Japanese Fried Rice, also known as "Yakimeshi," is a popular dish in Japan that is made by stir-frying rice with various ingredients. The dish typically consists of cooked rice, vegetables such as onion, carrot, and peas, and protein such as chicken, pork, or shrimp, all stir-fried in a wok or frying pan with soy sauce, sake, and sometimes egg.
How To Make:
To make Japanese Fried Rice, the cooked rice is typically first cooled down and separated into individual grains to prevent clumping during the stir-fry process. The vegetables and protein are then cooked in oil in a hot wok or frying pan before the rice is added and stir-fried with the other ingredients. Soy sauce and sake are typically added for flavor, and scrambled eggs can be added for an additional layer of texture and taste.
Japanese Fried Rice is often served as a side dish or as a main course, and it can be customized with various ingredients to suit individual tastes.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Use day-old rice: Fried rice is best made with rice that has been refrigerated for at least one day. This helps to dry out the rice, so it doesn't get too soggy when stir-fried.
Use a hot pan: The key to making great fried rice is to use a hot wok or frying pan. This helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan and also helps to create that crispy texture that makes fried rice so delicious.
Use a neutral oil: Use a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable or canola oil. Avoid using oils with strong flavors like sesame oil, as this will overpower the other flavors in the dish.
Variations:
Add protein: Add diced chicken, shrimp, or sliced beef to your fried rice for a protein-packed meal. The protein must be cooked before being added to the fried rice.
Add vegetables: Add diced carrots, onions, peas, corn, or any other vegetables you like to your fried rice. Cook the vegetables before adding the rice.
Add a flavor: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce to your fried rice for a burst of umami flavor. You can also add garlic, ginger, or green onions for an extra kick of flavor.
Try different types of rice: While traditional Japanese fried rice is made with short-grain rice, you can also try using other types of rice like jasmine or basmati rice for a unique twist.
Make it spicy: Add some chili flakes or Sriracha to your fried rice for a spicy kick. Just be careful not to make it overly hot by tasting it as you go.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled short-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced chicken, shrimp, or sliced beef, garlic, ginger, green onions, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili flakes, or Sriracha.
Instructions:
Large frying pans or woks should be heated very thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the onion and carrots and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the frozen peas and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Add the soy sauce and stir to coat the rice evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
If using any additional ingredients like diced chicken or shrimp, add them to the pan and stir-fry until cooked through.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Note: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients and flavors. You can also adjust the amount of soy sauce or other seasonings to your liking.