Special Fried Rice

Special Fried Rice is a beloved dish that brings together the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals and the excitement of takeout. This vibrant dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. With its combination of tender proteins, colorful vegetables, and fragrant seasonings, Special Fried Rice will quickly become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Prepare this dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The mix of ingredients creates a delicious blend that satisfies your taste buds.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite proteins or veggies to suit your preferences.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean proteins.
• Great for Leftovers: A fantastic way to utilize day-old rice for an easy meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to prepare Special Fried Rice.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Wok or large frying pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Wok or large frying pan: Essential for high-heat cooking, allowing all ingredients to fry evenly.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking eggs and combining ingredients before cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Special Fried Rice:

For the Rice

• 3 cups Cooked long grain rice (About 200 grams, or 2 serving rice)

For the Protein

• 100 grams Char Siu (Chinese BBQ chicken, chicken, or a choice of cooked meat, cut into small pieces)
• 150 grams Prawns (Peeled and deveined prawns/shrimp)

For the Vegetables

• 50 grams Green peas (About ½ cup)
• 1 Carrot (Cut into small dice)
• ½ Onion (Cut into small dice)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Finely chopped)
• 2-3 Spring onion (Cut thin slices)

For Seasoning

• 2-3 tbsp Cooking oil (Neutral flavor oil)
• 1 tsp Soy sauce (Regular or light soy sauce)
• 1 tsp Shao Xing grape juice (Chinese cooking rice grape juice)
• 1 tsp Corn starch (Or potato starch)
• ¼ tsp White pepper powder (Or black pepper)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce (Regular soy sauce or light soy)
• 1 tsp Chicken powder (Chilli bouillon powder or MSG)
• 1 tsp Sesame oil (Toasted sesame oil)
• ½ tsp White pepper powder (Or black pepper)

How to Make Special Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the vegetables and measure out each ingredient so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.

Step 2: Heat the Wok

Heat your wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Ensure that the oil is hot before adding other ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

Pour in the whisked eggs into the hot wok. Scramble them until fully cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add more oil if necessary, then toss in the diced onions and garlic. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the carrots and green peas, stirring frequently until they soften.

Step 5: Add Proteins

Incorporate the cooked char siu chicken and prawns into the vegetable mixture. Stir-fry until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Combine with Rice

Add in the cooked rice, breaking apart any clumps as you mix it with other ingredients. Pour in both soy sauces along with sesame oil, corn starch mixed with shaoxing grape juice, white pepper powder, and chicken powder. Mix well to combine all flavors thoroughly.

Step 7: Finish Up

Finally, add back in the scrambled eggs along with sliced spring onions. Give everything a final stir for about another minute to ensure it’s heated through before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Special Fried Rice!

How to Serve Special Fried Rice

Serving special fried rice is all about enhancing its flavor and presentation. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber Slices: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds a nice crunch.
• Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that complements the rice’s flavors.
• Sliced Bell Peppers: Adds color and sweetness to your meal.

Garnish with Herbs

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevates the dish with its aromatic flavor.
• Green Onion Tops: Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild onion taste.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Soy Sauce: A classic choice that enhances the umami flavor of the fried rice.
• Chili Sauce: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, chili sauce is an excellent addition.

How to Perfect Special Fried Rice

To make your special fried rice truly spectacular, follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is drier and prevents clumping, giving you better texture.
• Prep Ingredients in Advance: Having all ingredients ready helps ensure quick cooking and even distribution.
• High Heat Cooking: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve that characteristic smoky flavor known as wok hei.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches allows each ingredient to fry properly without steaming.
• Add Ingredients Gradually: Introduce ingredients one by one for better control over cooking times.
• Season at the End: Add sauces towards the end of cooking to maintain their flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Special Fried Rice

Complementing your special fried rice with side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Spring Rolls: Crispy and filled with vegetables or meat, they add a delightful crunch.
2. Sweet and Sour Chicken: Tangy chicken pairs well with the savory fried rice for a balanced meal.
3. Egg Drop Soup: This light soup provides warmth and comfort alongside your main dish.
4. Stir-Fried Greens: Quick stir-fried bok choy or spinach offers a nutritious touch.
5. Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings can be a delicious addition for extra protein.
6. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Special Fried Rice, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid those pitfalls.

• Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky. Use day-old rice for the best texture and flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much rice at once can lead to uneven frying. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each grain gets the attention it needs.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Skipping or skimping on seasoning can dull the flavors. Make sure to use enough soy sauce and pepper to enhance the dish.
• Not Prepping Ingredients: Failing to chop vegetables and proteins beforehand can slow you down. Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth process.
• Skipping High Heat: Using low heat will result in soggy rice. A hot pan helps achieve that signature fried texture, so preheat your wok or skillet properly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Special Fried Rice in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow rice to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Special Fried Rice

• Place cooled fried rice in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.

Reheating Special Fried Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil for even heating, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat, add the rice, and stir until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Special Fried Rice?

Special Fried Rice is a popular Chinese dish made with day-old rice, mixed vegetables, proteins like chicken or shrimp, and flavorful seasonings.

Can I customize my Special Fried Rice?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables or proteins you prefer. Try using tofu for a vegetarian option or different veggies based on what you have on hand.

How do I know when my Special Fried Rice is ready?

Your Special Fried Rice should be hot throughout with slightly crispy edges. The vegetables should be tender but still vibrant in color.

What type of rice is best for making fried rice?

Long grain rice works best for fried rice as it stays separate when cooked. Day-old rice is ideal because it’s drier and less sticky.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce for a delicious gluten-free version of Special Fried Rice.

Conclusion

Special Fried Rice is not only quick and easy but also highly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have available at home. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone!