Ultimate Customizable Fried Brown Rice
This Ultimate Customizable Fried Brown Rice recipe takes inspiration from traditional Chinese cooking techniques to provide you with a delightful meal that's easy to prepare and completely adaptable. Whether you have leftover meats or a variety of fresh vegetables on hand, this recipe allows you to mix and match ingredients to create the perfect fried rice tailored to your taste. The nutty flavor of brown rice combined with the savory notes from soy sauce and your choice of proteins and vegetables makes every bite fulfilling and delicious. Perfect for meal prep, a quick weeknight dinner, or impressing guests, this versatile dish changes with each preparation, ensuring it never gets boring!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown rice, cooked and cold
4 cups (cooked and cold)
Green onions
2 (chopped)
Oil
2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Sherry wine
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Meats (choose any combination)
as needed (diced or shredded)
Fresh vegetables (choose any combination)
as needed (diced or sliced)
Canned vegetables (choose any combination)
as needed (drained)
Nuts (optional)
1 tablespoon (chopped or whole as a topping)
Additional toppings (optional)
as desired (fresh, added at the end)
Instructions
1
Start by dicing or shredding all your chosen meats and vegetables to ensure they cook evenly.
2
In a large wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Add your fresh vegetables like bell pepper or onion to the wok and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly.
4
Incorporate any canned vegetables and your choice of meat into the wok, stir-frying everything together until warmed through and flavors meld, roughly 3-4 minutes.
5
Remove the vegetable and meat mixture from the wok and set aside.
6
If the wok is dry, heat a little more oil until it is smoking hot. Add the cold, cooked brown rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps, allowing it to heat through completely, around 4-5 minutes.
7
Return the cooked vegetable and meat mixture to the wok with the rice. Pour in the soy sauce, optional salt, sugar, and sherry wine. Stir to combine well.
8
Create a slight well in the center of the rice and pour in the beaten eggs. Quickly fold the rice over the eggs until they slightly scramble and get mixed in, turning off the heat just as they begin to set (around 1-2 minutes).
9
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of nuts or additional toppings if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of this fried rice recipe?
The base of this recipe is 4 cups of cooked and cold brown rice which provides a nutty flavor and hearty texture.
Why should the brown rice be cold before cooking?
Using cold rice helps prevent it from becoming mushy and allows the grains to separate and crisp up properly during the stir-frying process.
Can I customize the proteins in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable and allows you to use any combination of diced or shredded meats like chicken, pork, or shrimp.
What vegetables are recommended for this fried rice?
You can use any combination of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions, or canned vegetables as long as they are drained.
How should I prepare the vegetables for even cooking?
All chosen vegetables should be diced or shredded to ensure they cook evenly and quickly in the wok.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok and stir-fry chopped green onions for about 1 minute until fragrant.
How long do fresh vegetables need to stir-fry?
Fresh vegetables like bell peppers or onions should be stir-fried for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly.
When should I add canned vegetables and meats?
Incorporate canned vegetables and your choice of meat after the fresh vegetables have softened, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through.
How do I prepare the rice for the wok?
Add the cold brown rice to a hot wok, breaking up any clumps, and allow it to heat through for 4 to 5 minutes.
What seasonings are used in this fried rice?
The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, optional salt, optional sugar, and a teaspoon of sherry wine for added flavor.
How are the eggs incorporated into the rice?
Create a well in the center of the rice, pour in beaten eggs, and quickly fold the rice over them until they scramble and set.
How long does it take for the eggs to cook?
The eggs usually take about 1 to 2 minutes to set, at which point you should turn off the heat.
What kind of oil is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oil suitable for stir-frying over medium-high heat.
Can I add nuts to this dish?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with 1 tablespoon of chopped or whole nuts for extra crunch.
Is sherry wine necessary for the recipe?
Sherry wine is used to add a specific savory note, but the recipe lists it as part of the seasoning mixture added with the soy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, this versatile dish is perfect for meal prep as it can be easily stored and reheated.
What makes this recipe 'ultimate' and 'customizable'?
It is designed to work with whatever leftover meats or fresh vegetables you have on hand, making every preparation unique.
What cooking equipment is best for this recipe?
A large wok is recommended to provide enough surface area and heat distribution for proper stir-frying.
How many eggs are used?
The recipe uses 2 beaten eggs to add richness and texture to the fried rice.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the rice?
A small amount of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) is used to balance the savory notes of the soy sauce and sherry.
Are there any specific topping suggestions?
Beyond nuts, you can add any additional fresh toppings as desired at the very end of preparation.
How do I handle the rice if the wok becomes dry?
If the wok is dry before adding the rice, you should heat a little more oil until it is smoking hot before adding the grains.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Chinese cooking techniques.
Can I make this a vegetarian dish?
Yes, by omitting the meat and choosing a variety of fresh or canned vegetables, this becomes a vegetarian-friendly meal.
How much soy sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for flavor.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The final dish features separate, heated grains of rice mixed with tender vegetables, protein, and soft scrambled eggs.
Should I use high heat for the rice?
Yes, when adding the rice, the oil should be smoking hot to ensure the rice heats through and achieves the correct fried texture.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped green onions.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe lists a total of 13 ingredients, including optional toppings and seasoning variations.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served hot immediately after the eggs have set, garnished with your choice of nuts or toppings.