Introduction
Cooking is an art that thrives on the quality and combination of ingredients. In this article, we’ll explore a delicious recipe that features a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, rooted in Vietnamese cuisine. The star of this dish is fried rice, which is brought to life with the perfect mix of garlic, ham, peas, and jasmine rice, all complemented by a touch of sauces for depth and complexity.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
30g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 cup diced ham (pre-chopped for convenience)
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 (light or all-purpose)
1/4 tsp white sugar
2 eggs, whisked
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
In this delightful dish, the subtlety of flavors meets the comfort of a home-cooked meal, making it a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy the process of making this fried rice, as it not only nourishes the body but also brings warmth to the soul!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Melt Butter
Melt most of the unsalted butter in a large non-stick skillet over high heat, reserving a small amount for scrambling the eggs.
Add Garlic
Add the finely minced garlic and cook for 10 seconds until fragrant.
Add Ham
Add the diced ham to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds to lightly cook it.
Add Peas
Incorporate the frozen peas into the skillet, stirring for another 30 seconds.
Add Rice and Tomato Paste
Add the day-old cooked jasmine rice and the tomato paste to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine.
Add Sauces
Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and white sugar. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the rice to caramelize slightly and gain a nice color.
Scramble Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. In the cleared space, melt the reserved butter, then pour in the whisked eggs. Scramble until just set.
Serve
Toss the cooked eggs through the rice mixture until evenly distributed. Serve hot.
Notes
Ham
I use store-bought pre-chopped ham for convenience. Alternatively, any chopped ham works great, with thick-cut being preferred. Bacon can also be used.
Rice
While any rice can be used (white, brown, basmati), jasmine is popular in Vietnamese dishes. Use overnight refrigerated or frozen (and thawed) cooked rice for the best texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will clump. If you must use fresh rice, extend the cooling time by spreading it on a tray and refrigerating it until cool.
Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine that adds depth of flavor. The fishy taste is cooked out. You can substitute more soy sauce but it’s not quite the same without it.
Soy Sauce
Use light or all-purpose soy sauce, avoiding dark soy sauce, which is too strong for this dish.
Cook techniques
Melt Butter
Start by melting most of the butter in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Reserve a small amount for later use.
Sauté Garlic
Add finely minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 10 seconds to release its aroma.
Add Ham
Introduce diced ham into the skillet and stir for 30 seconds until heated through.
Incorporate Peas
Add frozen peas to the skillet and stir for another 30 seconds until they are warmed up.
Mix Rice and Tomato Paste
Combine day-old cooked jasmine rice and tomato paste in the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Add Sauces
Pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, and white sugar, cooking for 1 minute to encourage a slight caramelization on the rice.
Scramble Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, melt the reserved butter in the cleared space, and scramble the whisked eggs until just set.
Combine and Serve
Toss the scrambled eggs through the rice mixture, then serve hot.
FAQ
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Using freshly cooked rice can lead to a sticky texture. Day-old rice, especially when refrigerated, works best for fried rice.
What type of ham can I use?
You can use pre-chopped ham for convenience or any ham you have on hand. Bacon can also be a suitable substitute.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe?
Fish sauce adds authentic flavor to the dish, but you can substitute it with more soy sauce if needed. However, it won’t have the same Vietnamese taste.
What type of soy sauce is recommended?
Light or all-purpose soy sauce is recommended for this recipe. Dark soy sauce is too strong and should be avoided.
How long should I cook the eggs?
Scramble the eggs just until they are set, ensuring they remain soft and not overcooked.
Conclusion
This flavorful fried rice combines the savory taste of ham, the sweetness of peas, and the aromatic essence of garlic, all brought together with day-old jasmine rice for the perfect texture. Finished with scrambled eggs, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also a delightful way to use leftover ingredients. Enjoy this satisfying meal on its own or as a side dish to complement your favorite Asian recipes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Fried Rice
Substitute the ham with an assortment of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli for a vegetarian version.
Chicken Fried Rice
Replace the ham with diced chicken breast or thighs for a protein-packed alternative.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Add cooked shrimp for a seafood twist, enhancing the dish with a briny flavor that pairs well with the sauces.
Spicy Fried Rice
Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to give the rice a spicy kick for those who enjoy heat.
Pineapple Fried Rice
Mix in some chopped pineapple for a sweet and savory combination that brightens up the dish.
Egg Fried Rice
Omit the ham entirely and focus on adding extra eggs for a rich, eggy flavor experience.
Curried Fried Rice
Stir in some curry powder or paste for a unique take that adds warmth and depth to the dish.
