Best Rice To Use For Fried Rice [Restaurant Style]

You’ll say a bowl of fried rice is delicious when it is fluffy and not too sticky. It should have distinct, individual grains. Here is the best rice to use for fried rice that tastes as good as it does to your favorite restaurant.

Long-grain white, such as Iberia Jasmine, is ideal for fried rice. When fried it’s fluffy and not sticky. Individual grains remain firm and distinct. Jasmine rice is preferred for fried rice because of its popcorn-like aroma and sweet, nutty flavor. Meanwhile, glutinous rice clumps easily together.

What makes this dish so tasty is the stir-fry technique. It is not hard to eat because it is fluffy and can be easily made at home. Using this vegetarian recipe as a base, you can mix any vegetable and protein to spice up the taste. However, some people prefer to use leftover rice than fresh rice, and here is the difference between the two.

Things To Consider When Making The Best-Fried Rice

Fried rice is the result when steamed or boiled rice is fried in oil or animal fat. Chinese were the first to use this method to preserve and recycle leftover steamed rice for consumption. Nowadays, several varieties of fried rice are enjoyed all over the world.

fried rice

Making fried rice may look so simple and easy, but when asked how this is done, you just end up saying “heat some oil and fry the steamed rice the add the other ingredient that you have.” On the other hand, there are more things to consider that may help you make the best possible fried rice.

Choose the appropriate rice variety

The variety of rice that you will use can make or break your expectations.

Can you still recall what the fried rice you ordered in the Chinese restaurant looks like? Do you notice how price loose each grain was?

To examine the quality of fried rice, determine the texture of each rice grain. Based on my experience, Calrose rice, Jasmine rice, and other rice that have a soft and sticky texture when cooked do not make a bowl of good fried rice. The use of other varieties with firm texture will give you good results of fried rice.

Best Brands Of Rice That Make Good Fried Rice

Iberia Jasmine Long Grain Fragrant Rice

This rice is harvested, grown, and locally sourced with the highest level of expertise from rice farmers in the United States, Brazil, India, and Vietnam.

It has long and fluffy grain, naturally aromatic, and delicious when mixed with fresh sauteed vegetables like broccoli, white onions, and bell peppers. It can be served as a simple dish by making it into delicious fried rice, a perfect complement to your chicken, steak, fish, and vegetarian entrees.

What’s so good about this rice is that this Jasmine rice is vegan, non-GMO, naturally gluten-free, Kosher, and non-fat. To cook the rice, simply add the rice to cold water and prepare it on the stovetop. It is recommended to bring the water to a boil, cover, and cook it on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.


Lundberg California White Jasmine Rice

This rice contains 2 pounds (6 counts) of Lundberg California White Jasmine Rice. It has a light, floral scent, and buttery flavor, making it practically irresistible. This long-grain clings together when cooked but is not sticky, so you can serve it and make it as your fried rice.

This rice is grown with earth-preserving practices and there are other varieties as well that are cultivated to maximize the flavor of each tiny grain.

There is long, short, black, brown, white, red, and blended variety, bringing something different to the table. It is a non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-free, Vegan, and Kosher. This product is locally sourced since 1937, wherein you feel confident that you giving the world with every bite.

What’s so good about this product is they have partnered with TerraCycle to ensure that flexible plastic can skip the landfill for a second life as durable plastic goods to assure 100% eco-friendly packaging.


Prepare the rice before frying

Making the rice ready before frying is a smart move.

The ideal rice that should be used in making fried rice should have a firm outside texture. Using day-old rice is an excellent idea but it will be better if the price is put in a Ziploc or similar plastic container, then refrigerated. You may also put the rice in the freezer and thaw it before drying.

Since making fried rice involves cooking oil and other seasonings, depending on the recipe. If the fried rice has a firm texture, it means less liquid is absorbed. Also, this avoids the possibility for the rice to soften and become sticky. If you want to make fried rice from newly steamed rice, you don’t need to wait a day to pass by.

