Fried Rice - Grandpa Lim'S Recipe
Grandpa Lim's Fried Rice combines savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant soy sauce for a quick, hearty meal perfect for any casual dining occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped green cabbage ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 cup diced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup peas
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon m.s.g. ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bamboo shoots (optional) ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- cooked rice (1 cup for 2 people) ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in cooking oil until golden.
- Add chicken and cooking wine; cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chopped green cabbage, diced carrots, peas, bamboo shoots (if using), m.s.g., and salt; cook until vegetables are soft.
- Gradually add cooked rice, mixing it through the vegetables.
- Add soy sauce and mix well.
- When ingredients are thoroughly heated, add sesame oil and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Chicken Stir-Fry Sauce along with the soy sauce. You can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss them in as well to enhance the dish. Make sure your rice is cold and slightly dried out; day-old rice works best for frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It pairs beautifully with Jade Empress Chicken or other Chinese recipes for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or spring rolls for a delightful balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covered, for about 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Rice - Grandpa Lim'S Recipe contains roughly 1375 calories, with 39g protein, 227g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (78% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 use uncooked rice for this recipe?
No, it's essential to use cooked rice for fried rice recipes. Uncooked rice will not achieve the desired texture and flavor. Ideally, use cold, day-old rice, as it holds up better during frying and prevents clumping.
What can I do if my fried rice is too dry?
If your fried rice turns out too dry, you can add a bit more soy sauce or a dash of water while stirring it in the pan. This will help moisten the rice without making it soggy. Another option is to incorporate a little bit of sesame oil for added richness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this fried rice?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Replace the chicken with tofu for protein, and ensure your soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meat-free meal.
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).