Introduction
Are you looking for a quick and flavorful meal to whip up in no time? This easy fried rice recipe is a perfect choice, combining wholesome ingredients with delightful flavors. With every bite, you’ll experience the rich tastes of garlic, ham, and peas all enveloped in perfectly cooked jasmine rice. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delicious dish.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 cup diced ham (using pre-chopped is convenient)
1 cup frozen peas
2 1/2 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp fish sauce
2 tsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light, not dark soy)
1/4 tsp white sugar
2 eggs, whisked
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3
To make this dish, start by melting most of the butter in a large non-stick skillet over high heat, reserving a small amount for scrambling the eggs. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Next, toss in the diced ham and stir for 30 seconds before adding the frozen peas. Continue to stir for another 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
Then, add the day-old jasmine rice and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes to allow the ingredients to blend beautifully. Next, introduce the fish sauce, soy sauce, and white sugar, and cook for 1 minute to achieve some delicious caramelization on the rice.
To scramble the eggs, push the rice mixture to one side of the pan, melt the reserved butter in the cleared space, and pour in the whisked eggs. Scramble the eggs until just set, then toss them through the rice mixture. Serve and enjoy your homemade fried rice full of flavor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt most of the unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Reserve a small amount of butter for scrambling the eggs later.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
Add the finely minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 10 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Ham
Introduce the diced ham to the skillet and stir for approximately 30 seconds, allowing the ham to heat through.
Step 4: Incorporate the Peas
Add the frozen peas to the skillet, stirring for another 30 seconds until they are heated.
Step 5: Combine Rice and Tomato Paste
Stir in the day-old cooked jasmine rice and the tomato paste. Cook the mixture for around 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated.
Step 6: Season with Sauces
Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, and white sugar to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute to achieve a bit of caramelization on the rice, enhancing the flavors.
Step 7: Scramble the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan to create space. In the cleared area, melt the reserved butter, then pour in the whisked eggs. Scramble the eggs until just set.
Step 8: Serve Your Dish
Toss the cooked eggs through the rice mixture to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Note 1: Ham
For convenience, pre-chopped store-bought ham is used. You can also chop your own ham, with thick-cut options being ideal. Alternatively, bacon could be used.
Note 2: Rice
While you can use any type of rice (white, brown, basmati), jasmine rice is popular in Vietnamese cuisine. It is best to use overnight refrigerated or frozen (and thawed) cooked rice for frying, as freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky.
Note 3: Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and adds depth of flavor. The fishy smell dissipates during cooking. If you must substitute, you can use more soy sauce, but it would not provide the same authentic flavor.
Note 4: Soy Sauce
Use light or all-purpose soy sauce for this recipe. Avoid dark soy sauce, as it has a stronger flavor that may overwhelm the dish.
Cook techniques
Melting Butter
Melt unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over high heat to provide a rich flavor base for your dish.
Minced Garlic
Finely mince garlic to release its oils and fragrance, enhancing the dish’s flavor. Cook it quickly to avoid burning.
Dicing Ham
Dice ham into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and texture. You can use pre-chopped ham for convenience.
Addition of Peas
Add frozen peas directly to the pan, stirring for a short time to maintain their color and texture while warming them through.
Rice Preparation
Use day-old cooked jasmine rice for the best texture in fried rice. Ensure it’s properly cooled and stored to prevent clumping.
Incorporating Tomato Paste
Add tomato paste to the rice and mix well. This contributes to the dish’s color and enhances flavors while providing a slight sweetness.
Utilizing Fish and Soy Sauce
Incorporate fish sauce and soy sauce to amplify umami and depth of flavor. Balance these with a hint of sugar for caramelization.
Scrambling Eggs
Create a space in the pan and scramble whisked eggs in melted butter. Cook until just set to retain a soft texture.
Tossing Ingredients
Once the eggs are cooked, toss them through the rice mixture to combine flavors and ensure even distribution.
FAQ
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can result in clumping and stickiness in fried rice. It’s best to use day-old rice for ideal texture.
What type of ham can I use?
You can use any type of ham, including pre-chopped or thick-cut. Bacon is also a great alternative.
Is fish sauce necessary in this recipe?
Fish sauce adds a distinctive flavor characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. While it can be substituted with additional soy sauce, it enhances the overall taste significantly.
What kind of rice works best for fried rice?
Jasmine rice is popular for its texture, but any rice, including white, brown, or basmati, can be used. Just ensure it’s day-old or properly cooled.
How can I ensure my fried rice doesn’t become mushy?
Using day-old rice and ensuring it’s cooled properly before cooking will help prevent mushiness. Spreading freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool quickly can also help.
Conclusion
This fried rice recipe provides a delightful combination of flavors and textures, becoming a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for using up leftover ingredients. With its simple preparation and the ability to customize based on what you have on hand, it’s a versatile dish that can easily become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Fried Rice
Replace the ham with a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli for a vegetarian option.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Substitute the ham with shrimp for a seafood twist, adding a little extra garlic and some chopped green onions.
Chicken Fried Rice
Use diced cooked chicken in place of ham, and consider adding sesame oil for extra flavor.
Spicy Fried Rice
Incorporate some chili paste or sriracha while cooking for a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
Tropical Fried Rice
Add diced pineapple and cashews for a sweet and nutty version that brings a tropical flair to your dish.
