Fried Rice Recipe

Brace yourself for the ultimate dining experience with fun, homemade, and all-in-one Fried Rice!

Among the many delicacies in Asian/Chinese cuisine, the Fried Rice is truly one of the most popular rice recipes in the world. The best thing about it is that it adapts to any culture in any country. It can be a side dish or a dish of its own.

Making fried rice is all about stir-frying cooked or day-old rice with proteins or meats, vegetables, and sauces to get the best flavors. It doesn’t take a lot of time to cook yet it gives you a wonderful meal to enjoy.

Whenever you have rice, be sure to set some aside to cook Fried Rice for the next day. My husband and kids love it when we have it for breakfast and I’m sure your whole family will love it too!

How to Make Fried Rice

In this recipe, I will share everything you need to know about my special version of Fried Rice. It’s all about using the right ingredients, toppings, and seasonings to cook a dish that you would want to eat until the very last grain.

Let’s transform your day-old rice into awesome Fried Rice!

Ingredients

What are the best Fried Rice ingredients that you need?

Basmati rice

Of all the grains I tried, my go-to option is always the basmati rice.

There are many grains you can choose from, but I especially suggest basmati rice for fried rice recipes. It is known for its distinct long and slender grains with a distinct aroma.

As long as you cook it properly, it’s going to be fluffy, loose, and aromatic on its own – perfect for frying. Basmati rice is usually used in Middle Eastern or Indian dishes, and you should definitely try adding it to your diet too.

It is also the type of grain I use for Coconut Fried Rice and Jollof Rice because it never fails to give the best results!

Turkey

When it comes to protein in Fried Rice, I always go for turkey.

Adding turkey to the rice helps make it a full meal on its own. It has smoky and savory flavors that taste so well with the seasoning and vegetables. The tender, juicy, and chewy quality of turkey truly puts the whole dish together.

You can cook turkey in different ways before you add it to the rice. I especially love using leftover smoked turkey because it’s already seasoned and it’s ready for stir-frying.

Bell peppers

Let bell peppers bring out the best in your Fried Rice recipe!

In this recipe, you will need green, red, and yellow bell peppers. The green bell peppers are perfect for making the sauce to cook the rice. They add an earthy and robust flavor to the grains.

On the other hand, the red and yellow peppers will give the dish a sweet and fruity flavor and aroma. Bell peppers are also great for Beef Skewers, Dodo Gizzard, and Chicken Fried Bulgur.

Aromatics

Make the Fried Rice smell and taste better with aromatics: onion, scotch bonnet, and ginger!

The onion will add an intense, sweet, and spicy taste, while the ginger will give the dish a warm and pepper flavor. On the other hand, the scotch bonnet will add the right level of spice and sweetness.

Onion, scotch bonnet, and ginger are always good for stir-frying because they cook well even under heat. They also go great with the turkey and vegetables to give the dish wholesome flavors.

Carrots

When it comes to stir-fried veggies, carrots are some of my favorites.

They have a sweet and earthy flavor with a soft and tender texture at every bite. You will also appreciate the color that the carrots can give to the dish. Carrots are truly classic ingredients for fried rice recipes.

The carrots will surely bring out a whole new quality to the recipe. Just be sure to cook it properly to get the right texture. Nevertheless, it’s certainly going to make the entire dish better.

Green beans

Make Fried Rice a little bit healthier with some green beans.

Just like carrots, green beans have a mildly sweet and earthy flavor. The beans also give a bit of crunch to the dish. They cook well in high temperatures for short periods of time, too.

Don’t spill the beans, just chop them up and use them for Fried Rice instead. Even the texture of these beans can make a difference. Green beans also make the dish better for your health.

Spring onion

The Fried Rice recipe is not complete without the spring onion.

If you love the pungent taste of onions, then you will also love how the quality that the spring onion can give. It has a mildly sweet and spicy taste that works well with sweet veggies.

Just imagine how fragrant it can be after you cook it in the rice. It is truly the perfect garnish for any fried rice recipe. You can also use it for Grilled Croaker, Noodles and Egg Stir Fry, and Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry.

Sweetcorn

Give the dish a buttery and juicy flavor with some sweetcorn.

