Recipe: Fried Rice with 6 Variations

FRIED RICE WITH 6 VARIATIONS

"Fried rice can be more than an afterthought in a Chinese restaurant. In fact, it is a common quick fix in many cultures. The basic technique is very simple - an invitation to experiment with all sorts of exotic ingredients or to stretch scanty leftovers into a fresh new meal.

If you start with hot rice, the mixture will be too gummy. After a few hours (or days) in the refrigerator, the grains dry out and separate, so they won't clump up in the pan. (Steamed rice will keep for up to 1 week, so always make extra to have on hand for this homemade fast food.)"

SERVES ANY NUMBER

Vegetable oil
Seasonings of choice (see Variations)
Cooked long-grain white or brown rice, chilled
Flavoring ingredients of choice (see Variations)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Warm a large skillet or wok over medium-high or high heat. Add oil and stir-fry your chosen seasonings for about 30 seconds.

Add the rice and flavoring ingredients, plus salt and pepper. Stir-fry until the rice is lightly browned and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

VARIATIONS:

CHINESE FRIED RICE:
Use peanut oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Seasonings are minced garlic and scallions. Flavoring ingredients are shredded scrambled egg, mung bean sprouts, soy sauce, and a touch of molasses or sugar. Optional ingredients include cooked shrimp, roast pork, chicken, or ham.

THAI FRIED RICE:
Use peanut oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Seasonings are minced fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions. Flavorings are chopped roasted peanuts and a sliced fresh chile pepper, such as a Thai red chile or jalapeno. Just before serving, stir in a squeeze of lime juice and some chopped fresh basil, cilantro, and mint.

ITALIAN FRIED RICE:
Use olive oil or the flavored oil from a jar of marinated artichoke hearts (used as a flavoring). Seasonings are minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Flavoring ingredients are chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) and marinated artichoke hearts, sliced black olives, and capers. Just before serving, stir in grated lemon zest, minced fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.

CREOLE FRIED RICE:
Use peanut oil or olive oil. Seasonings are minced garlic, sliced scallions, chopped red bell pepper, seeded and chopped fresh tomato, and Tabasco. Flavoring ingredients could include cooked shrimp, crawfish, smoked sausage, slivered ham, or chicken.

SPANISH FRIED RICE:
Use olive oil. Seasonings are minced garlic, sliced scallions, and ground cumin. Flavoring ingredients are seeded and chopped fresh tomatoes, peas, and sliced Spanish olives.

MOROCCAN FRIED RICE:
Use olive oil. Seasonings are minced onion, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Flavoring ingredients are slivered almonds and chopped dried apricots, plus cubed lamb or chicken if desired.

Source: The Rustic Table by Constance Snow