Vietnamese Fried Rice
Vietnamese Fried Rice is a flavorful and savory dish featuring fragrant rice stir-fried with tender pork, succulent shrimp, and sweet peas. Perfect for a satisfying meal, it offers a delightful mix of textures and authentic flavors, ideal for lunch or dinner with a hint of Asian spices and seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the rice and cook in 3 cups water until tender.
- Chop the small onion.
- In a frypan containing 1 tablespoon oil, cook the chopped onion until fragrant.
- Place small pieces of pork in the oil and season with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Fry the pork for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan.
- Cook the shrimp in the same pan for 5 minutes, then remove.
- Cook the frozen peas separately until heated through.
- In another skillet, fry the cooked rice in 1 tablespoon oil until hot and slightly crispy.
- Add the cooked pork, shrimp, and peas to the fried rice.
- Cook together on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: add a pinch of Accent or a few drops of food coloring for color enhancement.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use day-old rice as it helps achieve the desired texture. If you don't have shrimp, feel free to substitute with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can enhance the dish’s flavor and color, creating a vibrant meal. For added crunch, serve alongside crunchy eggrolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Vietnamese fried rice with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top for extra flavor. This dish pairs nicely with a light salad or steamed vegetables and can be complemented with a side of sweet and sour pork for a delightful meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a refreshing drink like iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave or stir-fry in a pan over medium heat until heated through, which helps restore some moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vietnamese Fried Rice contains roughly 1336 calories, with 9g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1832mg per serving (80% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it has a longer cooking time and a firmer texture. Make sure to adjust the water quantity and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
What can I substitute for pork in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use pork, chicken or tofu are excellent substitutes. Both can be seasoned similarly and will absorb the flavors of the dish well, making them great alternatives.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced chili peppers or a dash of chili sauce during cooking. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick in your Vietnamese fried rice.
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).