Fried Rice (Chinese)
Fried rice is a versatile and flavorful dish featuring fluffy rice stir-fried with shrimp, bacon, green onions, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, it combines savory, umami flavors with a hint of freshness, appealing to both casual diners and home cooks alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use chopsticks or a fork to separate the rice grains.
- In a small bowl, combine the beaten eggs, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat a wok and add oil around the rim to seal the wok and heat the oil quickly.
- Add the cooked shrimp, diced bacon, and chopped green onions to the wok.
- Immediately add the cooked rice and stir-fry over high heat until the grains separate, about a few minutes.
- Pour the egg mixture into the wok while stirring the rice.
- Stir-fry for one minute until the eggs are cooked and well incorporated.
- Serve the fried rice in a warm Chinese bowl to retain heat during serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, always use cold, day-old rice as it prevents clumping. If you don't have shrimp, diced chicken or tofu can be great substitutes. Enhance the flavor by adding frozen peas or carrots during the stir-fry. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted based on your preference, similar to other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried rice in warm Chinese bowls to keep it hot. It pairs beautifully with Chris' Lo Mein for a complete meal, or alongside Phyl'S Famous Egg Rolls as an appetizer. For a refreshing contrast, consider a side salad or steamed vegetables. Top with additional green onions or sesame seeds for garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to help retain the texture and moisture. You can add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the rice mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Rice (Chinese) contains roughly 272 calories, with 4g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make fried rice without eggs?
Yes, you can make fried rice without eggs. Just skip the egg mixture in the recipe. You can enhance the dish with tofu for protein or add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas to make it heartier. This makes it suitable for vegans or those with egg allergies.
What type of rice is best for fried rice?
The best rice for fried rice is long-grain rice, such as jasmine or basmati, as it remains fluffy and separates well. Be sure to use cold, cooked rice preferably from the day before, to achieve the right texture and prevent clumping during stir-frying.
Can I freeze fried rice?
Yes, fried rice can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then stir-fry in a pan to restore its texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).