Fried rice, which translates to Chāhan in Japanese, is a popular rice dish often made with leftovers, such as meats, seafood, vegetables, and eggs. Although fried rice is best made with day-old rice, you can also create this dish with freshly-made rice. This delicious and flavourful dish is highly versatile as you can add whatever ingredients you want for colour, texture, and taste. It’s the perfect addition to any dinner and can be reheated for a fast and easy lunch.
Making fried rice at home requires just a few basic ingredients and less than 15 minutes of your time. For optimal flavour, it is best to season beaten eggs before frying. Just one pan is needed to cook all of the ingredients and the preparation time is minimal. Consider drizzling some sesame oil on the cooked fried rice at the end to achieve added flavour and an appetising aroma.
HOW TO MAKE EASY FRIED RICE
Easy fried rice is a classic Japanese dish that can be made quickly and easily with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight meals or convenient lunches while on-the-go.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 rice bowl cooked Japanese short-grain rice
- 1 slice ham
- 1 spring onion
- 1 egg
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper powder
- 5ml soy sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare fresh rice or microwave day-old rice. If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and leave it uncovered on the counter for 1 to 2 hours to remove some of the excess moisture.
2. Cut the white part of the spring onion into rounds and cut the green part diagonally.
3. Cut the ham into small pieces.
4. Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk.
5. Heat a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 15ml of oil and coat the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the beaten egg to the heated pan and mix it around to create fluffy eggs. Transfer the egg to a plate when it is still a little runny.
7. Add 15ml of oil to the pan and cook the white parts of the spring onion. Add the rice and mix, being careful not to make the rice mushy.
8. Add the cooked egg back into the pan and break it up into smaller pieces. Season with salt and white pepper.
9. Add the soy sauce and the green parts of the spring onion. Use a spatula to toss the ingredients together and transfer to a plate.
10. To create a dome effect like seen in restaurants, fill a small bowl with the fried rice and pat it down gently to compact. Next, invert the bowl onto a plate and carefully lift the bowl. Garnish with chopped spring onion.
