What Gives Fried Rice Its Flavor?

What Gives Fried Rice Its Flavor?

Posted on: July 7, 2021

Fried rice is a classic side for chicken, pork and beef. Some people eat it all on its own. If you love fried rice and want to make it at home, here are four tips to help you bring your fried rice ingredients together perfectly.

Table of Contents

  1. Choose Your Rice Carefully
  2. Use High Heat and Frying Oil
  3. Keep Seasonings Nearby
  4. Pick the Right Ingredients
  5. Tie Your Fried Rice Together With San-J Tamari Soy Sauce

1. Choose Your Rice Carefully

When you think of fried rice, the grains are not clumped together, and they carry delicious flavor from the veggies and seasonings you add. To achieve that texture and taste, you must choose the correct rice. There are three types of grains: short, medium and long. When making your meal, you’ll want to cook with medium grain rice. Medium grain rice is the best rice to use for fried rice. It absorbs flavor without becoming mushy.

If you have this kind of rice stowed away in the fridge from a previous meal, that’s even better. Cold rice holds up better under heat than freshly cooked rice, helping you achieve a firmer, less sticky texture.

2. Use High Heat and Frying Oil

Whether you’re using freshly cooked or leftover rice, the vital element of cooking fried rice is the heat. If the heat is too low, you run the risk of steaming your rice instead of frying it. Fry the rice and veggies on high heat to achieve that slight brown look and crispy texture.

Make sure that you’re using the correct oil. Every oil has a different chemical structure. To fry your food correctly, use palm, vegetable or peanut oil. These oils have subtle flavors that do not influence the taste of your food.

3. Keep Seasonings Nearby

There are a few different seasonings that make fried rice taste just right. The most important sauces to add are soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce in fried rice. All three add unique flavors to rice, but it can be easy to go overboard. Make sure you add small amounts of each and regularly taste the rice. Your goal should be to emphasize the flavors of your rice, meat and vegetables. 

4. Pick the Right Ingredients

There are three main ingredients of fried rice: eggs, vegetables and meat. Scrambled throughout the rice, eggs bring savory flavor and protein to your meal. Next, pick your favorite vegetables and load your rice with them. The more you have, the more robust the flavor. Choose from a variety of options like broccoli, peas, carrots and edamame.

Finally, you need your primary protein source. Whether it’s shrimp, chicken or beef, these elements finish off the flavor of your rice and add a savory kick that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Tie Your Fried Rice Together With San-J Tamari Soy Sauce

Make your oriental rice recipe using these tips, and enjoy the final result — a delicious, steaming bowl of fried rice. For more ideas on creating at-home Asian cuisine, check out our blog. Ready to make San-J products part of your favorite meals? Shop our products online or use our store locator today!

What Gives Fried Rice Its Flavor?