More good than takeout Fried Rice
Discover the flavors of your favorite takeout without leaving home with this More Good Than Takeout Fried Rice recipe. A delightful medley of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, this dish is elevated with the savory goodness of soy sauce and aromatic garlic.
Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal. The combination of scrambled eggs, crisp vegetables, and well-seasoned rice creates a balanced and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Enjoy a homemade version of a classic favorite, packed with flavor and ready in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Convenient: This recipe offers the delicious taste of takeout in the comfort of your home, and it’s ready in just a short amount of time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the wait.
Customizable Ingredients: With its versatile nature, you can easily tailor this fried rice to your preferences by adding your favorite proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, or incorporating additional vegetables like peas or bell peppers.
Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and tender chicken creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile that rivals your favorite takeout. The scrambled eggs add a touch of creaminess that enhances the overall taste.
Cost-Effective and Resourceful: This dish is an excellent way to use up leftover rice and ingredients you might already have in your pantry and fridge. It’s an economical choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Family-Friendly: Fried rice is a universally loved dish that appeals to both adults and children alike. Its familiar flavors and comforting texture make it a hit at the dinner table, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Key Ingredients:
Cooked Rice: Serving as the base of the dish, cooked rice absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. Using day-old rice is recommended for the best texture, as it prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
Chicken: Tender pieces of chicken provide a protein-rich component that adds heartiness and depth to the dish. It’s an adaptable ingredient that pairs well with the savory and aromatic elements.
Mixed Vegetables: A colorful blend of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn, adds both nutrition and a delightful crunch. These veggies enhance the visual appeal and offer a variety of textures.
Soy Sauce: This essential seasoning brings a savory and slightly salty flavor that unifies the dish. Soy sauce adds depth and umami, elevating the taste of the rice and other ingredients.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs contribute a rich, creamy texture and a protein boost, melding seamlessly with the rice and vegetables to create a well-rounded dish.
Garlic and Onions: These aromatics form the flavor backbone of the fried rice, infusing it with a fragrant and savory aroma that enhances the overall taste profile.
More good than takeout Fried Rice
Ingredients
4 c 4. Cooked rice
5. Chicken top (higher) part of leg cut into tiny pieces and cooked
1 c 4. Mixed became ice plants used for food
1 c 4. Bulb with strong taste violently cut
Two great eggs
2 tsp. cut up to bits garlic
2 tbsp. oil-giving seed oil
C 4. Soybean plant dressing
Instructions
First Step:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
Add the chopped onions and mixed vegetables to the heated skillet and sauté until the onions begin to soften.
Second Step:
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.
Third Step:
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, and crack the eggs into the cleared space.
Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them back with the vegetables in the skillet.
Fourth Step:
Add the cooked rice and diced chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
Drizzle the soy sauce over the mixture and toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
Final Step:
Continue sautéing for a few more minutes, ensuring everything is well mixed and heated through.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes:
Best Rice for Fried Rice: For the best results, use day-old rice that has been refrigerated. The drier texture of leftover rice helps it fry better and prevents clumping, ensuring each grain is well-coated with flavor.
Customizing Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu, depending on your preference. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to different dietary needs or what you have on hand.
Vegetable Variations: While the recipe calls for mixed vegetables, you can easily swap or add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. This is a great way to incorporate more nutrients and use up any leftover veggies.
Balancing Flavors: Taste the fried rice before adding additional salt, as the soy sauce and bacon (if used) can be quite salty. Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider adding a dash of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor boost.
Cooking Tips: Ensure the pan is hot before adding ingredients to achieve the signature stir-fry texture and to prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Stir the ingredients frequently to promote even cooking and flavor distribution.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to restore moisture.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 400 kcal | Protein: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 45 grams | Fat: 15grams | Saturated Fat: 3 grams | Cholesterol: 100 mg | Sodium: 700 mg | Fiber: 3 grams | Sugars: 2 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?
While it’s possible to use freshly cooked rice, day-old rice is preferable because it is drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the ideal texture for fried rice.
If you must use fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator to reduce moisture.
What can I use as a substitute if I don’t have chicken?
You can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, tofu, beef, or even leftover pork.
This versatility allows you to adapt the recipe to whatever ingredients you have on hand or prefer.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables or plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh.
You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if your recipe calls for it.
Is there a way to reduce the sodium content in the fried rice?
To lower the sodium content, use reduced-sodium soy sauce or a soy sauce alternative like coconut aminos.
Additionally, be mindful of the amount of added salt, especially if other ingredients like bacon or pre-seasoned proteins are included.
How can I add more flavor to the fried rice?
Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma.
You can also incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
A sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a bit of heat if desired.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
To prevent mushiness, use day-old rice that has been refrigerated.
This rice is drier and less sticky, which helps achieve the ideal texture for fried rice.
If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet and let it cool in the refrigerator before using.
What is the best way to achieve a good stir-fry texture?
Use a large skillet or wok and ensure it is hot before adding ingredients.
This high heat helps the ingredients cook quickly and evenly, preventing steam from making the rice soggy.
Stir frequently and cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Why did my fried rice turn out bland?
If the fried rice lacks flavor, try adding more soy sauce or seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Enhancing the dish with additional aromatics like ginger or a splash of sesame oil can also boost the flavor profile.
Taste as you cook to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
How can I incorporate more vegetables without overcooking them?
To ensure vegetables remain crisp and vibrant, add them to the skillet based on their cooking times.
Start with harder vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, and add softer ones like peas or corn later.
This staggered approach helps maintain their texture and color.
What if I don’t have a wok? Can I still make fried rice?
Yes, you can still make fried rice without a wok.
A large, deep skillet or non-stick pan works well.
The key is to ensure the pan is hot and not overcrowded, allowing the ingredients to fry rather than steam.
This helps achieve the desired texture.