Home Style Fried Rice is a beloved comfort food that transforms simple pantry staples into a vibrant and satisfying meal. This dish captures the essence of home cooking, blending aromatic vegetables, tender proteins, and perfectly cooked rice into a harmonious medley of textures and flavors. The key to great fried rice lies in using day-old jasmine or long-grain rice, which fries up with a delightful balance of crisp edges and soft interior, absorbing the savory sauce that ties everything together. Each stir-fry brings out a rich tapestry of colors and aromas—from the sweetness of peas and carrots to the umami depth of mushrooms and succulent shrimp or meat. Enhanced by a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness, this dish offers a comforting yet refined culinary experience reminiscent of family gatherings and casual dining. The process itself is both meditative and creative, as vegetables sizzle in hot oil and flavors meld in the wok, producing a meal that is not only delicious but also a testament to the art of balancing simplicity with sophistication in everyday cooking.
Ingredients:
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Rice:
- 4 cups cooked and cooled jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably day-old for better texture)
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Vegetables:
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
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Protein:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 lb (about 225 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped (optional)
- 1/4 lb (about 115 grams) lean pork, chicken, or beef, diced and stir-fried (optional)
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Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce mixed with 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey (optional, for sweetness)
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Other:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare Rice:
- Spread the cooked and cooled rice on a baking sheet to dry out slightly. This will help it to fry up nicely without being too sticky.
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Stir-Fry Vegetables and Protein:
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add the carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the shrimp (if using) and stir-fry until pink and cooked through.
- If using diced meat, stir-fry until cooked and slightly browned.
- Push the vegetables and protein to the side of the wok and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
- Mix everything together and remove from the wok, setting it aside on a plate.
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Fry Rice:
- Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in the same wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the rice, spreading it out in an even layer. Let it sit for a minute without stirring to let the bottom get crispy.
- Stir-fry the rice, breaking up any clumps, until it's heated through and begins to get slightly crispy (about 3-4 minutes).
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Combine Ingredients:
- Push the rice to the side of the wok and add the sauce mixture to the other side. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the stir-fried vegetables, protein, and scrambled eggs back into the wok. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
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Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds (if using).
- Serve immediately with chopsticks and a fork for a memorable home-style dining experience!
Enjoy your home style fried rice!