One proven technique is the use of a baking sheet or aluminum foil. Simply put the hot rice on a baking sheet or aluminum foil and then set it aside until you achieve room temperature. Then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. Also, try to loosen the rice before frying. It can be done lightly by pressing the plastic container until the clump is loose.

Ensure that the wok or frying pan is not enough

The heat must be well distributed in the wok or frying pan, which you are causing. Since frying rice requires the maximum heat available, having enough heat on the pan. This rice makes the grains equally cooked.

Perform the proper tossing and stirring technique

Frying rice requires the proper stirring technique to preserve the shape and texture of the grain. It also prevents the rice from sticking. The proper way of stirring the rice is to push the spatula downwards until the bottom of the pan is reached. You need to scrape the rice that is stuck on the bottom of the pan. Toss it to evenly mix all the ingredients, do not press the rice with the spatula.

Prepare other ingredients beforehand

The ingredients that you will use will depend on the fried rice recipe that you are doing. Here are some ingredients you can add:

Protein

This pertains to pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, scallops, and even tofu. When using raw meat, make sure to cook the meat first before putting it in the rice. With this method, the rice will not get overcooked and the excess liquid from the meat may soften the rice and cause evaporation before the rice can absorb it.

Vegetables

Raw vegetables also need to be overcooked just like meat. If you are using packed frozen vegetables you need to thaw them first and drain excess water.

Eggs

There are different ways to prepare eggs. You may cook the egg separately then dice or shred it before putting it on top of the rice. The best time to put eggs when the rice is almost done. Another way to use an egg is as a binder. Beaten eggs are cooked while the rice is being fried. Eggs are usually placed in the middle of the cooking process.

Seasonings

Some recipes require the use of liquid seasonings such as soy sauce. Usually, you can pour the liquid seasoning on the side of the hot pot so that it will be enough to reach the bottom of the pan. This also helps in loosening sticky rice on the bottom of the pan.

How To Prepare The Rice And Use It For Later?

The amount of water you add when cooking rice will make a difference. If you think your fried rice is turning out rather mushy, reduce the amount of water to cook the rice. A typical recipe for cooking long-grain white rice uses a 2 to 3 ratio, meaning you add 1 cup of rice to every 1 ½ cup of water.

You will often find fried rice recipes requiring cold cooked, previously chilled, or just leftover cooked rice. Ideally, the rice you use in making fried rice is cooked at least one day earlier.

A bowl of day-old rice is drier and can reduce the chance of the dish turning mushy and wet. Nonetheless, be sure to fluff up the rice before cooling and storing it so that it will not turn into a hard block.

How To Store And Use Leftover Rice Safely?

On the other hand, using leftover rice has its downsides. Leftover rice is prone to develop Bacillus cereus, a spore-forming bacteria that thrives well in starchy foods like potatoes and rice. This microorganism thrives best in a warm, damp environment like a pot filled with freshly cooked rice left on the stovetop.

When using leftover rice, the cooked rice must be cooled down to room temperature and stored in the refrigerator within an hour of cooking, while two hours is the maximum. Before recooking, use a fork to break any clumps that formed in the rice. Take note that chilled cooked rice must be eaten within 24 hours to ensure that it is safe to eat.

How to make Chinese fried rice?

Here are some things to remember:

  • Fry the rice by lightly browning in a pan or wok
  • Stir-fry the onions, garlic, and carrots until it becomes tender
  • Make a large well in the center of the pan with the rice
  • Pour in the whisked eggs and scramble until they form small curds
  • Soy sauce is optional but it adds more flavor to the rice
  • Add green peas at the end to keep the color and shape

