Wok This Way Classic Chicken Fried Rice Better Than Takeout
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some homemade Chinese food ? Have you ever craved that perfect chicken fried rice from your local takeaway? Well, this fried rice recipe will hit the spot! It's packed with flavor and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Brief Overview
Authentic fried rice recipes hail from China as a way to use leftovers. This quick fried rice is a simple, tasty meal ready in under 40 minutes.
This recipe will give you about 4 servings.
Main Benefits
This easy fried rice recipe is a great way to sneak in extra veggies. It’s also the perfect way to use up that leftover rice .
Honestly, it's the best fried rice recipe because it's so customizable.
Are you Ready to cook the chicken fried rice recipe easy ?
Ingredients You'll Need
This is everything you'll need.
- Chicken
- Soy sauce
- Shaoxing wine
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Eggs
- Cooked and chilled day-old rice
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Green onions
Now lets cook this simple fried rice for dinner
Marinate the Chicken
First, mix the chicken with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
Honestly, the longer it marinates, the better! Think of it like a mini spa day for your chicken.
The Secret is in the Wok (Or Pan)
Heat some oil in a wok or large pan. You want it hot. Like, really hot. I use peanut oil for flavor.
Cook That Chicken
Add the chicken and stir fry until it is cooked. Then, set it aside. We're not done with it yet!
Add the Aromatics
Add the garlic and onion to the wok. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will smell amazing!. Next, add frozen peas and carrots. Cook those until they are heated through.
Egg-cellent Scramble
Push the veggies to the side. Then, add the beaten eggs and scramble them. They don’t need to be perfect. We're going for rustic.
Rice to Meet You
Add the chilled rice. I use day-old rice because it's drier. Stir fry to combine everything.
Sauce It Up
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if you're feeling fancy). Stir fry to evenly distribute the sauce.
Chicken Reunion
Add the cooked chicken back to the wok. Stir fry to combine.
Finishing Touches
Drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with green onions. And Bob's your uncle. Serve this vegetable fried rice recipe immediately.
My Fried Rice Story
I remember once, I tried to make fried rice with freshly cooked rice. Huge mistake! It turned into a sticky mess.
That's when I learned the importance of using day-old rice. Now, my fried rice is legendary. I think it is the Best Fried Rice Recipe .
Alright, lets talk ingredients for the best fried rice recipe ! I'm sharing everything you need to nail that chicken fried rice recipe easy , better than your usual homemade chinese food ! Honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to make this amazing Chicken Fried Rice .
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound (450g), cut into small cubes. Quality indicators? Fresh, pink, and no funky smell. Trust your nose!
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (45ml) total, divided. Low sodium is always a good shout.
- Shaoxing Wine: 1 tablespoon (15ml). If you don't have this, dry sherry works too!
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Ground Ginger: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml).
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Peanut oil is great, if you're not allergic.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
- Onion: 1 medium , diced.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: 1 cup (approx. 100g). Easy peasy!
- Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten.
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups (approx. 800g) day-old, chilled. The key here is day-old! Trust me.
- Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Totally optional, but adds a real depth of flavor.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Green Onions: ¼ cup (approx. 25g), chopped for garnish.
Seasoning Notes
This easy fried rice recipe needs the right flavors. It's all about balancing salty, savory, and a touch of sweetness. Think of it like building a flavor symphony!
- Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: The dynamic duo! This brings that umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Just a touch for that nutty aroma.
- Aromatics: Garlic and ginger are non-negotiable! They lay the flavour foundation. If you want to make it a Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe , use a veg stock.
- Substitution: If you're out of oyster sauce, a dash of hoisin works.
Equipment Needed
No need to go mad. Keep it simple to create this Quick Fried Rice .
- Wok or Large Skillet: Essential for that high heat cooking. Honestly, a non-stick pan will do in a pinch.
- Mixing Bowls: For the chicken marinade.
- Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: For prepping those veggies.
- Spatula: For tossing the rice.
We have all you need for a Simple Fried Rice dish. I was once making a Leftover Rice Recipe Fried Rice , and used quinoa in mistake.
The results? Interesting, but not Authentic Fried Rice Recipe .
Now you're all set. Grab your stuff and lets get to cooking this chicken fried rice recipe easy !
Wok This Way: Mastering the Fried Rice Repice
Honestly, who doesn't love a good fried rice repice ? Forget that gloopy takeout. We're making a Best Fried Rice Recipe right here.
It's surprisingly easy. I'm gonna give you the lowdown on getting it perfect. Picture this: Homemade Chinese Food that tastes even better than what you get delivered.
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is the secret weapon. Chop your garlic, dice that onion. Marinate the chicken (we're doing a Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Easy version today).
