Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Better Than Takeout Fried Rice, a quick and easy dish that elevates the classic takeout experience. This recipe combines perfectly cooked brown rice with succulent chicken or shrimp, a medley of vegetables, and a savory blend of garlic, onion, and soy sauce. The addition of sesame oil imparts a rich and nutty aroma, creating a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthier than its restaurant counterpart. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 35 minutes, you can savor the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups brown rice, prepared
- ½ pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cooked shrimp
- 1 cup frozen peas & carrots
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
Directions:
- Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking brown rice according to the package instructions to yield approximately 4 cups of cooked rice. This may involve rinsing the rice, using the appropriate water-to-rice ratio, and simmering until fully cooked. Once done, allow the rice to cool slightly before incorporating it into the stir fry.
- Heat Sesame Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 3 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium heat. The sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor to the dish and enhances the overall aromatic profile.
- Saute Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, frozen peas, and carrots to the heated oil. Stir-fry these vegetables until they become tender but still maintain a satisfying crunch. The vibrant colors and textures will add visual appeal to the dish.
- Scramble Eggs: Crack the eggs directly into the pan with the vegetables. Scramble the eggs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the vegetable mixture. This step adds a delightful protein element and a silky texture to the fried rice.
- Incorporate Rice and Protein: Introduce the cooked brown rice into the pan, followed by the pre-cooked chicken or shrimp. Stir the ingredients together, allowing the flavors to meld. The rice will absorb the savory essence of the other components.
- Add Soy Sauce: Pour 1/4 cup of soy sauce over the rice and protein mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the soy sauce, coating each grain of rice and protein piece. Adjust the soy sauce quantity based on personal taste preferences.
- Final Stir and Removal from Heat: Continue stirring the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Once everything is well-combined and heated through, remove the pan from heat. The residual heat will finish cooking any remaining components and meld the flavors further.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the Better Than Takeout Fried Rice onto serving plates. Garnish with additional chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra soy sauce for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Enjoy: Your homemade fried rice is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot as a standalone dish or as a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Asian-inspired meal.
- Optional Additions: Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding additional ingredients such as chopped green onions, cilantro, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Now, relish the delicious flavors and aromas of your homemade Better Than Takeout Fried Rice!
FAQs:
1. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice? Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice in this recipe. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.
2. Can I use other vegetables in the fried rice? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetable mix according to your preferences. Bell peppers, corn, or water chestnuts can be excellent additions.
3. Is it necessary to use sesame oil? Sesame oil adds a distinct flavor to the dish, but if you don’t have it, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute.