Easy Fried Rice with Egg Chicken and Shrimp Recipe

Craving an authentic Asian taste but short on time? Our fried rice recipe is here to help. It’s packed with egg, chicken, and shrimp. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, perfect for any day.

Key Takeaways

This fried rice recipe combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and fluffy eggs with aromatic rice and vegetables.
It’s a quick and delicious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
The dish offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a satisfying and nutritious option.
Authentic Asian flavors can be enjoyed at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
The recipe is suitable for those craving a taste of Asia without the hassle of complex cooking techniques.

Introduction to Classic Fried Rice Cooking

Fried rice is a beloved one-pot meal that has been a staple in Chinese cooking for centuries. It’s a versatile fusion food that turns leftover rice and various ingredients into a tasty dish. Learning to make fried rice can help you reduce waste and offer a quick, delicious dinner option.

History of Fried Rice in Asian Cuisine

The origins of fried rice date back to ancient China. It was a practical way to use leftover cooked rice. Over time, different regions and cultures added their own twist to the recipe. Today, fried rice is loved across many Asian countries, each with its own unique flavors and ingredients.

Benefits of Making Fried Rice at Home

Versatility: Fried rice lets you mix and match different proteins, vegetables, and seasonings. This way, you can create a dish that suits your taste.
Cost-saving: Using leftover rice and ingredients makes a delicious meal at a lower cost than eating out.
Customization: Cooking fried rice at home means you can choose the ingredients. This way, you can make sure it fits your dietary needs and preferences.

Essential Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make perfect fried rice, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:

A wok or large, deep skillet: This is the best tool for stir-frying and ensuring even heat.
A wooden or metal spatula: This tool helps you mix the ingredients efficiently during stir-frying.
A rice cooker (optional): While not necessary, a rice cooker makes cooking the perfect rice for fried rice easier.

“Fried rice is the ultimate way to transform a simple ingredient like leftover rice into a flavorful and satisfying meal.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Fried Rice

Creating the ultimate chicken recipes, shrimp recipes, and other easy dinner ideas starts with the right ingredients. The foundation of a delicious fried rice dish includes:

Day-old rice, which ensures the perfect texture and prevents the dish from becoming mushy
Eggs, which add protein and create a luscious, creamy element
Chicken and shrimp, which provide additional protein and flavor
Aromatic vegetables like onions, peas, and carrots for sweetness and crunch
Soy sauce and vegetable oil for seasoning and stir-frying

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding minced garlic and ginger, as well as a drizzle of sesame oil. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and texture in the final dish.

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken breast, sliced	1 lb
Light soy sauce (for marinating)	1 tbsp
Shaoxing wine	1 tbsp
Cornstarch	1 tbsp
Chicken broth	1/2 cup
Dark soy sauce	2 tsp
Sugar	1 1/2 tbsp
Black pepper, coarsely ground	2 tsp
Peanut oil	2 tbsp
Ginger, minced	1 tbsp
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
White onion, chopped	1/2
Bell peppers, mixed colors, chopped	2

With these essential ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to creating a delectable chicken recipes, shrimp recipes, and other easy dinner ideas that will impress your family and friends.

Step-by-Step Fried Rice with Egg Chicken and Shrimp Recipe

Get ready to make the perfect fried rice. Start by marinating sliced chicken breasts in a mix of 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Cook the chicken and shrimp separately until they’re just done. Then, set them aside.

Rice Cooking Method

Use day-old rice for the best texture. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon minced ginger and 2 cloves of minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Then, break up the cold rice with your hands and add it to the wok. Stir-fry the rice, making sure to separate any clumps, for about 2-3 minutes.

Stir-Frying Process

Add 1/2 cup chicken broth, 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt to the rice. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate the cooked chicken, shrimp, scrambled eggs, and 1/2 white onion, diced. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Finish with 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and adjust seasoning to your taste.

This easy fried rice recipe is a fantastic one-pot meal. It’s perfect for your next stir-fry recipes or easy dinner ideas. Enjoy your restaurant-quality one-pot meals at home!

Secret Tips for Restaurant-Style Texture

Getting that “wok hei” flavor is the dream for many home cooks. It’s all about making Chinese cooking and Asian cuisine taste like it’s from a restaurant. The trick is to learn a few special techniques.

High Heat is the Key: Turn up the heat to get that smoky, charred taste. This intense heat helps quickly sear the ingredients and keeps the flavors locked in.
Break Up Rice Clumps: Before cooking, gently separate any rice clumps. This makes sure each grain cooks evenly and avoids a mushy texture.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t fill your pan too much. Too many ingredients can make it steam instead of sear and caramelize.
Add Vegetables in Order: Start with the harder veggies like carrots and onions. Then add quicker-cooking ones like peas and bean sprouts.
Flavor Fusion: Mix light and dark soy sauce for a rich flavor and color.
Finish with Fragrance: Add a bit of toasted sesame oil at the end. It gives a real aroma that feels like you’re in Asian cuisine.

With these secrets, you’re ready to master Chinese cooking. Your fried rice will be as good as the best restaurants.

“The key to perfect fried rice is all in the technique. It’s about getting the right texture and balance of flavors.”

Best Rice Varieties and Preparation Methods

Choosing the right rice and how you prepare it is key to perfect fried rice. For authentic Asian-inspired fried rice, use long-grain varieties like jasmine or basmati rice.

Day-Old Rice Benefits

Using day-old rice is a secret to restaurant-quality fried rice. It dries out, making grains separate better during stir-frying. This prevents a sticky texture. Cook your rice a day before and refrigerate it until ready.

Rice Cooling Techniques

Spread cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool completely. This dries it out further.
Avoid using freshly cooked rice, as it’s too moist. If using fresh rice, cook with less water and cool it completely before stir-frying.

Rice Variety	Characteristics	Best for Fried Rice
Jasmine Rice	Long-grain, fragrant, slightly sticky when cooked	✓
Basmati Rice	Long-grain, aromatic, fluffy texture	✓
Short-grain Rice	Rounded, sticky, high in starch	✗
Brown Rice	Nutty flavor, chewy texture	✗

By picking the right rice and preparing it well, you’ll make restaurant-quality fried rice at home. It’s perfect for all your Asian cuisine needs.

Protein Cooking Techniques for Perfect Results

Getting the right texture and flavor in your chicken recipes and shrimp recipes is key. Whether you’re making a classic fried rice or trying new Asian dishes, these tips will improve your proteins. They’ll make your meals even better.

Slice Chicken Thinly for Quick Cooking

When cooking chicken for fried rice, slice it thinly against the grain. This makes the chicken cook fast and evenly. It keeps it from getting dry or rubbery.

Marinate Chicken for Tenderness

To keep chicken juicy and tender, marinate it in soy sauce and cornstarch. The cornstarch keeps moisture in, and soy sauce adds great flavor.

Cook Shrimp Just Until Pink

Shrimp can cook too long, so watch them closely. Take them off the heat when they’re pink and curled. This stops them from getting tough.

Scramble Eggs Separately

For great fried rice, scramble eggs separately and then mix them in. This keeps the eggs’ texture right and spreads them evenly.

Using leftover roasted chicken or pre-cooked shrimp can save time. It still makes your fried rice delicious.

“The key to delicious fried rice is all in the protein preparation. Take the time to slice, marinate, and cook your proteins just right, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.”

Vegetable Selection and Preparation Guide

Make your stir-fry recipes and easy dinner ideas better with the right vegetables. The key to a tasty and good-looking fried rice is choosing and preparing your veggies well.

Recommended Vegetable Combinations

Peas, carrots, onions, and bell peppers are great for stir-fries. They add flavor and nutrition. For extra crunch, try bean sprouts or water chestnuts. Add color with broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms.

Cutting and Chopping Tips

Cut veggies into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Aim for 1/2-inch cubes or thin slices.
Blanch harder veggies like carrots in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stir-frying to ensure they cook through.
Chop onions, garlic, and ginger finely to release their aromatic flavors throughout the dish.
Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to achieve clean, precise cuts for a professional-looking presentation.

By carefully choosing and preparing your veggies, you’ll make a stir-fry that’s easy to make. It will also be visually appealing and full of flavor.

Seasoning and Sauce Combinations

Fried rice is a dish you can play with. Start with soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Then, add Asian flavors like oyster sauce, fish sauce, or hoisin sauce for more taste.

For some spice, add chili sauce or sriracha. Garlic and ginger add depth. Finish with sesame oil for a nutty smell. Top it off with green onions for color and taste.

Play with the flavors to find your perfect mix. Aim for a balance of salty, sweet, and umami. This will make your fried rice dish stand out.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in this fried rice recipe?

The main ingredients are day-old rice, eggs, chicken, shrimp, and veggies like onions, peas, and carrots. You can also add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for extra flavor.

Why is it important to use day-old rice for fried rice?

Day-old rice is better because it’s drier. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy. Fresh rice is too moist and can stick together when stir-fried.

What cooking techniques are used to achieve the perfect fried rice?

High heat is key to get the “wok hei” flavor. Make sure to break up rice clumps and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking proteins and veggies separately helps them cook evenly.

How can I customize the fried rice recipe to my preference?

You can mix and match proteins and veggies to your liking. Try using leftover chicken or pre-cooked shrimp. Add different veggies like bean sprouts or bell peppers. Adjust the seasoning with soy sauce, oyster sauce, or chili sauce.

What are some tips for achieving the best texture and flavor in fried rice?

Use high-quality rice like jasmine or basmati. Cook the rice a day ahead and chill it. Marinate chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for tenderness. Cook shrimp until pink to avoid rubberiness. Scramble eggs separately for fluffiness.