How to Make Fried Rice in Rice Cooker: A Simple and Delicious Recipe Guide
How to Make Fried Rice in Rice Cooker?
To make fried rice in a rice cooker, start by adding Jasmine rice, chicken broth, garlic, onion, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and butter to the rice cooker.
Mix everything together well.
Then, add frozen vegetables, Chinese sausage (or substitute with ham or other meats), and a beaten egg on top of the rice mixture.
Close the rice cooker and set it to cook.
Once done, fluff the rice and mix all the ingredients together.
Garnish with green onions and serve with sliced cucumbers.
Optional sides can include seaweed, avocados, cucumbers, and carrot sticks.
For added spice, serve with Sriracha.
Key Points:
- Add rice, chicken broth, garlic, onion, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and butter to rice cooker
- Mix ingredients well
- Add frozen vegetables, Chinese sausage, and beaten egg on top of rice mixture
- Set rice cooker to cook and wait for it to finish
- Fluff rice and mix all ingredients together
- Garnish with green onions and serve with sliced cucumbers
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that fried rice was originally created as a way to use up leftover rice? This cooking technique has been around for centuries and was perfect for making use of cooked rice that would have otherwise gone to waste.
2. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a wok or a frying pan to make delicious fried rice. As the name suggests, you can actually make fried rice in a rice cooker! This convenient method is gaining popularity as it requires minimal cleanup and allows you to cook rice and prepare the dish all in one appliance.
3. One lesser-known trick to achieving perfect fried rice in a rice cooker is to use slightly undercooked rice. By cooking the rice until it’s 90% done, you can ensure that it won’t become mushy or clump together during the frying process, resulting in light and fluffy fried rice grains.
4. While soy sauce is the most commonly used seasoning in fried rice, there’s another secret ingredient that can take your dish to the next level: oyster sauce. Adding a small amount of oyster sauce can enhance the umami flavor of the dish, giving it a rich and savory taste that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
5. Did you know that fried rice is not only a delicious dish but also a symbol of good luck and prosperity in certain cultures? In Chinese tradition, it is considered bad luck to throw away cooked rice, so turning it into a flavorful fried rice dish is seen as a way to transform something otherwise wasted into abundance and fortune.
Choosing The Right Ingredients
Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. When making fried rice in a rice cooker, it is important to choose the right ingredients to ensure a flavorful and delicious outcome. One key ingredient is using Jasmine rice, known for its fragrance and fluffy texture. This type of rice enhances the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
In addition to Jasmine rice, Chinese sausage is used in this recipe to add a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. However, if you prefer a different meat, such as ham or chicken, you can easily substitute it according to your preference. The choice of meat will affect the overall taste of the fried rice, so choose one that complements your personal palate.
- Choose the right ingredients to ensure flavorful fried rice.
- Use Jasmine rice for its fragrance and fluffy texture.
- Chinese sausage adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
- Substitute the meat according to your preference.
- Choice of meat affects the overall taste of the dish.
Step-By-Step Rice Cooker Fried Rice Recipe
Now that you have gathered the necessary ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making fried rice in a rice cooker. For this recipe, we will be using the Tiger JBV-S series rice cooker, known for its efficiency and reliable cooking.
Start by adding the Jasmine rice to the rice cooker along with chicken broth, minced garlic, diced onion, fish sauce, soy sauce, a teaspoon of sugar, and a knob of butter. The combination of these ingredients will create a rich and flavorful base for the fried rice. Stir the ingredients together to ensure they are well mixed.
Next, add your choice of frozen vegetables to the rice cooker. Frozen vegetables are a convenient option as they save time on preparation. You can use a mixture of vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn, or choose your favorites. The vegetables will add color and texture to the dish.
To enhance the flavor further, add sliced Chinese sausage or your preferred meat on top of the rice and vegetables. Finally, crack a couple of eggs into the rice cooker. The eggs will cook alongside the rice, creating a delicious and comforting fried rice.
Close the rice cooker’s lid and set it to cook. Allow the rice and ingredients to cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Add Jasmine rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, diced onion, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and butter to the rice cooker.
- Stir the ingredients together.
- Add frozen vegetables.
- Add sliced Chinese sausage or preferred meat.
- Crack eggs into the rice cooker.
- Close the lid and cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and mix all the ingredients together.
Exploring Flavorful Substitutes
If you want to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, the fried rice recipe in the rice cooker is highly customizable. Instead of Chinese sausage, you can substitute it with ham, chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each choice will bring its unique taste and texture to the dish, so feel free to get creative.
Additionally, you can add other seasonings and spices to suit your preferences. Some popular additions include minced ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a splash of sesame oil. These additions can elevate the taste and complexity of the fried rice, adding a delightful twist to the dish.
- Substitute Chinese sausage with:
- Ham
- Chicken
- Shrimp
-
Tofu (vegetarian option)
-
Additional seasonings and spices to consider:
- Minced ginger
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Splash of sesame oil
Time-Saving Tips With Frozen Vegetables
Using frozen vegetables is a convenient option that saves time and effort in the kitchen. While fresh vegetables are always a great choice, frozen vegetables work well in fried rice and are readily available year-round. They also retain their nutrients and color, making them a healthy and vibrant addition to your dish.
To ensure that the frozen vegetables cook evenly, it is a good idea to thaw them slightly before adding them to the rice cooker. This can be done by either running them under warm water for a few minutes or microwaving them briefly. Thawing the vegetables will prevent them from being overly crunchy and allow them to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Frozen vegetables are a convenient option
- They work well in fried rice
- Readily available year-round
- Retain nutrients and color
- Thaw them slightly before cooking to ensure even cooking
- Thawing methods: running under warm water or microwaving briefly.
Enhancing Taste With Essential Condiments
To achieve the authentic flavors of fried rice, it is essential to add certain condiments to your dish. Soy sauce and fish sauce are the key condiments used in this recipe, providing umami and saltiness to the dish. The combination of these sauces adds depth and complexity to the overall taste.
When adding soy sauce and fish sauce, be sure to taste as you go and adjust the amount according to your preference. Some may prefer a saltier taste, while others may want a more mild flavor. Remember that you can always add more condiments later, but it is challenging to remove them once they have been mixed into the dish.
Serving And Pairing Suggestions
Once your rice cooker fried rice is ready, it’s time to plate and serve the delicious dish. For a visually appealing and aromatic presentation, garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions. The vibrant green onions add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
When it comes to serving this dish, there are a variety of options for pairing and side dishes. Seaweed, avocados, cucumber slices, and carrot sticks are all excellent choices that provide contrasting textures and flavors. These sides complement the fried rice and create a well-balanced meal.
If you enjoy a fiery kick, serve Sriracha or your favorite chili sauce on the side. This will allow each person to adjust the level of spiciness according to their liking. The heat from the sauce will elevate the flavors of the fried rice and provide an extra layer of excitement to the meal.
With all these possibilities, making fried rice in a rice cooker has never been easier. Enjoy the simplicity of this dish and the opportunity to create endless variations that suit your taste buds, while using the convenience of a rice cooker. So gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and dive into the delicious world of homemade fried rice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can rice cooker be used for frying?
No, a rice cooker cannot be used for frying as its primary function is to heat water and steam ingredients. Frying requires high heat and direct contact with hot oil, which a rice cooker does not provide. However, you can cook raw meat in a rice cooker by cutting it into smaller portions and adding it to the rice. The meat will cook through during the steaming process, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish.
Can you add egg to rice cooker?
Yes, you can add eggs to a rice cooker. By gently placing the eggs in the inner pot and adding enough water to cover them, you can easily cook eggs in a rice cooker. To enhance the cooking process, stirring in some baking soda and setting the timer for 10 minutes on the [Slow Cook] function will ensure perfectly cooked eggs. Once you press start and close the lid, you can sit back and let the rice cooker do its magic, resulting in delicious and hassle-free eggs.
Can I put soy sauce in my rice cooker?
While it may be tempting to add soy sauce directly into the rice cooker pot, it is generally not recommended. Soy sauce contains high levels of sodium, which can contribute to the rice becoming overly salty. Additionally, soy sauce may cause the rice to stick to the pot, resulting in difficulties in cleaning. It is advisable to add soy sauce to the rice after it is cooked, as a condiment or flavor enhancer, to ensure the best taste and texture of the rice.
Is it OK to put oil in a rice cooker?
Yes, it is acceptable to add oil to a rice cooker during the cooking process. While the main purpose of a rice cooker is to cook rice with the appropriate water-to-rice ratio, adding oil can enhance the flavor and texture of the cooked rice. Whether it’s a drizzle of olive oil for a rich taste or a knob of butter for a creamy touch, incorporating such ingredients in the rice cooker can yield delicious results. Just ensure not to exceed the recommended amount to maintain the desired consistency of the rice.