Indian Fried Rice
A quick and flavorful Indo-Chinese fried rice, featuring fluffy rice stir-fried with crisp vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy-vinegar sauce. Perfect as a standalone meal or a delicious accompaniment to Manchurian dishes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups Cooked rice(Day-old, cold rice is best for stir-frying as it separates easily and prevents sogginess. Basmati or jasmine rice work well.)
- 200 g Mixed vegetables(A mix of finely chopped or diced vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, corn, and green beans. Fresh or frozen can be used.)
- 2 Eggs(Lightly beaten.)
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce(Use a good quality soy sauce for best flavor. Low-sodium is an option if preferred.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely chopped.)
- 4 Spring onions(White and light green parts thinly sliced for stir-frying, green tops thinly sliced for garnish.)
- 1 tbsp Vinegar(White vinegar or rice vinegar.)
- 2 tbsp Oil(High smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper(Freshly ground preferred.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the scrambled eggs: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Cook, stirring gently, until just set but still slightly moist. Remove from the pan and set aside. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop the scrambled egg. (Approx. 3 minutes)
⏱️ 3 minutes - 2
Stir-fry aromatics and vegetables: Add the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the same wok or skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and the white and light green parts of the spring onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. (Approx. 5 minutes)
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add rice and sauces: Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Add the cold cooked rice to the empty side. Break up any clumps with your spatula. Drizzle the soy sauce and vinegar over the rice. Add the chopped scrambled eggs. Toss everything together vigorously, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauces and mixed with the vegetables and egg. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and develop a slightly toasted flavor. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. (Approx. 7 minutes)
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Garnish and serve: Remove the fried rice from the heat. Stir in most of the sliced green spring onion tops. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining spring onion greens. Serve immediately. (Approx. 1 minute)
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using day-old, cold rice is crucial for achieving fluffy, separate grains. Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky and can make the fried rice mushy.
- ✓High heat is essential for stir-frying. It cooks the ingredients quickly, preventing them from becoming soggy and developing a pleasant 'wok hei' (breath of the wok) flavor.
- ✓Work quickly once the ingredients are in the wok. Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of soy sauce and vinegar to your personal preference. You can also add a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Schezwan Fried Rice: Add 1-2 tablespoons of Schezwan sauce or chili garlic sauce along with the soy sauce for a spicier kick.
- Chicken Fried Rice: Add 150g of thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh, stir-fried until cooked before adding the vegetables.
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the eggs and add cubed tofu or paneer for protein.
🏷️ Tags
🌍 Similar Dishes Around the World
Elaborate rice preparations often served at gatherings and celebrations.
Paella
Spain · Saffron rice with seafood
Biryani
India · Layered spiced rice
Risotto
Italy · Creamy Arborio rice
Jollof Rice
Nigeria · Tomato-based party rice
Arroz con Pollo
Cuba · Chicken and rice
Pilaf
Turkey · Buttery spiced rice