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How to Make Chinese Fried Rice Recipe at Home

chinese takeout fried rice main

Takeout done right!

Chinese fried rice is one of the best dishes ever invented! Whether with a side of fried chicken wings, some General Tso's chicken, or by itself, this delicious dish excites the palate in so many ways. This recipe is pretty easy to make and all it takes is a few simple ingredients and day old rice!

The eternal question...how does the this fried rice get its color?

The secret to getting the rice this color is with two key elements, the seasoning and the liquid. Traditionally, white rice is made with water and simmered to perfection. I wanted my rice to incorporate more flavor, so I opted for chicken broth instead. I didn't have chicken broth in the house, but I had chicken bouillon cubes!

The second is the seasoning. I used a combination of turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, curry powder, and Japanese sea salt (optional, but if you only have coarse sea salt, you can use that as well).

Once all of those ingredients mix with your rice, it's as simple as that. The blend of seasoning will combine with the rice to give it that gorgeous yellow color you're familiar with.

You can add any protein if you're going that route. For this recipe, I added some leftover chicken thighs and cooked some fresh shrimp.

What Makes this Fried Rice Recipe the Best?

  • The flavor- This is a recipe that builds flavor with every element. From the rice to the vegetables, and of course the chicken and shrimp, the combination will melt your tastebuds!
  • It's completely versatile- You can add pretty much whatever vegetables/protein you'd like! I kept it simple and stuck with some of the more familiar vegetables as you'll see below.

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Ingredients Needed for this Chinese Fried Rice Recipe

  • Rice (long grain, Jasmine, or Basmati)
  • Butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Ginger powder
  • Curry powder
  • Sea salt
  • Turmeric seasoning
  • Peas and carrots
  • Eggs
  • Sesame oil
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Radishes

Best Practices/Tips

  • Day old rice is best for this Chinese fried rice recipe as its less sticky and cooks better when reheated. If you want a faster way to make the rice "day old", once it cools, add it to the freezer for two hours. Your rice should harden this way a bit faster.
  • Toast your rice before you add the broth to it. This will ensure that any leftover moisture gets removed from the rice, making it fluffier.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 6
Description

If you're looking for an easy and delicious way to make your favorite Chinese takeout dish, take a look at this flavorful fried rice recipe! It's got chicken, shrimp, and your favorite vegetables all loaded into one incredible dish!

Ingredients
  • 2 cups rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cubes bouillon cubes
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
  • 2 eggs scrambled
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 orange bell pepper diced
  • 3 green onions diced (the clear stalk without the root)
  • 1/2 white onion diced
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 1 radish diced
  • 2 chicken breasts diced
  • 2 tbsp all purpose seasoning
  • 2 lbs. jumbo shrimp (peeled, cleaned, and deveined)
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
  1. 1
    Rinse your rice under cold water until all of the starch is removed.
  2. 2
    The water should run clear if it's all gone.
  3. 3
    Add the water to a small pot on medium heat.
  4. 4
    Once the water starts to get hot, add the bouillon cubes.
  5. 5
    Whisk until the cubes fully dissolve.
  6. 6
    Keep the pot on low heat to remain warm.
  7. 7

    In a large pan turned on medium heat, add 4 tbsp of the butter.

  8. 8
    Once the butter starts to melt, add the turmeric, garlic powder, curry powder, ginger, and sea salt.
  9. 9
    Add the rice and mix in until all of it turns yellow.
  10. 10
    Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes.
  11. 11
    Add the makeshift broth to the pan and mix it into the rice.
  12. 12
    Turn the heat on low.
  13. 13
    Cover and simmer for 17 minutes.
  14. 14
    Once 17 minutes passes, remove from the heat with the lid still on.
  15. 15
    Let it sit for ten minutes, no more, no less.
  16. 16
    Once the ten minutes is up, remove the lid and fork the rice.
  17. 17
    Once the rice is completely cooled, add it to a freezer safe bowl.
  18. 18
    If you want the rice faster, freeze for two hours.
  19. 19
    If you do not plan on making it until the next day, chill in the fridge overnight.
  20. 20
    When you're ready to make your rice, prepare your proteins.
  21. 21

    I seasoned my chicken with 1 tbsp of all purpose seasoning and tossed into the air fryer at 350 for 21 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes after, then dice.

  22. 22
    In a large bowl, add your shrimp and remaining all purpose seasoning.
  23. 23
    Next, heat a large pan on medium heat.
  24. 24
    To that pan, add olive oil.
  25. 25
    Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp.
  26. 26
    Cook the shrimp 2 minutes per side.
  27. 27

    Remove the shrimp from the pan and add the remaining tbsp of butter.

  28. 28
    Add the eggs and quickly scramble.
  29. 29
    Remove from the pan and add more olive oil.
  30. 30
    Add the vegetables to the pan and cook until translucent.
  31. 31
    Add your day old rice and mix until well combined.
  32. 32
    Let it cook until it begins to crisp up a bit.
  33. 33
    Mix in the egg, followed by the diced up chicken and shrimp.
  34. 34
    Top with sesame oil.
  35. 35
    Serve and enjoy!
Keywords: lunch, dinner, rice, Chinese, Chinese food, takeout
Read it online: https://cookingwithpatlee.com/recipe/how-to-make-this-chinese-fried-rice-recipe-at-home/