The Best-Fried Rice Recipe In The World

Fried rice is a Chinese food staple that’s always on the take-out menu. Therefore, here is the recipe on how to make near authentic Chinese fried rice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup minced white onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • ½ cup peas frozen and thawed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Kosher salt for seasoning
  • White pepper for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. In a 3 quart-sized saucepan, rinse the uncooked rice with cool water until it becomes clear. Drain off excess water
  2. Add 2 cups of water n the washed rice
  3. Bring water to boil and then turn down the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid.
  4. Simmer the rice for 10 to 12 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed and the rice is tender
  5. Remove the rice from the heat and allow it to sit. Cover it for 5 to 10 minutes.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork, and allow it to cool to room temperature while preparing the other fried rice ingredients.
  7. Heat the wok or large skillet over the high heat
  8. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil, then spread and press it around the pan
  9. Stir-fry the rice to evenly coat the pan with oil, then spread and lightly press around the pan
  10. Allow it to cook for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat the spreading and stirring every 30-seconds for 5 minutes to encourage browning on the rice.
  11. In the center of the wok, make a large well with the rice and add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
  12. Add onion, garlic, and carrots, stir-fry in the center of the pan for 1 minute, then mix with rice to mix thoroughly.
  13. Make another large well in the center, then add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
  14. Pour in the whisked eggs, then allow it to sit for about 30 seconds. Gradually stir to create small scrambled egg pieces. Stir to combine it with the rice.
  15. Add in soy sauce, then stir to mix.
  16. Add the peas, then stir to combine and cook until warmed for about 2 minutes
  17. Taste the rice and season it with salt and white pepper
  18. Garnish the fried rice with green onions and serve immediately.

Best wok for fried rice

T-fal Specialty Nonstick Jumbo Wok Cookware

This wok is a solid choice for those getting ready into the art of working. It is made from a nonstick interior with lightweight aluminum composition. It has a long handle and stays cool silicon helper loop that provides a failsafe and flat base. Its 14-inch diameter can cater to a capacity that can make a whole family dinner in just one wok before tossing it in the dishwasher.

Best for: budget cooks

What I Liked:

  • Handles stay cool to touch
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Big enough to cook large portions

What I Didn’t Like:

  • Oven-safe at 350 degrees
  • Maybe too large for small families

ZhenSanHuan Hand-Hammered Flat-Bottom Iron Wok

This wok is made by a real Chinese brand, wherein ZhenSanHuan uses 100% iron, 36,000 hammer strokes, and 12 critical steps to make their heirloom-quality, smooth-surfaced woks. No coating is used for its non-stick finish. Just like others, it can hold onto heat extraordinarily, and will not be affected by the use of metal utensils.

Overall, this model is considered among the top line because of its amazing features such as a wood handle that can stay cooler and longer. It has a flat bottom that is suitable for all cooktops since the materials are induction compatible.

Best for: premium cooks

What I Liked:

  • Made by traditional methods
  • They are suitable for induction cooktops
  • Comes pre-seasoned
  • Metal and silicone utensil safe
  • Premium

What I Didn’t Like:

  • May rust if not kept dry
  • Not dishwasher safe

Mammafong Pre-seasoned Blue Carbon Steel Wok

Mammafong is made from heavy, 16-gauge carbon steel, making it suitable for all cooking ranges.

This pan seals the natural oils in intense heat, giving the well-polished surface a smooth finish that will not flake off. It does not require stovetop drying and oil rubbing after each use, and you cannot use soap to clean it. So the care and maintenance requirements are quite challenging.

Also, this wok takes months of work out for an intensive seasoning process, giving you a pan ready out of the box.

Best for: overall. My favorite wok!

What I Liked:

  • Lightweight and weighs only 3 pounds
  • Improves as time passes by
  • Can use metal utensils

What I Didn’t Like:

  • Cannot use soap to clean
  • Requires oil rubbing

FYI: Fresh Rice Vs. Leftover Rice

Leftover cold rice is also ideal to use because the grains are separate and cook easier in the wok. That does not mean that a fresh pot of rice cannot be used, especially when leftover is not available. This can only take about 20 minutes to prepare.

The key to using fresh rice is allowing it to cool slightly before making it into fried rice. The cooling process can quickly be done by spreading the rice on a sheet pan at room temperature or chill it in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes if you want to make it rush. The rice must be cool before you add it to the pan.

Related Article: How To Store Sushi Rice: Uncooked and Cooked

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