Basic Fried Rice
Fried rice is a staple dish in Japanese cuisine, featuring rice stir-fried with eggs, char siu, scallions, and other ingredients. Its distinct fluffy texture and tantalizing aroma make it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 scallion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Refrigerate the cooked rice to make it dry and separate.
- Thinly slice the scallion.
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the eggs and scramble until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the scallion to the pan and cook until softened, about 30 seconds.
- Add the rice and stir-fry until heated through and evenly coated with oil.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked eggs to the pan and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- Use cold, dry rice for best results.
- Heat the pan thoroughly before adding the ingredients to prevent sticking.
- Cook the rice over high heat to get a nice sear.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or protein to your fried rice, such as chopped pork, shrimp, or frozen peas and carrots.
Variations
- Pork Fried Rice:Add chopped pork to the fried rice.
- Shrimp Fried Rice:Add shrimp to the fried rice.
- Kimchi Fried Rice:Add kimchi to the fried rice.
- Egg Foo Young Fried Rice:Top the fried rice with an egg foo young.
Health and beauty benefits
Fried rice offers several health and beauty benefits. Firstly, the rice, rich in carbohydrates, helps replenish energy. Adding protein sources such as eggs, meat, or shrimp supports muscle maintenance and repair. Including vegetables like green onions, carrots, and bell peppers ensures a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals, which can improve immunity and maintain healthy skin. Additionally, using a moderate amount of oil helps promote the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.