How to make fried rice, tips and recipes

fried rice is one of those dishes that any self-respecting cook should know how to make to perfection. Not only is it the perfect way to recycle leftover ricebut it’s also a quick and delicious meal that the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Fried rice can be supplemented with practically any leftover meat, tofu, or vegetables to make it a hearty and satisfying meal. But there are a few simple rules to follow to make great fried rice. Here are some tips for making the perfect fried rice, and some simple do’s and don’ts for best results.

What type of rice to use to make fried rice?

Generally, long-grain rice varieties are best suited for fried rice such as jasmine rice or basmati rice. Medium-grain rice will also do, but avoid rice varieties that are higher in starch. The latter will however be perfect for risottos and Thai sticky rice. Also, for a good fried rice, favor a rice with a light taste, which can absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. White rice is generally recommended, but you can absolutely use brown rice. You will probably need to season it more and add more acidity to the dish.

How to store rice for making fried rice?

A tip for using up leftover rice is to store it in the fridge overnight before frying. Also, don’t store them in a tub or container, but rather spread them out on a baking sheet so it can dry out better, but still stay relatively cool.

What can be added to fried rice?

Typically, all you need is rice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, egg, and soy sauce, to which you can then add whatever you like. Any Chinese food lover will tell you that a spoonful of MSG is the secret weapon that will add a lot of umami in the preparation of fried rice.

Now that you know the basics, here are some recipes you can use to cook fried rice.

Fried rice with broccoli

Broccoli is one of those green vegetables that goes very well in a fried rice dish. Remember to keep
the crunchy, bright green vegetable for the best results.