Special Fried Rice Delight

Special Fried Rice brings the vibrant flavors of takeout right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a colorful side dish for gatherings, it is ready in just 20 minutes and transforms leftover rice into a delicious meal featuring tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and fresh vegetables. This recipe is a go-to for a quick satisfying meal packed with nutrition that the whole family will enjoy.

I first made this dish when I needed to use up leftover rice, and now it’s a favorite in our home. The combination of shrimp and chicken adds fantastic texture and flavor that’s always a hit.

Ingredients

• Cooked long grain rice three cups: provides the perfect base, cold rice works best to prevent clumping
• Cooked chicken diced about 100 grams: adds savory protein and richness
• Peeled shrimp 150 grams: brings a sweet and tender seafood element, fresh or thawed frozen shrimp works well
• Two eggs: whisked for a fluffy texture and extra protein
• Green peas 50 grams: introduce sweetness and freshness
• One diced carrot: adds crunch and color, fresh carrots are best
• Half an onion diced: enhances aroma and flavor foundation
• Two cloves garlic: chopped for a fragrant punch
• Two to three spring onions: sliced for a mild allium note and garnish
• Two to three tablespoons cooking oil: choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying
• Three tablespoons soy sauce: for umami and saltiness
• One teaspoon chicken powder: to boost savory depth
• One teaspoon sesame oil: for a nutty aroma and finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather Ingredients:

Ensure you have all ingredients ready and that the cooked rice is cold, cold rice prevents stickiness and helps achieve that distinct fried rice texture

Scramble the Eggs:

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the whisked eggs and gently stir until fully cooked but still soft. Remove and set aside

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables:

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the diced onions and chopped garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the diced carrot and green peas, cooking for an additional two minutes until slightly tender but still crisp

Cook Proteins:

Add the diced cooked chicken and peeled shrimp to the pan. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, approximately three minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking

Combine Rice and Seasonings:

Add the cold rice to the pan along with soy sauce, chicken powder, sesame oil, and sliced spring onions. Gently fold the mixture making sure not to break up the rice grains, allowing the flavors to meld evenly

Finish with Eggs:

Return the scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and heat through for another one to two minutes before serving

Save

My favorite ingredient is the sesame oil which adds a wonderful nutty fragrance that brings everything together. One family memory that stands out is sharing this dish after a long day, it never fails to feel comforting and satisfying.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave stirring occasionally to restore the texture and flavor. Avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy when thawed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken powder with vegetable broth powder for a vegetarian version. Replace shrimp with cooked tofu or extra chicken if preferred. Use frozen mixed vegetables in place of fresh peas and carrot for convenience. Tamari makes a good gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of simple steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for extra nutrition. A drizzle of extra soy sauce or chili oil on the side complements the dish nicely for those who enjoy some heat. Pair it with an Asian-inspired cucumber salad to lighten the meal.

Cultural Context

Fried rice originated as a way to repurpose leftovers in Chinese cuisine by stir-frying cold cooked rice with various ingredients. This concept has spread widely across Asia with countless regional variations incorporating local flavors and proteins. The use of sesame oil and soy sauce gives this recipe its signature takeout-style flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover rice for this dish?

Yes, cold leftover rice works best as it helps prevent clumping and ensures a better fried texture.

→ What type of oil is ideal for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil, to achieve the perfect sauté.

→ How can I make the shrimp tender and juicy?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat until they turn pink and opaque to keep them juicy and flavorful.

→ Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, corn, or snap peas for additional color and texture.

→ What is the role of chicken powder in this dish?

Chicken powder enhances the savory depth, boosting umami and rounding out the flavors gently.