Chinese Fried Rice Recipe and Leftovers Blog Hop

Fried Rice Recipe

Leftovers get a bad rap. It wasn’t until I got out on my own that I realized the value of leftovers, both from an economical standpoint and a creative one. Repurposing yesterday’s meal into something new and appetizing is one of the great tests of a home cook, and many of our favorite dishes the world over originated as just that: a way to disguise and stretch leftover bits of food. Putting leftover rice to good use presents a particular challenge since it doesn’t reheat well on its own. Fried rice is the perfect way to use up leftover rice, with delicious results.

Since rice is such a staple across Asia, there are seemingly countless variations on fried rice. In Indonesia and Malaysia there’s Nasi Goreng, a mix of rice, sweet soy sauce, meat and vegetables that is often topped with a fried egg. Korea has kimchi bokkeumbap, or kimchi fried rice, while in the Philippines there’s garlic fried rice and Singapore offers sambal fried rice. But Chinese fried rice is arguably the most internationally recognized variety, but even within China there are innumerable regional differences.

Fried Rice Recipe

As with many dishes that arose as a way to use leftovers, fried rice must be made with leftovers. You really need to start with leftover, cold rice that’s on the drier side so it doesn’t stick to the pan. Fried rice offers the ultimate way to use up leftover rice, as well as whatever vegetables and meat you have lying around. Although it’s been around for centuries, it’s as applicable to kitchens today as ever.

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Chinese Fried Rice
 
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Popular in different versions all over Asia, this fried rice is inspired by the popular Chinese renditions. Once you have the basic technique down, the rest is up to you and what you have in your fridge. It’s a great way to use up any vegetables that may otherwise languish in the crisper as well as whatever meat, fish or tofu you fancy.
Author:
Recipe Type: Entree, Side
Cuisine: Chinese
Yield: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • ¼ cup diced bell pepper
  • ½ cup shredded white or red cabbage
  • 4 shitake mushrooms, chopped
  • 3 scallions (green and white parts), sliced, plus more for garnish
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 2 cups cubed tofu or leftover boneless chicken or pork
  • 3 cups cold, cooked white rice
  • Salt
Directions
  1. Put the eggs in a small nonstick pan over medium heat. Allow to set on the bottom, then flip like an omelet. Cook until set all the way through, slide onto a plate and allow to cool slightly. Slice into bite-sized strips and set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a large wok or wide rimmed pan over high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add the pepper, cabbage, mushrooms, and scallions and sauté for a few minutes, until just softened.
  4. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and protein (tofu, chicken, pork, or whatever you are using)
  5. Add the rice and sauté for another few minutes until the rice is fully heated through and just starting to brown. Taste and season as needed. Remove from the heat and stir in the cooked egg.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced scallions if you like.
Notes
Gluten free, Parve, Kosher Meat (depending on what protein you include), Vegetarian

13 thoughts on “Chinese Fried Rice Recipe and Leftovers Blog Hop

  1. john@kitchenriffs

    Fried rice is terrific stuff, and your recipe looks excellent. You’re right that it’s such a great vehicle for leftovers! And I like it enough that I sometimes make rice just so I can make fried rice. 😉 Good stuff – thanks.

  2. mjskit

    It was funny when I saw your post Katherine because I made a fried rice with leftover just last night. 🙂 Great hop! I linked in a guest post by my sister who made a chicken pot pie from leftover, including the biscuit topping. Thanks for hosting!

  3. JJ - 84thand3rd

    Hahaha great theme! Working from home I do love my leftovers (as well evidenced by instagram ;D) and most of them end up mixed into soup or fried with an egg on top… you’ve also just reminded me that I have a Quinoa Fried Rice post still waiting to see the light of day – thanks!

  4. Chris

    Hi Katherine, I’ve never thought of using my fried rice left overs in such a way. I love the simplicity of the recipe. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

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