The Ultimate American Fried Rice Recipe: Savory Comfort Food

Crafting an american fried rice brings unexpected culinary magic to your kitchen.

Rice transforms into a delightful canvas of flavor and creativity.

Every bite tells a story of comfort and innovation.

Crispy edges and vibrant ingredients dance together in delicious harmony.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this playful twist on classic comfort food.

Layers of texture and taste combine to create something truly memorable.

Ingredients to Make Ultimate American Fried Rice

Main Ingredients:

• Cooked Rice: A staple ingredient that forms the foundation of this American fried rice dish.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds subtle flavor to the dish.

• Ketchup, Soy Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy, and umami-packed sauce that coats the rice.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, warming spice to elevate the overall taste.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a aromatic base and depth of flavor to the rice.
• Vegetable Medley: Introduces color, nutrition, and texture to the dish.
• Raisins: Offers a surprising sweet contrast to the savory elements.
• Sunny-Side-Up Eggs, Fried Ham Slices: Serve as protein-rich toppings that complete the classic American fried rice presentation.

Cooking Method for Ultimate American Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Grab a large nonstick skillet and warm it over medium heat. Drizzle vegetable oil across the pan, creating a smooth cooking surface.

Step 2: Transform Onions

Toss in diced onions and let them dance and soften, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and golden, which takes about 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Flavor Boosters

• Mixed vegetable medley
• Minced garlic
• Raisins

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until an aromatic fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice

Fold in the cooked rice using a spatula, gently breaking apart any stubborn clumps that want to stick together.

Step 5: Create Flavor Magic

• Ketchup
• Soy sauce
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to ensure every grain is coated with deliciousness.

Step 6: Develop Crispy Texture

Crank up the heat to medium-high and let the rice sizzle for 3 to 5 minutes. Listen for that satisfying crispy sound as the bottom layer turns golden and crunchy.

Step 7: Present Your Culinary Masterpiece

• Sunny-side-up eggs
• Crispy fried ham slices

Serve immediately and savor every incredible bite of this American Fried Rice adventure!

Tips to Nail the Ultimate Fried Rice

• Achieve golden-brown rice edges by letting it sit undisturbed in the pan for a few minutes, creating delightful crispy texture.
• Use day-old cold rice or spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry out before stir-frying, ensuring better separation.
• Experiment with adding a splash of oyster sauce or a sprinkle of sesame oil for extra umami and aromatic complexity.
• Replace vegetable medley with seasonal vegetables or use frozen mixed vegetables for convenient and quick preparation.
• For perfectly runny eggs, cover the pan briefly while cooking sunny-side-up eggs to help whites set while keeping yolks soft.

Variations to Make It Your Own

• Spicy Thai Fusion: Add sriracha sauce, Thai chili, and lemongrass for a zesty Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate oregano, basil, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired version.
• Coconut Curry Kick: Mix in yellow curry powder, coconut milk, and cashews for a creamy, aromatic Indian-style rice.
• Southwestern Fiesta: Blend in black beans, corn, jalapeños, and cilantro with a splash of lime for a Mexican-inspired variation.

Perfect Pairings to Serve Alongside

• Pair Zesty Citrus Lemonade: Bright, tangy lemonade cuts through the rich, savory flavors of the fried rice, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's deep umami notes.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: A light, crisp pilsner beer enhances the rice's salty and slightly sweet profile, creating a perfect balance of flavors and refreshing the palate.
• Match with Cucumber Mint Cooler: The cool, herbal notes of a cucumber mint drink help balance the warmth and richness of the fried rice, offering a clean and invigorating accompaniment.
• Serve Alongside Tropical Iced Tea: A slightly sweetened tropical iced tea with hints of passion fruit or mango adds a fruity dimension that complements the raisins and brings out the dish's subtle sweetness.

Storage Recommendations for Fried Rice Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month, labeling with the date to track storage time.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• What is American Fried Rice?

A fusion dish popular in Thailand, combining Western ingredients like ham and ketchup with traditional fried rice techniques, creating a unique and flavorful meal.

• Why do American Fried Rice recipes include raisins?

Raisins add a subtle sweetness and unexpected texture to the dish, creating a complex flavor profile that balances the savory ingredients.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice works best for achieving the perfect texture and preventing the rice from becoming too sticky or mushy during cooking.

• Is American Fried Rice considered a complete meal?

Yes, the combination of rice, vegetables, protein from ham and eggs, and various seasonings makes it a well-rounded and satisfying one-pan dish.

Ultimate American Fried Rice You’ll Crave

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for any palate or dietary need.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Simple steps and basic techniques ensure even novice cooks can successfully create a delicious meal without stress.
• Quick Comfort Food: Packed with familiar flavors and textures, this American fried rice delivers a satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Family-Pleasing Dish: Combines kid-friendly elements like ketchup and ham with nutritious vegetables, making it a crowd-pleasing option for picky eaters and adults alike.

The Ultimate American Fried Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful American Fried Rice brings together beloved comfort flavors in one spectacular dish, combining classic ingredients with unexpected twists. Crispy rice, juicy proteins, and colorful vegetables create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 sunny-side-up eggs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion
• 1 cup frozen carrot, pea, and corn medley
• 1 garlic clove

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large nonstick skillet and warm it over medium heat, drizzling vegetable oil across the surface.
2. Gently sauté diced onions until they transform into translucent, tender morsels, approximately 7-10 minutes.
3. Introduce the colorful vegetable medley, aromatic minced garlic, and sweet raisins to the skillet, allowing them to release their fragrant essence for about 30 seconds.
4. Incorporate the pre-cooked rice, using a spatula to carefully separate and distribute any clustered grains.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by thoroughly blending ketchup, soy sauce, and black pepper throughout the rice mixture.
6. Elevate the texture by increasing heat to medium-high and allowing the rice to develop golden, crispy edges for 3-5 minutes.
7. Present the dish immediately, crowning it with perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs and crispy, caramelized ham slices for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

• Customize the vegetable mix based on seasonal availability or personal preference for varied textures and flavors.
• Toast the rice slightly before adding other ingredients to enhance its nutty aroma and prevent sogginess.
• Opt for day-old refrigerated rice to achieve a better texture and prevent clumping during cooking.
• Experiment with alternative protein sources like tofu or chicken for dietary flexibility and different taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 437 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg