Fried rice is a beloved comfort food, and swapping white rice for brown rice makes it even healthier without sacrificing flavor. Brown rice is a whole grain packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making your fried rice more nutritious and satisfying. If you’ve been wondering how to make fried rice with brown rice that’s tasty, easy, and perfect for weeknights, you’re in the right place!
Let’s dive into a friendly, step-by-step guide to making delicious fried brown rice that you can customize with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Why Choose Brown Rice for Fried Rice?
Brown rice keeps the bran and germ layers intact, unlike white rice, so it offers more fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and iron. This means your fried rice will not only taste great but also keep you fuller longer and support your health goals. Plus, brown rice has a slightly nutty flavor and chewy texture that adds a wonderful dimension to fried rice.
Essential Ingredients for Fried Rice with Brown Rice
Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need to get started:
– Cooked brown rice (preferably day-old and chilled for best texture)
– Vegetables: onions, carrots, peas, corn, or any veggies you have on hand
– Aromatics: garlic and ginger for that classic fried rice flavor
– Eggs (optional, but adds great protein and texture)
– Soy sauce or tamari for seasoning
– Oil: neutral oil like avocado, canola, or sesame oil for stir-frying
– Optional extras: tofu, cooked chicken, shrimp, or other proteins; green onions; sesame seeds for garnish
Using leftover or pre-cooked rice is key because freshly cooked rice is too soft and can turn mushy when fried.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Rice with Brown Rice
1. Prepare Your Rice and Ingredients
Cook your brown rice ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. Cold rice grains separate better and fry up with a nice texture. Dice your veggies small for quick cooking, and mince garlic and ginger finely.
2. Heat Your Pan or Wok
Use a wok or a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil and swirl to coat the surface.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
Add diced onions first and cook until translucent. Then toss in carrots, peas, corn, or any other veggies you like. Cook until they start to soften, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger last and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Cook the Egg (Optional)
Push the veggies to the side of the pan. Crack an egg into the empty space and scramble it quickly. Once cooked, mix it with the veggies.
5. Add the Brown Rice
Add your cold, cooked brown rice to the pan. Stir everything together to combine. Let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute or two occasionally to develop a slight crispiness on the bottom, which adds great texture.
6. Season Your Fried Rice
Pour in soy sauce or tamari (start with 2-3 tablespoons) and toasted sesame oil for flavor. Stir well to coat the rice evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or salt as needed.
7. Finish with Fresh Elements
Add chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Fried Brown Rice
– Use day-old rice: Fresh rice is too moist and soft, which can lead to mushy fried rice. Chilled rice separates better and fries up nicely.
– Heat your pan well: A hot pan helps the rice fry quickly and develop that desirable slightly crispy texture.
– Don’t overload the pan: Fry in batches if needed to keep the heat high and avoid steaming the rice.
– Go easy on the sauce: Too much soy sauce makes the rice soggy and masks the flavors. A little goes a long way.
– Add protein or tofu: For a heartier meal, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled tofu.
– Use a wok if possible: It distributes heat evenly and is perfect for stir-frying.
Variations to Try
– Vegetable-packed: Use whatever veggies you have—bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms work great.
– Vegan/vegetarian: Skip the egg and add tofu or tempeh for protein.
– Soul food twist: Add black-eyed peas, collard greens, and smoked pulled pork for a flavorful spin.
– Spicy: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to kick up the heat.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover fried brown rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm a little oil in a pan and stir-fry the rice until heated through. You can also freeze fried rice for up to a month, though tofu texture may change slightly.
Fried rice with brown rice is an easy, nutritious, and versatile meal that you can whip up in no time. With a few simple ingredients and some handy tips, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try and enjoy the wholesome goodness of brown rice in your favorite fried rice recipe!