Super Simple Umami Fried Rice
Easy Fried Rice Recipe with 2 Key Tips for Explosive Flavor
This fried rice is incredibly simple to make but tastes like it took hours of effort! We’ll elevate its flavor with just 2 essential tips. Enjoy restaurant-quality fried rice right at home.
Essential Ingredients- 3 bowls of cooked rice (warm rice is ideal, but cold rice works too)
- 1 stalk of green onion, finely chopped (for fragrant oil)
- 6 semi-moon shaped pickled radishes, finely chopped
- 1 can of Spam, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 carrot, finely diced
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 medium potato or sweet potato, finely diced
- 2 eggs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Finely chop all the vegetables: green onion, carrot, onion, potato/sweet potato, and pickled radish. Dice the Spam into slightly larger pieces than the vegetables. If using imitation crab sticks, cut them slightly larger than the Spam. Heat a pan over medium heat and add some cooking oil. Sauté the chopped green onions until fragrant to create green onion oil. (Tip: Infusing oil with green onion dramatically enhances the fried rice’s flavor!) Once fragrant, add all the diced vegetables (except Spam and imitation crab sticks, if using) and stir-fry until they become translucent.
Step 2
Once the vegetables are partially cooked, add the diced Spam to the pan. Sprinkle with a pinch of black pepper and stir-fry until the Spam is golden brown and slightly crispy. Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and maximize flavor development.
Step 3
When the Spam is nicely browned, push all the ingredients to one side of the pan. Crack the 2 eggs into the empty space. Lightly scramble the yolks and spread them out. Let the eggs cook until almost set, then gently mix them with the other ingredients in the pan.
Step 4
Push the fried rice mixture to one side again. If using imitation crab sticks, add them to the empty space and stir-fry briefly. Then, gently combine everything in the pan.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the seasonings that will define the fried rice’s taste. First, add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, pouring it around the edges of the pan to caramelize and enhance its aroma as you stir.
Step 6
Next, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. You can use any kind of fish sauce (anchovy, sand lance, etc.), but it’s best to avoid shrimp paste as it might alter the fried rice flavor negatively. (Tip: Fish sauce not only adds saltiness but also a significant umami boost!)
Step 7
Add the 3 bowls of warm cooked rice to the pan. Using two spatulas, gently ‘massage’ or break up the rice, stirring continuously to ensure the grains are separated and evenly coated. (Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; about 1.5 to 2 small microwavable rice servings is a good amount.) Stir-fry until each grain of rice is distinct and slightly toasted. This method keeps the rice grains fluffy and adds a pleasant texture.
Step 8
For an extra treat, you can top the fried rice with a sunny-side-up or over-easy fried egg. (Optional)
Step 9
I always use both oyster sauce and fish sauce when making fried rice. I particularly enjoy using fish sauce, which I’ve used in cooking since my days abroad. I find it’s quite affordable here in Korea. Any fish sauce, except shrimp paste, works wonders to elevate the fried rice’s savory depth.
Step 10
Transfer the perfectly stir-fried, fluffy fried rice to a serving plate. Top with your prepared fried egg, and your delicious fried rice is ready!
Step 11
Try making this simple yet incredibly flavorful fried rice at home! It’s sure to make your mealtime much more enjoyable.
