based on what's available and personal taste preferences. Fried rice is commonly enjoyed as a main dish or a side. It often includes ingredients like onions, peas, carrots, bell peppers, and proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Some variations feature additional components like pineapple or cashews for extra flavor and texture. It's a practical dish for using up leftover rice and other ingredients, making it both economical and adaptable.
The key to great fried rice is ensuring that the rice is cold and a bit dry, which helps it fry up nicely without becoming mushy. To make fried rice, start by heating oil in a wok or large skillet. Sauté aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, and ginger until they become fragrant.
Next, add your choice of vegetables and proteins, cooking them until they're done. Push everything to one side of the pan and scramble eggs in the empty space. Once the eggs are cooked, mix everything together and add the cold, day-old rice.
Stir-fry the mixture, ensuring the rice gets evenly heated and coated with the flavors. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other desired spices or sauces. Garnish with fresh herbs or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Here's a simple recipe to make classic fried rice:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold or day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
- 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, etc.), diced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions or chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients
If not using day-old rice, cook the rice and let it cool. Chop vegetables and protein into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook Aromatics
Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook until they are tender.
5. Add Protein
Stir in the cooked protein and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
6. Scramble Eggs
Push the vegetable and protein mixture to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked. Mix them into the vegetables and protein.
7. Add Rice
Add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir-fry everything together.
8. Season
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve hot.
Enjoy your homemade fried rice!
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