Craving a restaurant-quality meal but don't have the time (or budget) to dine out? Then you're in the right place! This recipe brings the amazing flavors of Din Tai Fung's famous fried rice right to your kitchen. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious weekend lunch. It's a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both healthy and incredibly satisfying, transforming simple ingredients into a truly delicious dish. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked Jasmine rice (day-old rice works best!)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped scallions (both white and green parts)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds great umami!)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Rice: If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry slightly. This prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy. Day-old rice is ideal!
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Scramble the Eggs: Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Add the carrots and peas to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Combine Rice and Sauces: Add the cooked rice to the wok and break up any clumps. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
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Incorporate Eggs and Scallions: Add the scrambled eggs and scallions to the wok. Stir-fry for another minute to combine everything.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra scallions if desired. This simple recipe is a testament to how quick dinner ideas can still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice:
- Use day-old rice: This is crucial for preventing mushy fried rice. The slightly dried rice will fry up perfectly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if necessary to ensure the rice cooks evenly and doesn't steam.
- High heat is key: A high heat helps to create that signature crispy texture.
- Taste and adjust: Seasoning is important! Taste the fried rice as you go and adjust the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and salt to your preference.
Variations:
- Add protein: Chicken, shrimp, or pork would be delicious additions to this recipe. Simply add the protein with the vegetables.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Vegetarian option: Omit the oyster sauce and add some chopped mushrooms or tofu for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Fat: Approximately 10-12g
This Din Tai Fung-inspired fried rice recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s a perfect example of how healthy meals can be both satisfying and simple to prepare. Enjoy!