The sweetcorn kernels may be small, but they are still loaded with satisfying flavors. They have a sweet and buttery taste coupled with juicy goodness on the inside. Even their color makes the dish so much better.

It certainly gives the fried rice a more tantalizing aspect that blends perfectly with the other ingredients. Whenever you make Corn on the Cob, set aside some of the corn for this dish!

Herbs and spices

It won’t be a Fried Rice recipe without herbs and spices!

Upgrade your fried rice recipe with the seasonings. I suggest using mixed herbs, curry powder, stock cubes, bay leaves, liquid stock, sea salt, and garlic powder. With all of these together, you can expect spectacular quality from each spoonful!

Customize it to your liking for a personal touch to the recipe!

Isn’t it starting to sound like a dish already? With the combination of flavors, textures, colors, and aromas, this Fried Rice recipe is nothing short of the best! 

Directions

Put on your chef’s hat because this Fried Rice recipe is guaranteed to taste gourmet!

1. Slice green bell pepper, ginger, and scotch bonnet with a knife.
2. Blend the chopped ingredients in a blender until smooth.
3. Wash and drain the basmati rice several times and set aside.
4. In a pot, fry the onion with mixed herbs, curry powder, stock cubes, garlic powder, and sea salt over a medium-low fire.
5. Mix in the rice until well combined.
6. Pour in the pepper sauce and bay leaves.
7. Add the frozen liquid stock in the middle of the rice.
8. Leave it to cook over very low heat. 
9. Once done, set the rice aside.
10. In a frying pan, saute the onion with mixed herbs, curry powder, and stock cube. 
11. Then, toss in the smoked turkey and fry for two minutes.
12. Add the carrots, green beans, and spring onion, and fry for another five minutes.
13. Season the rice with salt.
14. Gradually, add the cooked rice.
15. Stir in the mixed bell peppers and sweetcorn.
16. Cover and leave to simmer for five minutes on low heat.
17. And just like that, you have yourself the best Fried Rice!

This fried rice is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that you need for the day. It might as well be a complete meal on its own! You get the rice, the meat, and the vegetables in one bowl!

Tips

Basmati rice

Buying basmati rice

• Basmati rice is usually sold in packages in local grocery stores.
• Ensure the packaging is free from moisture, holes, and molds.

Storing basmati rice

• Store uncooked basmati rice in a container in a cool and dry area.
• Once cooked, put it in a container or resealable bag and refrigerate it for up to six days. 

Peppers and scotch bonnet

Buying peppers and scotch bonnet

• Buy peppers and scotch bonnets with shiny, smooth, and unblemished skin.
• The stem should also be attached. 

Storing peppers and scotch bonnet

• Store them in a mesh bag and refrigerate them for two weeks.
• Place chopped ingredients in lined containers to last up to three days in the fridge. 

Carrots

Buying carrots

• The Produce Moms suggests buying firm and plump carrots with vibrant orange and smooth skin.
• The green tops should still be attached.
• These are best bought in bunches. 

Storing carrots

• Slice off the leafy greens and set them aside for cooking.
• Keep the carrots in a bag or plastic.
• Food 52 also suggests storing them away from fruits and vegetables.

Green beans

Buying green beans

• Buy green beans that are long with a tender and flexible exterior.
• They should also feel firm to the touch.
• You should also hear a snap when you break it apart. 

Storing green beans

• Refrigerate the unwashed green beans in resealable bags to last up to four days. 
• According to Still Tasty, cooked green beans can last up to five days in the fridge.

Spring onions

Buying spring onions

• According to BBC Good Food, always buy onions that feel farm and waxy.
• Check if they have fresh bulbs and leaves. 

Storing spring onions

• Store the spring onions in mesh bags in the fridge.
• Make sure to use it within four days. 

Sweetcorn

Buying sweetcorn

• Buy corn with a healthy green and slightly wet husk.
• You can make your sweetcorn at home, but you can also use canned sweetcorn if preferred. 

Storing sweetcorn

• Individually wrap the corn in cling film to preserve moisture.
• Refrigerate to last up to a week. 

No-Blender Pepper Sauce

Aside from a blender, you can also use a food processor, a food mill, or a mortar and pestle to make the green bell pepper sauce. Otherwise, grate the ingredients and use them as they are for added texture and color. 

