Pork Fried Rice Recipe

Cooked rice: Preferably day-old, this gives the fried rice a better texture.

Diced pork: Adds a savory and meaty flavor to the dish.

Frozen peas and carrots: Provides a pop of color and sweetness.

Eggs: Scrambled and mixed in for added protein and richness.

Soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the rice.

Vegetable oil: Used for cooking and stir-frying the ingredients.

Garlic: Minced and cooked until fragrant, it enhances the overall flavor.

Green onion: Sliced and used as a fresh garnish to finish the dish.

When making fried rice, it's essential to use day-old rice because it has less moisture than freshly cooked rice. This helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy. If you don't have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to dry it out.

• cooked rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa provides a similar texture and is a great source of protein and fiber.

• cooked rice - Substitute with cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative that mimics the texture of rice.

• cooked diced pork - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is leaner and provides a similar texture and flavor.

• cooked diced pork - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian option that absorbs flavors well.

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with fresh bell peppers and snap peas: Fresh vegetables add a crisp texture and vibrant color.

• frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with broccoli and corn: These vegetables provide a different texture and flavor profile.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with scrambled tofu: Scrambled tofu is a vegan alternative that mimics the texture of eggs.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with chickpea flour batter: Chickpea flour batter can be used to create a similar texture to scrambled eggs.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.

• soy sauce - Substitute with coconut aminos: Coconut aminos are a soy-free option with a slightly sweeter taste.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option with a rich flavor.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that complements Asian dishes.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a similar flavor and is convenient to use.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the dish.

• sliced green onion - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

• sliced green onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a more subtle, sweet onion flavor that works well in fried rice.

• Allow the pork fried rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.

• Transfer the cooled fried rice into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.

• Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness. Pork fried rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• When ready to reheat, if the fried rice is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the rice.

• Reheat the pork fried rice in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of vegetable oil to refresh the flavors and prevent sticking.

• Stir-fry until the rice is heated through, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the fried rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with freshly sliced green onions or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil and let it warm up. Add the leftover pork fried rice and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is hot and slightly crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the pork fried rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a few drops of water to keep the rice from drying out. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pork fried rice evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated thoroughly.

• Steaming Method: Place the pork fried rice in a heatproof bowl. Set up a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until the rice is hot and fluffy. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the rice from becoming too dry.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork fried rice in the air fryer basket in an even layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method gives the rice a slightly crispy texture.

• Wok: A versatile cooking pan with high sides, perfect for stir-frying ingredients quickly and evenly.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients in the wok without scratching its surface.

• Knife: Used for dicing the pork and slicing the green onions.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of rice, pork, and vegetables.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the soy sauce and vegetable oil precisely.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for beating the eggs before scrambling them in the wok.

• Garlic press: Makes mincing garlic quick and easy, ensuring even distribution of flavor.

• Serving spoon: Ideal for serving the finished pork fried rice.

Use pre-cooked pork: Save time by using leftover pork or store-bought pre-cooked pork.

Frozen veggies: Opt for frozen peas and carrots to skip washing and chopping.

Day-old rice: Use day-old rice for better texture and quicker cooking.

Prep ingredients: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.

High heat: Cook on high heat to speed up the stir-frying process.