Regular Fried Rice
Introduction
Regular Fried Rice is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement your main course or a satisfying standalone meal, this fried rice recipe offers a delightful combination of fragrant rice, savory vegetables, and aromatic curry powder. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover rice, and the addition of mixed vegetables makes it both colorful and nutritious. This dish is beloved for its simplicity and the ability to be customized with various veggies or proteins.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (rinsed and drained) | 2 cups |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup |
| Large onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Curry powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Water or chicken stock | 4 cups |
| Bell pepper (chopped) | 1 |
| Seasoning cubes | 2 |
| Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
Procedures
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Heat the Oil: Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil will serve as the base to sauté the onions and curry powder, infusing the dish with flavor.
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Cook the Onions: Once the oil is heated, add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The onions should soften and release a sweet aroma.
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Add Curry Powder: Sprinkle the curry powder into the pot and stir it through, allowing it to cook for about a minute. This step helps release the warm, aromatic flavors of the curry powder.
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Add Liquid: Pour in the water or chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a boil. The liquid will be absorbed by the rice, adding depth and flavor to the dish.
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Incorporate the Bell Pepper: Stir in the chopped bell pepper, which will contribute a crunchy texture and a mild sweetness to the fried rice.
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Add the Rice: Gently fold in the washed rice, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed in the pot. Crumble the seasoning cubes over the rice and mix well. These seasoning cubes enhance the flavor of the rice, making it more savory and delicious.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed. Be sure not to lift the lid during this time to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
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Cook the Vegetables: While the rice is cooking, heat a little vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn), and season with a pinch of salt. Cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
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Combine the Rice and Vegetables: Once the rice has finished cooking, remove the pot from the heat and gently fold in the seasoned mixed vegetables. This adds color, texture, and a boost of nutrition to the dish.
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Serve: Serve the fried rice hot, either as a side dish or as a light meal on its own.
Allergen Information
This Regular Fried Rice recipe is generally allergen-friendly, but it’s important to check the labels of your ingredients for potential allergens. For example, some seasoning cubes may contain gluten or MSG. Always ensure that the vegetable oil and stock you use are free of any allergens you may need to avoid. If you’re making this dish for someone with specific dietary needs, consider using homemade stock or ensuring that all ingredients are free from common allergens such as soy, gluten, or dairy.
Dietary Preferences
This fried rice recipe can be easily adapted to meet various dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian as long as you opt for vegetable stock rather than chicken stock.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable oil and stock, and ensure the seasoning cubes are plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free seasoning cubes and stock.
- Nut-Free: This recipe does not contain nuts, but always verify that the vegetable oil used is processed in a nut-free facility if you have a nut allergy.
Tips & Advice
- Use Day-Old Rice: If you have leftover rice from a previous meal, it works even better in this fried rice recipe. The rice grains are firmer and less likely to become mushy, resulting in better texture.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to customize the mixed vegetables based on what you have on hand. Frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots are common additions, but you can also include other vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, you can add protein such as cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or scrambled eggs. Simply stir them in when combining the vegetables and rice.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add a little soy sauce for extra umami or a dash of pepper for some heat.
Conclusion
Regular Fried Rice is a reliable and satisfying dish that can be made in no time, with minimal ingredients, and a delicious outcome every time. The combination of aromatic curry powder, savory seasoning cubes, and colorful mixed vegetables makes this fried rice both appealing and full of flavor. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a meal on its own, this simple dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this classic fried rice recipe!