Get everything ready before you even turn on the hob. Trust me, future you will thank you. It's all about making a Quick Fried Rice .
Time saving tip? Frozen peas and carrots, baby! They're already prepped, so no extra chopping required. Talk about an Easy Fried Rice Recipe !
Fried Rice: step-by-step
- Marinate 1 pound chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon ginger for 10 minutes .
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over high heat .
- Cook the chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced onion until fragrant. Add 1 cup frozen peas and carrots.
- Push veggies aside. Scramble 2 lightly beaten eggs until just set.
- Add 4 cups chilled day-old rice, breaking it up. Stir fry. This is the important Leftover Rice Recipe Fried Rice step.
- Add 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional), and stir fry.
- Return the chicken. Stir fry to combine. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and ¼ cup green onions.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Wok hei, baby! High heat is crucial for that smoky flavour. I always crank my hob up!
Don't overcrowd the wok. Cook in batches if needed. Mushy rice is a tragedy, and an Authentic Fried Rice Recipe should never be mushy.
For a Simple Fried Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe , just ditch the chicken and load up on your favourite veggies! Honestly, the possibilities are endless!
There you have it, that's my go-to chicken fried rice that I have been making for years now!. It's dead easy, and you can add whatever you want.
Get stuck in and give it a go!
Recipe Notes for Your Best Fried Rice Recipe Ever
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this fried rice recipe ! Honestly, these are the things I've learned over years.
They’ll elevate your Chicken Fried Rice from good to proper good. You know?
Serving Like a Pro
Want to make your Homemade Chinese Food look the business? Simple! Serve it hot in a bowl. Garnish it with extra green onions.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch. For sides, how about spring rolls? A cool cucumber salad is nice too.
It really cuts through the richness.
Storage Sorted
Got leftovers? No worries! This Easy Fried Rice Recipe keeps well. Refrigerate it in an airtight container. It will be good for up to 3 days.
Need longer storage? Freezing is an option. Put it in a freezer safe container. It’ll last for up to a month.
To reheat, microwave it. A splash of water helps. Or, stir fry it again in a pan.
Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? Swap the chicken for shrimp. Prawns, as they call them in some places! It is a Chicken Fried Rice Recipe Easy way.
For a Vegetable Fried Rice Recipe , ditch the meat. Add extra veggies like broccoli or peppers. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless!
Nutrition Nuggets
Let's talk health, yeah? This Quick Fried Rice has about 450 calories per serving. It also has 30g protein, 20g fat, and 40g carbs.
It's a decent source of protein. Plus, the veggies give you some vitamins. Just watch the sodium! Use low-sodium soy sauce.
This Simple Fried Rice can be part of a balanced diet.
This fried rice recipe is more than just a recipe. It's a blank canvas. So get creative, have fun, and make it your own! You've got this! It is also an excellent Leftover Rice Recipe Fried Rice solution.
With a bit of love, you will have an Authentic Fried Rice Recipe in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my fried rice soggy? I want it like they make it down the Chinese takeaway!
Soggy fried rice is a classic kitchen conundrum! The most common culprit is using freshly cooked rice. Day-old, chilled rice is the key as it's drier and fries up much better. Also, make sure your wok or pan is hot enough, and don't overcrowd it cook in batches if necessary.
Can I make this fried rice repice ahead of time, and how do I store leftovers?
You can definitely prep some components ahead! Chop your veggies, marinate the chicken, and cook the rice a day in advance. Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
What can I substitute if I don't have oyster sauce, or if I'm vegetarian?
Oyster sauce adds a lovely umami depth, but if you don't have it, a bit more soy sauce and a dash of Worcestershire sauce (if not vegetarian) can work in a pinch. For a vegetarian alternative, use a mushroom based stir fry sauce or even a touch of hoisin sauce for a similar savory sweet flavour.
What's the best oil to use for this fried rice repice, and why?
Vegetable oil or peanut oil are excellent choices for fried rice. They have high smoke points, meaning they can withstand the high heat needed for proper stir frying without burning and developing off flavors. Peanut oil also imparts a slightly nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Is this fried rice repice healthy? What are some ways to make it healthier?
Fried rice can be part of a balanced diet, but it's good to be mindful of sodium and fat. Using low-sodium soy sauce, lean protein like chicken breast, and plenty of veggies can make it healthier. You can also reduce the amount of oil used and consider using brown rice for added fiber.
Can I use different veggies in this fried rice repice?
Absolutely! Fried rice is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your veggies. Bell peppers, broccoli florets, mushrooms, and even edamame are all great additions. Just make sure to chop them into bite sized pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Wok This Way Classic Chicken Fried Rice Better T
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |