What Gives Fried Rice Its Flavor?

What Gives Fried Rice Its Flavor?

Posted on: July 7, 2021

Fried rice is a classic, versatile dish that pairs perfectly with chicken, pork and beef. Some people even eat it all on its own. The secret to great fried rice? It’s all about the ingredients and how you cook them. 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 – What’s the best rice for fried rice?

When it comes to fried rice, many wonder what the best rice for fried rice is. The key is having grains that stay separate and soak up all the tasty flavors you add with veggies and seasonings. What makes fried rice taste good is the choice of 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 for fried rice. It absorbs flavor without becoming mushy.

If you have this kind of rice leftover 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

To achieve that classic fried rice look and crispy texture, cooking fried rice using high heat is crucial. If the heat is too low, you run the risk of steaming your rice instead of frying it. Fry the rice and until it gets a slight brown color for the best flavor and crunch.

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 overpower your dish.

3. Keep Fried Rice Seasoning and sauces Nearby for Flavor

Choosing the right fried rice seasonings and sauces for your fried rice is important. The key sauces in fried rice are soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce in fried rice. All three add unique flavors to the rice, but it can be easy to go overboard. Make sure you add small amounts of each and regularly taste your rice. The goal should be to emphasize the flavors of your rice, meat and vegetables. For a gluten-free option that enhances the taste of your fried rice, consider using San-J Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce. Its rich, savory flavor will complement your dish perfectly without compromising on taste or quality.

4. Pick the Right Ingredients

There are three main ingredients of fried rice: eggs, vegetables and meat. Scrambled throughout the rice, eggs bring savory flavors and protein, while vegetables like broccoli, peas, carrots, and edamame add variety and depth to the dish. The more you have, the more robust the flavor.

Finally, you need your primary protein source. Whether it’s shrimp, chicken or beef, these elements finish off the flavor of your fried 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. To bring together all the flavors of your fried rice seamlessly, consider using San-J Tamari Soy Sauce and our other sauces in your fried rice. Your taste buds will thank you!

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?