Fried Rice Oriental
Fried Rice Oriental is a flavorful and satisfying dish combining tender rice, savory ham or chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and toasted almonds, all infused with soy sauce and lightly sautéed onions. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting family dinner, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions lightly in oil.
- Add cooked rice and meat (ham or chicken) to the onions.
- Add water chestnuts and slivered almonds.
- Push ingredients to the side of the pan and pour beaten eggs into the cleared space, scrambling them.
- Mix everything together and add soy sauce to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding peas or bell peppers along with the onions. If you don't have water chestnuts, try using bamboo shoots for a similar crunch. You can also swap out the slivered almonds for cashews or peanuts if desired. This dish is versatile, so feel free to use leftover proteins from other meals, such as those from Sweet And Sour Pork Spareribs or Chinese Pork Chops.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried rice warm, garnished with sliced green onions for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with Chinese recipes like Fried Won Ton or a side of steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a tangy dipping sauce or a light salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to bring the rice back to life, adding a splash of water if it seems too dry. This helps to prevent it from becoming mushy and ensures even heating throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Rice Oriental contains roughly 796 calories, with 22g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2560mg per serving (111% 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, this recipe requires cooked rice for the best texture and flavor. If using uncooked rice, you would need to cook it first and allow it to cool to prevent it from becoming mushy when fried.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This fried rice can be made in advance and stored as mentioned. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating, and reheat it thoroughly to ensure food safety.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli. Additionally, replace the eggs with scrambled tofu for a similar texture while keeping it fully plant-based.
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).