Savory Western Fried Rice Fusion
This delightful dish melds the savory comfort of American Chinese takeout with the satisfying ingredients reminiscent of a classic Western or Denver omelet. The result is a quick, versatile meal that celebrates vibrant flavors and hearty textures. Bursting with diced ham, sweet onions, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed with fluffy rice and a hint of soy sauce, this fried rice is a fantastic way to utilize leftover rice. Ideal for a quick lunch or dinner, you can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to fit your taste. Prepare to enjoy a fusion of textures and flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
305
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice
2 cups (cold, pre-cooked, broken into grains)
Cooking oil
2 tablespoons (peanut oil, for high-heat cooking)
Sesame oil
1/8 teaspoon (to finish)
Ham steak
1/4 cup (diced)
Sweet onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Red bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
Green onion
1/2 (sliced, for garnish)
Eggs
1-2 (scrambled and chopped)
Light soy sauce
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cold, pre-cooked rice. Wet your fingers slightly and break apart any clumps in a bowl to ensure the grains are separated.
2
Next, preheat a large skillet or wok over medium to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the pan.
3
Crack 1-2 eggs into the skillet and scramble them gently, cooking until just set but still soft. Remove the cooked eggs from the pan and chop them into small pieces; set aside.
4
Add a splash more cooking oil to the skillet if necessary, then add the chopped sweet onion and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
5
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet or remove them to a separate bowl. Add the diced ham to the other side and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it’s slightly caramelized.
6
Incorporate the cold rice into the skillet, breaking it up further as you stir-fry. Keep the rice moving for about 3-5 minutes, ensuring no lumps remain and it's heated through.
7
Once the rice is well mixed and heated, return the cooked onions, peppers, and chopped eggs to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
8
Remove the skillet from heat to avoid overcooking. Season the dish with salt, black pepper, sugar, and a generous splash of light soy sauce. Finish with a few drops of sesame oil, being mindful not to overpower the dish.
9
Mix well and let it sit for an additional 40 seconds without heat before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and enjoy your flavorful creation!
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
41g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Western Fried Rice Fusion?
It is a fusion dish that combines American Chinese takeout style fried rice with the ingredients of a classic Western or Denver omelet, such as ham, onions, and bell peppers.
What are the primary ingredients in this fried rice?
The main ingredients include cold pre-cooked rice, ham steak, sweet onion, red bell pepper, eggs, and seasonings like light soy sauce and sesame oil.
Why should I use cold, pre-cooked rice?
Using cold rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy. The grains stay separate and achieve a better texture when stir-fried.
How do I prepare the rice before cooking?
You should wet your fingers slightly and break apart any clumps in a bowl to ensure the grains are individually separated.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Peanut oil is recommended because it handles high-heat cooking well, but other high-smoke point oils can be used.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 eggs, which are scrambled, chopped, and added back to the rice.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses chopped sweet onion and red bell pepper.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, this recipe is highly customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn based on your preference.
How do I cook the eggs?
Crack the eggs into the skillet and scramble them until they are just set but still soft, then remove and chop them.
How long should I stir-fry the vegetables?
The onions and peppers should be stir-fried for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
How do I prepare the ham?
The ham steak should be diced and stir-fried for about 30 seconds until it becomes slightly caramelized.
How long does it take to cook the rice in the pan?
The rice should be kept moving in the skillet for 3-5 minutes to ensure it is heated through and no lumps remain.
When should I add the seasonings?
Seasonings like salt, pepper, sugar, and soy sauce should be added after removing the skillet from the heat to avoid overcooking.
Why is sesame oil added at the end?
Sesame oil is added at the end as a finishing touch to provide aroma without overpowering the other flavors.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) is used to balance the savory and salty notes of the soy sauce and ham.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is best garnished with sliced green onions.
How many calories are in a serving of this fried rice?
One serving contains approximately 305 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides about 16 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 9.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does it contain?
The dish contains approximately 41 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is an ideal quick meal, especially if you have leftover rice ready to use.
Can I substitute the ham steak?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with bacon, sausage, or even tofu for a different flavor profile.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for light soy sauce to provide saltiness and flavor without darkening the rice too much.
What is the best pan to use?
A large skillet or a wok is recommended to allow enough room for stir-frying and tossing the ingredients.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, but you can adjust these to taste.
Does this dish contain fiber?
The provided nutritional data lists fiber as null, though the onions and bell peppers contribute a small amount.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
It is not inherently gluten-free due to the soy sauce, but it can be made so by using a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative.
How do I prevent the ham from being too salty?
Since ham is naturally salty, you may want to taste the dish before adding the full amount of suggested salt.
Can I use white onion instead of sweet onion?
Yes, white or yellow onions can be used as a substitute for sweet onion, though the flavor may be slightly sharper.
How long should the dish rest before serving?
After mixing the final seasonings off the heat, let it sit for about 40 seconds before serving to let the flavors meld.