Easy Egg Fried Rice (Better Than Takeout)

Summary

This video guides you through making the ultimate homemade egg fried rice, starting with flavorful chicken rice as the base. It covers prepping aromatics like shallots, garlic, and green onions, whisking eggs with an extra yolk for richness, and drying the rice to mimic day-old leftovers. The cooking process emphasizes high heat, constant movement, and proper seasoning with soy sauce and sesame oil for perfectly separated grains. The tutorial also includes optional finishing touches, such as a sunny-side-up egg on top, and playful tips like wok flipping. Viewers are shown step-by-step how to achieve restaurant-quality fried rice at home, balancing flavor, texture, and technique.

Takeaways

• 🍚 Making your own chicken rice provides a more flavorful base for fried rice compared to using leftover rice.
• 🍗 Crisping skin-on chicken thighs adds rich flavor to the rice when cooked together.
• 🧄 Finely chopping shallots and garlic enhances the aroma and texture of the fried rice.
• 🥢 Use a sharp knife for chopping to avoid uneven cuts and enhance cooking consistency.
• 🥚 Adding an extra egg yolk increases the richness and fat content in the fried rice.
• ❄️ Spreading cooked rice on a sheet tray and refrigerating it helps mimic the texture of day-old rice, ideal for frying.
• 🔥 Preheating the wok and using hot oil is key for achieving proper texture and crackling in fried rice.
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• 🥄 Cooking garlic, shallots, and eggs briefly prevents burning and keeps flavors fresh.
• 🍶 Adding soy sauce and sesame oil at the edge of the wok ensures even coating and enhances flavor.
• 🌿 Finishing with green onions and optionally a green chili adds freshness and color to the dish.
• 🍳 Serving with a perfectly cooked sunny side up egg on top elevates presentation and taste.
• 💪 High heat and constant stirring are essential for separating rice grains and achieving authentic fried rice texture.

Q & A

Why is using chicken rice important for making fried rice?

Chicken rice provides a more flavorful base for the fried rice, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. It’s made by cooking rice with chicken, aromatics like green onions and ginger, and homemade chicken stock, which infuses the rice with extra flavor compared to using plain rice.

Can I use leftover rice for making fried rice instead of freshly cooked chicken rice?

Yes, you can use leftover rice. Just make sure it’s nice and dry. Dry rice helps prevent the fried rice from becoming soggy during cooking, which is crucial for achieving the ideal texture.

Why is it recommended to dry the rice in the refrigerator overnight?

Drying the rice in the refrigerator overnight helps to firm up the grains, making them more suitable for frying. This mimics the texture of day-old rice, which is ideal for fried rice because it holds its shape and doesn’t clump together.

What role does the chicken fat play in this recipe?

The chicken fat adds extra flavor and richness to the fried rice. When the pan is heated, the chicken fat melts and mixes with the other ingredients, contributing to the overall depth of taste in the dish.

Why is it important to chop shallots and garlic finely for fried rice?

Chopping shallots and garlic finely allows them to cook evenly and melt into the rice, giving the dish a smooth and flavorful base without overpowering the other ingredients. This helps in achieving a balanced taste.

How can I ensure the eggs stay fluffy in the fried rice?

To get fluffy eggs, it’s important to cook them on high heat for a short time (about 30 to 45 seconds). This quick cooking method ensures the eggs remain light and airy, rather than becoming too firm or scrambled.

What’s the purpose of scraping the fried rice to the side of the pan before adding soy sauce?

Scraping the fried rice to the side of the pan creates a concentrated hot spot where the soy sauce can bubble up, intensifying its flavor. This helps to evenly coat the rice with soy sauce, giving it a uniform taste.

What is the advantage of using a wok for making fried rice?

A wok provides even heat distribution and allows for high-heat cooking, which is essential for frying rice quickly without burning. Its shape also facilitates tossing and stirring the rice, ensuring that every grain gets properly fried.

Why do you add a sunny side-up egg to the fried rice at the end?

The sunny side-up egg adds richness and a creamy texture when it’s mixed into the fried rice. It also serves as a visual and flavorful finishing touch, enhancing both the presentation and taste of the dish.

What’s the best way to serve the fried rice once it’s ready?

After cooking, pack the fried rice tightly into a bowl, flip it onto a plate, and top it with the sunny side-up egg and a sprinkle of green onions. This creates an appealing presentation and ensures the fried rice holds its shape.