Delicious Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice is a traditional Chinese dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with various ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat. It comes in many regional styles and is commonly enjoyed as either breakfast or dinner by the general public. Due to its convenience, short preparation time, and nutritious value, fried rice is highly popular among people.

Delicious fried rice delights in the sight of grains bouncing in the pan as they are stir-fried—not sticking or clumping together. Each grain remains translucent and clear, and when served on a plate, it stands tall without any trace of excess oil, ensuring a refreshing, non-greasy experience. Here are some tips and insights about fried rice:

1.About fried rice:

Fried rice originated in China but is now popular in many other places as well, making it a common delicacy. The preparation of fried rice is quite simple: it starts with cooked rice as the base, mixed with various preferred ingredients, and seasoned with appropriate spices to create a tantalizing dish that is hard to resist.

2.Why use overnight rice for fried rice?

①Water evaporation: Overnight rice loses moisture overnight, resulting in a drier surface. During the frying process, the rice grains can more easily absorb the oil in the pan, allowing them to separate more easily after frying and avoiding clumping.

②Starch aging: When rice is left for a period of time, the starch undergoes aging or retrogradation, enhancing the richness of its texture. This process makes the rice grains softer, more aromatic, and stickier, which is ideal for fried rice preparation.

③Distinct grains: When using overnight rice for frying, the reduced moisture content and starch aging lead to less stickiness between rice grains. This results in a fried rice dish where each grain is distinct, enhancing both its visual appeal and texture.

④Unique flavor: Overnight rice, left to sit overnight, develops a distinct flavor and texture that cannot be replicated by freshly cooked rice.

3.What oil to use for making fried rice?

You can use oils with a high smoke point for making fried rice, such as peanut oil or canola oil.

4.How to stir-fry fried rice to achieve a chewy texture?

Firstly, use long-grain rice if possible, as it has lower stickiness and greater hardness, which helps the grains separate during frying. Secondly, when steaming the rice, use less water to prevent it from becoming too sticky and difficult to stir-fry. Finally, allow the rice to cool completely before frying, preferably using overnight rice for best results.

5.What vegetables can be used for fried rice?

Carrots are commonly used in fried rice for their rich nutrients and vibrant color. Shiitake mushrooms are also excellent for enhancing flavor. Additionally, you can add tomatoes, onions, greens, bell peppers, and more according to your taste preferences.

Leafy greens are low-fat vegetables rich in dietary fiber, making them a delightful complement to rice dishes. You can freely mix and match vegetables according to your preferences. However, the following content mainly focuses on Bok choy fried rice. Stay tuned if you're interested!