Hello Asian food lovers! We all know fried rice is a global favourite for a reason—it’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. And no, it's not as complicated as they make it seem on cooking shows. Whether you're cooking for yourself, family, or friends, fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Wish to make it more spicy, more sweet, more soft, full of veggies or full of protein? You can make all kinds of fried rice. 
 
This week, we’re featuring three popular fried rice recipes: Classic Chinese Egg Fried Rice, Thai Pineapple Fried Rice, and spicy Korean Kimchi Fried Rice. These dishes are packed with flavour and yet very simple to prepare, using ingredients you can easily find at Asia Market online or in store at Ballymount or Drury Street in Dublin, Ireland. Let’s jump into the recipes!

1. Classic Chinese Egg Fried Rice

chinese fried rice

Chinese Egg Fried Rice is a staple dish that’s simple, tasty, and satisfying. It’s perfect as a quick meal or as a side to accompany your favourite Chinese dishes. The secret to great fried rice is using a day-old rice, which fries up better than freshly cooked rice.
 
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
 
Ingredients:
Instructions:
  1. Cook the Rice: Cook the rice ahead of time and let it cool slightly. Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s less sticky.
  2. Scramble the Eggs: In a pan, scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then set them aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Rice: In the same pan, add the rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the rice is heated through.
  4. Combine: Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions. Stir until everything is well combined. Serve hot!

 

2. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

thai pineapple fried rice

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice adds a tropical twist to the classic dish, combining sweet pineapple, savory shrimp or chicken, and crunchy cashew nuts. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!
 
Servings: 3
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
 
Ingredients:
  • 400g Jasmine Rice
  • 2 tbsp Fish Sauce
  • 200g Fresh Pineapple, cubed
  • 150g Shrimp or Chicken
  • 50g Cashew Nuts, roasted
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 50g Green Onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
  1. Cook the Rice: Prepare jasmine rice ahead of time and set aside.
  2. Cook the Protein: In a pan, stir-fry the shrimp or chicken in vegetable oil until golden brown, then set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Rice: In the same pan, add the cooked rice, pineapple, and fish sauce. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
  4. Combine: Mix in the cooked shrimp or chicken, roasted cashew nuts, and green onions. Serve warm for a sweet and savory meal!

 

3. Korean Kimchi Fried Rice

kimchi fried rice

Kimchi Fried Rice, or "Kimchi Bokkeumbap," is a spicy, savory dish that’s packed with the bold flavors of fermented kimchi. It’s the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves a bit of heat!
 
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
 
Ingredients:
Instructions:
  1. Cook the Rice: Prepare the short grain rice and let it cool slightly.
  2. Fry the Kimchi: In a pan, fry the kimchi for about 3 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
  3. Stir-Fry the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan along with gochujang paste. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the rice is well mixed and heated through.
  4. Top with Eggs: Fry the eggs separately. Serve each portion of rice with a fried egg on top, drizzling with sesame oil. Garnish with green onions if desired.

 

Tips for Perfect Fried Rice Every Time

Making perfect fried rice is all about technique. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
  • Use Cold Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too sticky, so use rice that’s been chilled for a few hours or overnight. This helps each grain to fry properly.
  • High Heat is Key: Cook your ingredients over medium-high to high heat to get that deliciously smoky flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if necessary to ensure the rice and other ingredients have enough room to fry evenly.
  • Add Protein and Veggies: Fried rice is a great way to use up leftovers. Add any cooked meat, seafood, or vegetables you have on hand for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the best rice to use for fried rice?
A: Medium to long grain rice works best for fried rice. Short grain rice is also great, especially for Korean-style fried rice, as it has a slightly stickier texture.
 
Q: Can I make fried rice vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Skip the meat and add tofu, mushrooms, or extra veggies like bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
 
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to revive the texture.

Wrapping Up

There you have it—three delicious fried rice recipes that are sure to impress! From the classic Chinese Egg Fried Rice to the tropical Thai Pineapple Fried Rice and the bold Korean Kimchi Fried Rice, there’s a recipe for every taste. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering, these dishes are always a hit. Ready to give them a try?
Don’t forget to explore Asia Market for all the authentic ingredients you need to make your fried rice taste just like it came from an Asian kitchen. Share your fried rice creations with us on social media using #AsiaMarketRecipes—we’d love to see what you cook up!