Smoked Turkey

Do you want to learn how to cook smoked turkey?

1. Preheat the oven or griller to 120°C.
2. Spray or brush an aluminum pan with oil.
3. Put the turkey in the pan and stuff the wings inside.
4. Fill the turkey cavity with onions and other herbs of your choice.
5. Then, tie the legs together to seal it in. 
6. Rub your preferred seasoning on the turkey.
7. Let it cook in the smoker for at least six hours, depending on size.
8. Once cooked, let it rest for about 15 minutes before serving it on a plate.

Aside from using an oven or griller, you can cook it in a slow cooker for eight hours. 

Fried Rice Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make the Fried Rice recipe better!

If you don’t have basmati rice, then use other varieties like white rice or Jasmine rice. It’s best to use long-grain rice for fluffy and loose quality. You can replace the smoked turkey with leftover chicken, beef, or other protein substitutes. 

Meanwhile, the vegetables can include peas, broccoli, cabbage, zucchini, asparagus, etc. You might also want to incorporate butter or oyster sauce to enrich the flavor of the rice. 

I also recommend cooking other fried rice recipes like Coconut Rice, and Nigerian Party Jollof Rice for alternatives. 

More Rice Recipes

• Nigerian Fried Rice – a special African version of fried rice
• Ofada Rice – unpolishes and short-grain rice cooked to perfection
• Basmati Rice – loose, fluffy, and long grains boiled in water
• Coconut Fried Rice – rice infused with nutty flavors from coconuts
• Jollof Rice – basmati rice cooked in savory pepper sauce
• Coconut Rice – fried rice with creamy goodness of coconut milk

Recommended Tools

• Blender: Make the bell pepper sauce in a blender.
• Frying pan: Cook the Fried Rice recipe in a frying pan.
• Pot: Cook the rice in a saucepan or pot.
• Wooden spatula: Toss the ingredients together with a wooden spatula. 

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How to Serve Fried Rice

There are countless ways to enjoy Fried Rice!

It can be a stand-alone dish because it already has grains, meat, and vegetables. On its own, it can already be a balanced meal. You can even add in more meat and veggies for extra flavor.

Sometimes, I serve it with sauces or dips on the side, too. It’s good to give your guests other flavoring agents to choose from. Some may prefer hot sauce or soy sauce in their fried rice.

You can have this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner meals to eat it as it is or pair it with other dishes like:

• Crispy Chicken Wings – the crispy chicken pairs well with the moist and fluffy rice
• Grilled Croaker – savory and soft fish tastes so much better with rice
• Egg and Yam Frittata – it goes well with the rice, especially in the morning
• Roast Chicken – it’s as savory as the fried rice dish
• Fried Eggs – make the perfect breakfast meal with fried eggs and fried rice

Eat this every other day in moderation to incorporate other nutrient sources in your body. You can use small servings for meal prep or diet plans. Most importantly, share it with your family and friends for a fun dining experience!

Storage Tips

• At room temperature: Eat the Fried Rice within two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to fried rice? 

According to The Christian Science Monitor, here are some of the things to consider when making fried rice:

1. Use medium to long-grain rice or leftover rice for loose texture. 
2. Aside from a pan, you can also fry the dish in a skillet. Remember not to overcrowd it. 
3. Do not overdo the seasoning for a subtle flavor. 

What is the secret ingredient in Chinese fried rice?

In authentic Chinese Fried Rice, the secret ingredient is a mix of sesame oil and soy sauce. Once you add this mixture to the rice, it will have an even better flavor and color. This combination will truly make it a genuine Fried Rice recipe.

What makes Chinese fried rice so good?

Aside from the herbs and spices you season the rice with, it also helps to have another liquid seasoning mix for added flavor. In some recipes, they use a mix of sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.

How to make fried rice 5 steps?

1. First, make sure that you have leftover or pre-cooked rice.
2. Then, chop your favorite vegetables and prepare your preferred herbs and spices.
3. In a heated pan, saute the vegetables with the herbs and spices. 
4. Then, add the rice and mix until well incorporated.
5. Cook until you get the flavors that you want!