Vibrant Vietnamese Spicy Fried Rice
Elevate your dining experience with this Vibrant Vietnamese Spicy Fried Rice, a delightful fusion dish that packs a punch of flavor and heat. This aromatic rice dish is enriched with the umami notes of Vietnamese fish sauce (Nuoc Mam) and the crunch of roasted peanuts, all balanced by the fragrant lemongrass and the vibrant spice of fresh chili. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a centerpiece on your next gathering, this fried rice invites you to indulge in a culinary journey through Vietnam. Pair it with your favorite protein or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked long-grain rice
4 cups (1 1/3 cups raw, dried overnight)
dried shrimp
1/2 cup (soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes, then drained)
peanut oil
4 teaspoons (for cooking)
large onion
1 (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1/4 cup (for added crunch)
fresh lemongrass
4 teaspoons (finely chopped)
ground turmeric
2 teaspoons
fresh red chili pepper
1 small (finely chopped)
Vietnamese fish sauce (Nuoc Mam)
4 teaspoons (for seasoning)
fresh cilantro
4 teaspoons (chopped)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Prepare the rice by spreading it evenly in a shallow dish or on a tray, leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to dry completely.
2
The next day, place the dried shrimp in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let it stand for 30 minutes or until softened, then drain and set aside.
3
In a large wok, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant and golden.
4
Incorporate the peanuts, lemongrass, and turmeric into the wok and continue stir-frying until the mixture is aromatic.
5
Add the dried rice, softened shrimp, chopped red chili pepper, fish sauce, cilantro, and ground black pepper to the wok. Stir-fry the mixture vigorously, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated and heated through.
6
Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated thoroughly and the rice has absorbed the flavors.
7
Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
13g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Vietnamese Spicy Fried Rice?
It is a fusion rice dish featuring aromatic lemongrass, Vietnamese fish sauce, dried shrimp, and fresh chili for a punch of heat and umami flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this fried rice?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
Why must the rice be dried in the refrigerator overnight?
Drying the rice removes excess moisture, ensuring the grains remain separate and achieve a crispy texture rather than becoming mushy when stir-fried.
What type of rice is recommended for this recipe?
Long-grain rice is recommended as it holds its shape well and offers the best texture for Vietnamese-style fried rice.
How do I prepare the dried shrimp?
Place the dried shrimp in a heatproof bowl, cover with boiling water, and let them stand for 30 minutes until softened before draining.
Can I substitute the peanut oil?
Yes, you can use any high-smoke point oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil, though peanut oil adds a traditional nutty depth.
What is Nuoc Mam?
Nuoc Mam is a traditional Vietnamese fish sauce that provides a savory, salty, and umami foundation to the dish.
Is this dish very spicy?
The dish has a vibrant heat from one small fresh red chili pepper. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
What role does turmeric play in this recipe?
Ground turmeric provides a beautiful golden hue to the rice and adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Are there peanuts in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of unsalted dry roasted peanuts to provide a signature crunch.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you would need to omit the dried shrimp and substitute the fish sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce or light soy sauce.
How should the lemongrass be prepared?
The fresh lemongrass should be very finely chopped to ensure its aromatic oils release properly without leaving large woody pieces.
How long does the final stir-fry step take?
Once all ingredients are in the wok, you stir-fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until thoroughly heated.
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of dried?
While dried shrimp offers a concentrated flavor common in this style, you can use small fresh shrimp, cooking them fully during the stir-fry process.
What are the carbohydrate stats for this recipe?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves.
Is this a fast weeknight meal?
Yes, excluding the overnight rice drying and shrimp soaking, the actual cooking process is very quick, making it ideal for weeknights.
What should I serve with this rice?
It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with a favorite protein like grilled chicken, pork, or tofu.
What is the best way to garnish the dish?
Garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Can I use ground ginger if I don't have lemongrass?
Lemongrass has a unique citrus-herb profile. While ginger adds heat, it won't replicate the specific Vietnamese flavor profile intended.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you ensure your fish sauce brand is certified gluten-free, as most pure fish sauces are.
Can I use an onion instead of shallots?
The recipe specifically calls for one large sliced onion, which provides a sweet foundation when sautéed with garlic.
What equipment do I need?
A large wok is ideal for high-heat stir-frying, though a large heavy-bottomed skillet can also work.
Should the garlic be minced or crushed?
The recipe suggests using 2 crushed garlic cloves for the best flavor infusion.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is the rice cooked before being fried?
Yes, you must use pre-cooked long-grain rice that has been cooled and dried.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is preparing the rice by spreading it on a tray and leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.