Fried rice is a beloved dish worldwide, and making it on a griddle adds a unique twist that brings out incredible flavors with a crispy texture. If you’ve ever wondered how to make fried rice on a griddle, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy, fun, and delicious. Whether you’re using a Blackstone griddle or any flat-top griddle, you’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality fried rice right at home.
Why Use a Griddle for Fried Rice?
Griddles offer a large, flat cooking surface that heats evenly, allowing you to cook all your ingredients at once and achieve that perfect sear and crispiness. Unlike a wok or skillet, a griddle lets you spread the rice and veggies out so they cook evenly without steaming or sticking together. Plus, cooking on a griddle is great for outdoor gatherings or when you want to keep your kitchen cool.
What You’ll Need
– Cooked and chilled rice: Day-old rice is best because it’s drier and less sticky, which helps the grains separate nicely.
– Vegetables: Common choices include diced onions, peas, carrots, and green onions. Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
– Protein (optional): Eggs, chicken, shrimp, or beef work great.
– Cooking oil: Avocado oil or any high smoke point oil.
– Soy sauce and seasonings: Soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are essential.
– Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
– Eggs: Lightly beaten for scrambling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Rice on a Griddle
1. Preheat Your Griddle
Start by heating your griddle to medium-high, around 375-425°F. This temperature range is perfect for sautéing vegetables and frying rice without burning it.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Add about a tablespoon of oil to the griddle and spread it evenly. Begin by sautéing diced onions first since they take longer to soften. Once they start to become translucent, add peas, carrots, and any other vegetables you like. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until tender but still crisp, then move the veggies to the side of the griddle.
3. Add the Rice
Add your chilled, cooked rice to the hotter part of the griddle. Since the rice is cold and clumpy, use your spatula to break it up and spread it out evenly. This step is crucial for getting that perfect fried rice texture with separated grains. Let the rice warm through and start to crisp slightly on the bottom.
4. Create a Well and Add Butter and Seasonings
Push the rice to the sides and make a well in the center of the griddle. Add half a stick of butter and let it melt. Then add soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper directly into the butter. Mix everything together thoroughly to coat the rice and vegetables evenly with the flavorful seasoning.
5. Cook the Eggs
Push the rice and veggies aside again and add a little more oil if needed. Pour your beaten eggs onto the griddle and scramble them until cooked. Chop the cooked eggs into smaller pieces and mix them into the rice mixture. This adds a lovely texture and richness to the dish.
6. Finish Cooking and Crisp It Up
Continue cooking the fried rice on the griddle, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the rice is heated through and crispy to your liking. The longer you cook, the crispier the rice will become, so adjust according to your preference.
7. Serve and Garnish
Once done, serve your fried rice hot. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra soy sauce for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone meal.
Tips for Perfect Griddle Fried Rice
– Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky. Chilled rice dries out slightly, making it ideal for frying.
– Break up clumps: Before adding rice to the griddle, break up any large clumps to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
– High heat and frequent stirring: This helps cook the vegetables quickly and crisps the rice without burning it.
– Adjust seasonings gradually: Soy sauce and salt can overpower the dish if added too early or in excess. Taste as you go.
– Choose the right oil: Use oils with a high smoke point like avocado or vegetable oil to avoid burning and off-flavors.
– Cook eggs separately: Scrambled eggs add texture and protein, and cooking them separately on the griddle helps control their doneness.
Variations to Try
– Chicken Fried Rice: Add cooked diced chicken after the vegetables for a protein-packed meal.
– Shrimp Fried Rice: Toss in pre-cooked shrimp near the end of cooking for a seafood twist.
– Vegetarian: Load up on your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and snap peas.
– Spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a kick.
Fried rice on a griddle is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a bit of technique, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fried rice right at home or outdoors. So fire up your griddle and get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious, crispy fried rice!