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Special Fried Rice

Deliciously Easy Special Fried Rice in Just 15 Minutes

This Special Fried Rice is a quick, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 4 cups Cooked Rice Use chilled, day-old rice for optimal texture; freshly cooked rice may clump.
  • 2 Eggs Add protein and richness; substitute with scrambled tofu for a vegan option.
For the Savory Mix
  • 1 cup Shrimp Adds a delicate seafood flavor; use uncooked shrimp and cook until opaque (2-3 mins).
  • 1 cup Cooked Ham Contributes savory flavor and texture; leftover ham works perfectly for convenience.
  • 1 cup Green Peas Provide sweetness and color; frozen peas are handy and recommended.
For the Flavor Boost
  • 3 tbsp Soy Sauce Delivers umami and saltiness; opt for gluten-free soy sauce if necessary.
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Oil Imparts a nutty aroma; substitute with vegetable oil, though it may not be as fragrant.
  • 1 tbsp Chinese Rice Wine or Dry Sherry Enhances the dish's depth; can be substituted with white wine or omitted.
For Stir-Frying
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil Essential for frying; use any neutral oil if sesame oil isn't available.
  • 2 Green Onions (Scallions) Adds a fresh onion flavor as a garnish; yellow onions can be used but lack the same brightness.
Final Touches
  • to taste Salt Season to taste; adjust based on the sodium content in the soy sauce.

Equipment

  • wok

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Special Fried Rice
  1. Beat the Eggs: Begin by cracking the eggs into a bowl, adding a pinch of salt, and whisking them lightly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and frothy. This process should take about 1 minute. Set the bowl aside as you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
  2. Cook the Shrimp and Ham: Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the shrimp, cooked ham, and green peas. Stir-fry the mixture for about 1 minute, or until the shrimp turns opaque and the peas are bright green. Pour in the soy sauce and Chinese rice wine, then transfer everything to a bowl and set it aside.
  3. Scramble the Eggs: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high. Carefully pour in the beaten eggs, swirling them gently with a spatula. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the eggs are softly scrambled and just set; they should appear fluffy and lightly golden. Remove the eggs from the wok and set aside.
  4. Heat the Rice: Next, add the chilled, day-old rice to the wok, breaking apart any clumps gently with your spatula. Stir-fry the rice for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to heat through and absorb the flavors from the wok. Look for the grains to start turning slightly golden, ensuring they are not soggy.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Return the shrimp, ham, and pea mixture back to the wok with the rice. Add the scrambled eggs and chopped green onions, mixing everything thoroughly for another 1-2 minutes. This step allows the flavors of the Special Fried Rice to meld beautifully.
  6. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste your finished Special Fried Rice and adjust with salt or more soy sauce as needed. Remove from the heat, and serve your dish hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, always use chilled, day-old rice and prepare all ingredients beforehand.