Quick and Easy Chinese Style Fried Rice from the Rice Cooker
This Quick and Easy Chinese Style Fried Rice is the perfect solution for busy days when you're craving the flavors of classic stir-fried rice without the hassle. This one-pot dish brings together the nutty aroma of long grain rice and the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables, all cooked effortlessly in your rice cooker. With minimal prep time and cleanup, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that feels homemade. Customize this versatile recipe by adding your favorite proteins or extra veggies according to your tastes. Perfect as a standalone dish or as a savory side, it seamlessly fits into any meal. Join me on this culinary adventure and make the rice cooker your new best friend in the kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Long grain white rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
Water
2 cups
Reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons
Cooking oil
1 teaspoon
Celery
1 stalk (diced)
Carrot
1 (peeled and diced)
Frozen peas
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the long grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
2
In the rice cooker bowl, combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, soy sauce, cooking oil, diced celery, diced carrot, and frozen peas. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3
Close the rice cooker lid and select the 'cook' setting. Keep an eye on the liquid level towards the end of cooking; if needed, add a bit more water to prevent burning.
4
Once the rice cooker switches to 'warm', carefully open the lid and fluff the rice with a paddle or fork to separate the grains.
5
For a crunchier texture, consider waiting about 10 minutes after starting the rice cooker before adding the diced vegetables and peas. This step will help retain their crispness.
6
If you wish to customize, feel free to add steamed vegetables, or diced cooked chicken for additional protein.
7
Let the fried rice sit on 'warm' if you're not ready to serve it immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and can be easily scaled to accommodate more guests.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quick and Easy Chinese Style Fried Rice?
It is a one-pot meal that uses a rice cooker to create classic fried rice flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients: long grain white rice, water, soy sauce, cooking oil, celery, carrot, and frozen peas.
What type of rice should I use?
Long grain white rice is recommended for this recipe to achieve a nutty aroma and fluffy texture.
Do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Yes, you should rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the standard recipe is vegetarian as it contains only rice, vegetables, and seasonings.
Can I add meat or protein to this dish?
Absolutely. You can customize the dish by adding diced cooked chicken or other proteins.
How do I prevent the rice from burning in the cooker?
Keep an eye on the liquid level toward the end of the cycle and add a small amount of water if necessary.
What is the secret to crunchy vegetables in this recipe?
For crunchier vegetables, wait about 10 minutes after starting the rice cooker before adding the diced celery, carrots, and peas.
Why is cooking oil added to the rice cooker?
Cooking oil helps to prevent the rice grains from sticking together and adds a hint of richness.
What kind of soy sauce is best?
Reduced sodium soy sauce is recommended to provide flavor without making the dish too salty.
How should I finish the rice once it is cooked?
When the cooker switches to 'warm', open the lid and fluff the rice with a paddle or fork to separate the grains.
Is this a good recipe for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed as a quick meal with minimal prep time and easy cleanup.
Can I keep the rice in the cooker if I'm not ready to eat?
Yes, the dish can sit on the 'warm' setting until you are ready to serve.
What can I serve with this fried rice?
It can be served as a standalone meal or as a savory side dish for a variety of main courses.
How much rice does this recipe call for?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of uncooked long grain white rice.
How much water is needed for the 3/4 cup of rice?
You will need 2 cups of water to cook the rice and vegetables in the rice cooker.
Do the carrots need any specific preparation?
Yes, the carrot should be peeled and diced before being added to the rice cooker.
Are the peas used fresh or frozen?
This recipe uses 1/4 cup of frozen peas.
Can I scale this recipe for more people?
Yes, the recipe is easily scalable to accommodate more guests depending on your rice cooker's capacity.
Is this a one-pot dish?
Yes, it is a true one-pot dish where everything is combined and cooked in the rice cooker bowl.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The recipe calls for one stalk of celery, which should be diced.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can customize the recipe with extra veggies like steamed broccoli or mushrooms according to your taste.
What setting should I use on my rice cooker?
Simply select the standard 'cook' setting on your rice cooker.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, this recipe does not list sugar as an ingredient.
What is the texture of the finished rice?
The goal is fluffy rice grains that are separated and infused with the flavors of soy sauce and vegetables.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no cholesterol, making it a heart-friendly vegetarian option.
How much oil is used?
Only 1 teaspoon of cooking oil is needed for the entire recipe.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced sodium?
Yes, but you may want to adjust the amount to ensure the dish is not too salty.
What makes this a 'Chinese style' dish?
The combination of soy sauce, long grain rice, and classic aromatics like celery and carrots gives it a traditional fried rice flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild flavors and soft texture of the rice and peas make it a very kid-friendly meal.