Delicious Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Craving the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout but don’t want to wait for delivery? Look no further than this recipe for Better Than Takeout Rice! This extraordinary fried rice dish transforms leftover proteins and day-old rice into a mouthwatering meal that will have your taste buds singing. With juicy char siu, succulent prawns, fluffy eggs, and crisp veggies all coming together in perfect harmony, this dish captures the essence of takeout right in your own kitchen.

I stumbled upon this fried rice recipe as a way to use up leftovers, but it quickly became a family favorite that we can’t get enough of. Even the toughest food critics in my family, like my mother-in-law, couldn’t resist asking for seconds. The secret to this dish lies in the hot-cooking technique and the perfect balance of flavors, creating a dish that rivals any restaurant’s version. Plus, with just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal on the table faster than any delivery service.

The key to achieving the ideal texture and flavor in this Better Than Takeout Rice is using cold, day-old rice and cooking over high heat. By following a few simple tricks, like cooking in smaller batches and adding ingredients in the right order, you’ll be able to recreate that authentic wok hei taste that sets this dish apart. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover proteins or customize the recipe to suit dietary preferences, this versatile dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy meal using leftover rice and proteins
• Versatile dish that can be customized to fit different dietary needs
• Authentic takeout taste achieved through hot cooking method and proper seasoning
• Great way to repurpose leftover meats and veggies for a new meal

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Homemade Fried Rice Recipe Recipe

• Delicious Fusion Flavors: The combination of juicy char siu, tender prawns, and vibrant veggies creates a burst of flavors that mimic the best takeout dishes.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With just 20 minutes of preparation time, you can enjoy a homemade meal that beats any delivery time.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe beautifully transforms leftover proteins and day-old rice into a completely new and exciting dish, making it a great way to clean out the fridge.
• Family Favorite: Loved by picky eaters and even hard-to-impress family members, this fried rice recipe is a constant request at family dinners.
• Texture and Flavor Enhancements: Tips like using cold, day-old rice for the perfect texture and ensuring super hot cooking for that “wok hei” taste make this dish stand out.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customizable to suit various dietary preferences – skip the meat for vegetarians, use riced cauliflower for low-carb diets, or make gluten-free adjustments for those with dietary restrictions.
• Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with protein from the prawns and char siu, the addition of eggs and veggies adds a nutritional balance to the dish.
• Authentic Takeout Experience: By following the right steps like the order of ingredients and cooking techniques, you can achieve a restaurant-quality taste that feels like a real takeout treat.
• Endless Ingredient Options: Experiment with different proteins like roast chicken, holiday ham, or even grilled steak to create unique and delicious variations of this fried rice dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or food enthusiasts, this extra flavorful fried rice is sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes it.

Ingredients for Delicious Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups of long grain rice that’s already been cooked (about 200 grams or serves 2 people)
• 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 2-3 tablespoons of a cooking oil that doesn’t have a strong flavor
• 100 grams of Char Siu (this can be BBQ chicken, pork, or any other meat, chopped into small bites)
• 50 grams of green peas (close to half a cup)
• 2 to 3 spring onions (thinly sliced into rings)
• A half an onion (diced into small pieces)
• 1 carrot (cut into tiny cubes)
• 150 grams of prawns (cleaned and with shells removed)
• 2 large eggs (beaten and given a pinch of salt)

Prawn Marinade

• 1 teaspoon of Chinese rice wine (like Shao Xing)
• A quarter teaspoon of white pepper (black pepper is fine too)
• 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (light or regular)
• 1 teaspoon of corn starch (potato starch works too)

Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (choose light or regular)
• 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder (MSG or a similar seasoning works too)
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil (toasted for flavor)
• A half teaspoon of white pepper (feel free to use black pepper)

Pro Tips for Delicious Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For the best texture and flavor in your fried rice, always use cold, day-old rice. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy and clumpy during cooking. If your rice is too wet or sticky, adding a spoon of plain breadcrumbs can help bind everything together.

Pro Tip 2: Achieve that authentic restaurant-style taste by ensuring your wok is super hot before adding any oil. This technique, known as “wok hei,” imparts a smoky flavor to the dish. Cook in smaller batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing the ingredients to cook evenly and develop complex flavors. Remember to keep the ingredients moving constantly for that perfect fried rice texture.

Pro Tip 3: Customize this recipe to suit dietary preferences by making simple substitutions. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and increase the amount of eggs and vegetables. To make it low-carb, swap in riced cauliflower instead of regular rice. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the chicken powder is gluten-free. This versatile dish can be enjoyed by everyone with a few adjustments.

How to Make Delicious Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Step 1: Fluff the rice

Carefully separate the rice grains using your fingers or a spoon to ensure they are free of clumps for even cooking.

Step 2: Get everything ready

Cut the char siu into bite-sized pieces and dice the listed vegetables.

Step 3: Marinate the prawns

Combine prawns with soy sauce, rice wine, pepper, and starch. Allow to marinate while you continue with remaining tasks.

Step 4: Start frying

Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, stir, then add carrots.

Step 5: Cook eggs and prawns

Add prawns to the wok and cook for less than 2 minutes. Push them to the side, then pour in beaten eggs. Allow eggs to set slightly before scrambling them.

Step 6: Add the rest

Add the green peas and char siu, then stir for 1 minute.

Step 7: Mix rice and spices

Add rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken powder, and pepper. Stir and fry for 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Finish it up

Add the spring onions to the mixture and stir briefly before serving immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have made this Better Than Takeout Rice, it is important to store any leftovers properly to maintain its flavor and texture. Transfer the fried rice into an airtight container once it has cooled down to room temperature. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure, which can lead to the rice drying out. Leftover fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If you have a larger batch of fried rice that you want to store for a longer period, you can freeze it. Portion out the fried rice into smaller airtight containers or freezer bags before freezing. Properly stored, fried rice can last in the freezer for 1-2 months. When you are ready to enjoy the frozen fried rice, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it in a pan or microwave. Remember to stir and fluff the rice as you reheat it to ensure even heating and to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the protein in this Better Than Takeout Rice recipe, feel free to substitute the prawns with cooked chicken, beef, pork, or tofu for a different flavor profile or based on dietary preferences. You can also mix and match different proteins to use up any leftovers you have on hand, such as roast chicken, ham, turkey, or steak.

If you don’t have char siu available, you can substitute it with any cooked meat you prefer, like BBQ chicken, pork, or beef. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of seasoned or marinated meats to add unique flavors to your fried rice. Just make sure the meat is cooked and chopped into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dish. Feel free to get creative with your protein choices to customize the dish to your liking or to use up any leftover meats you have in your fridge.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting this Better Than Takeout Rice in a hollowed-out pineapple half. Not only does it look impressive, but the sweetness of the pineapple will complement the savory flavors of the dish perfectly. This tropical presentation will elevate your dining experience and impress your guests with a unique twist on a classic fried rice dish.

To add a fun and interactive element to your meal, consider serving this Extraordinary Fried Rice in individual mini cast iron skillets. Each person can have their own skillet sizzling with delicious fried rice, creating a personalized and visually appealing dining experience. Top each skillet with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for a restaurant-quality presentation that will make your homemade fried rice feel like a special treat.

FAQs for Delicious Homemade Fried Rice Recipe

Why does the recipe call for day-old rice?

Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it has dried out slightly, resulting in grains that are separate and not sticky. Freshly cooked rice can turn clumpy and mushy when stir-fried.

Can I use different types of protein in this fried rice?

Absolutely! You can customize the protein in this fried rice dish to your preference. Feel free to use chicken, pork, beef, tofu, or even just stick with veggies for a vegetarian option.

What is the purpose of adding breadcrumbs to the rice if it’s too moist?

Adding breadcrumbs to moist rice helps absorb excess moisture and aids in binding the ingredients together better, especially when shaping the rice. It also helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky when cooking.

Why is it important to cook on high heat for fried rice?

High heat is essential for creating that classic “wok hei” flavor in fried rice. It helps to quickly cook the ingredients while maintaining their individual textures and flavors. Stirring constantly and cooking in smaller batches also contribute to achieving that restaurant-quality taste.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you can create your own delightful dish of Better Than Takeout Rice. Whether you’re using leftover proteins or fresh ingredients, the magic of this recipe lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures that come together in each mouthful. With a bit of practice and the right techniques, you’ll soon be able to recreate that beloved takeout taste right in your own kitchen.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this Better Than Takeout Rice recipe! Customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings. The beauty of this dish is its versatility and ability to adapt to different tastes while still delivering that delicious takeout experience. So, gather your ingredients, heat up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a homemade meal that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy your cooking journey with Better Than Takeout Rice!