Salted Egg Fried Rice Recipe

Cooked rice: Preferably day-old, as it is less sticky and fries better.

Salted eggs: Boiled and chopped, these add a rich, savory flavor.

Garlic: Minced, it provides a fragrant base for the dish.

Onion: Chopped, it adds sweetness and depth of flavor.

Oil: Used for frying, it helps to cook the ingredients evenly.

Soy sauce: Adds umami and a bit of color to the rice.

Salt: To taste, enhances the overall flavor.

Pepper: To taste, adds a bit of heat and complexity.

Spring onions: Chopped, used for garnish and a fresh, green touch.

When preparing day-old cooked rice for fried rice, it's essential to break up any clumps before adding it to the wok. This ensures even cooking and allows the rice to absorb the flavors from the soy sauce and salted eggs. Use a spatula to gently separate the grains while stir-frying, which will help achieve a perfect, fluffy texture.

• day-old cooked rice - Substitute with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that can mimic the texture of rice when cooked properly.

• salted eggs - Substitute with regular boiled eggs with a pinch of salt: Regular boiled eggs can be used with added salt to mimic the flavor of salted eggs.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile when fresh garlic is not available.

• chopped onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, making them a good substitute.

• oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can add a rich flavor to the fried rice, though it will change the overall taste slightly.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct substitute for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral content.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine.

• spring onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can provide a similar mild onion flavor and are great for garnishing.

• Allow the fried rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.

• Transfer the fried rice into an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry to maintain the freshness of the rice.

• Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps in keeping track of how long the fried rice has been stored.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the fried rice within 3-4 days. This keeps the rice fresh and safe to eat.

• For longer storage, place the fried rice in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Flatten the rice in the bag to allow for even freezing and easier thawing.

• Label the freezer-safe container or bag with the date. Fried rice can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month without losing its flavor and texture.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the fried rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even reheating and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.

• Reheat the fried rice in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. The fried rice should be heated through and steaming hot before serving.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the fried rice in a microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of oil to the pan.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover salted egg fried rice.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
  5. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  6. Garnish with fresh spring onions if desired and serve hot.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
  4. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if the rice is heated evenly; if not, microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  6. Garnish with fresh spring onions if desired and serve hot.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fried rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  5. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  6. Garnish with fresh spring onions if desired and serve hot.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Place the leftover fried rice in a heatproof dish.
  2. Set up a steamer and bring the water to a boil.
  3. Place the dish in the steamer and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam for about 10-15 minutes or until the rice is heated through.
  5. Garnish with fresh spring onions if desired and serve hot.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking pot that provides ample space for stir-frying and ensures even heat distribution.

• Spatula: A flat tool used for flipping, stirring, and mixing ingredients in the wok.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the garlic, onion, salted eggs, and spring onions.

• Cutting board: A surface on which to safely chop and prepare ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the chopped ingredients before they are added to the wok.

• Serving spoon: For serving the finished fried rice onto plates.

• Stove: Provides the heat source necessary for cooking the fried rice in the wok.

Use day-old rice: Day-old cooked rice is less sticky and easier to stir-fry, saving you time and effort.

Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the garlic, onion, and spring onions in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Boil eggs ahead: Boil and chop the salted eggs beforehand to reduce prep time.

Organize your workspace: Arrange all ingredients and tools within reach to make the cooking process smoother and faster.

Use high heat: Cooking on high heat can speed up the stir-frying process, giving you perfectly cooked fried rice in less time.