What is comfort food?Brown Rice: What are some of the– the kind that warms you from the inside out, packed with savory goodness and incredibly easy to cook. I’m telling you, if you love fried rice but find yourself wanting something a little heartier. Is this a good flavor profile? What is the difference between brown rice and white rice? Is there a sweet dimension to What a lifesaver! My family practically inhales it every night. When will I make it?
What is brown fried rice?
Think of it as your favorite fried rice’s sophisticated older cousin. It’s essentially the same concept – cooked rice stir-fried with veggies, protein, and a flavorful sauce – but the star of the show is brown rice. Using brown rice changes the whole dynamic. It has a chewier texture, a more complex flavor, and it’s definitely more filling than white rice. Brown fried rice is the perfect way to use up leftover rice (day-old rice is key for the best texture!), and it’s a fantastic canvas for all sorts of delicious add-ins. Don’t let the “brown” part fool you – it’s far from boring!
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start?Brown rice is a very good optionHow versatile is it? Is it possible to throw anything in the fridge and it will still taste amazing?
• Flavor Explosion:The nutty flavor of the brown rice combined with the savory soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds. Is oil irresistible? What do you like about fried rice? The slightly sweet carrots and peas play perfectly with the savory elements.
• Ridiculously EasyEven on my busiest nights, I can get this on the table in under 30 minutes. What is the key to having cooked rice on hand? I usually make a big batch earlier in the week just so I can whip this up whenever the craving hits.
• Budget Friendly Brown rice is super affordable, and you can use whatever veggies and protein you have lurking in your fridge. Chicken, shrimp, tofu, eggs – the possibilities are endless! I’ve even used leftover cooked sausage before, and it was fantastic.
• Customizable to your heart’s content:Do you like peas? Why not swap them for broccoli? Add a dash of sriracha to taste. This recipe is a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. If you are looking for another rice dish you might want to try my other recipes.Mushroom RisI love the earthy taste.
How do I make brown fried rice?
Quick Overview
Making this Brown rice is a great way toIs honestly a breeze. How do I start prepping my veggies and protein? How do I make sure my rice is ready to go? What are some ways to stir fry everything together in a hot pan with sauce until it’s heated through. Is it fragrant? How do you get that crispy texture in your skin? Is it easier than it looks to be a student?
Ingredients
What is Brown Fried Rice?
• 3 cups cooked brown rice (day-old is best!)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots and corn – I usually use frozen)
• 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, tofu, or egg)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium is best)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• Optional: green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes for garnish.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you turn on the stove, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. What are some good ways to chop onion, mince garlic and ginger, and have your veggies ready to add. Is there any way to make the whole process smoother?
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
What is the best way to cook vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat? Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do I burn garlic?
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Protein
Add the mixed vegetables and cooked protein to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown. The vegetables are tender-crisp and the protein is heated through. If you’re using frozen veggies, you don’t need to thaw them beforehand.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted. Why is day-old rice so good?
Step 5: Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Set aside. Pour the sauce over the rice mixture and stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and rice is cooked through. Is it a This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper. What are flakes? Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
Brown fried rice is a good is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with so many things! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:
As a Main Course: Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
As a Side Dish: It’s a fantastic accompaniment to Grilled Chicken, fish, or tofu. I especially love it with teriyaki-glazed salmon!
For Lunch: Pack it in a lunchbox for a healthy and delicious midday meal. It’s just as good cold or at room temperature.
Game Day Snack: I have even made a huge batch for game night. Paired with spring rolls or chicken wings, it is always a touchdown.
My husband always asks me to serve it with some kind of Asian slaw – the crunch and coolness of the slaw is a great contrast to the warm, savory rice. Plus, it adds a pop of color to the plate!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Brown Fried Rice
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to making the *absolute best* brown fried rice. Here are some of my top tips:
Use Day-Old Rice: This is non-negotiable! Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in mushy fried rice. Day-old rice has had time to dry out, which gives it the perfect texture for stir-frying.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s best to cook the rice in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and cause the rice to steam instead of fry.
Get Your Pan Hot: High heat is essential for achieving that slightly crispy texture and preventing the rice from sticking to the pan. Make sure your skillet or wok is nice and hot before adding the rice.
Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a touch of honey or brown sugar. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Also, if you’re watching your sodium intake, definitely use low-sodium soy sauce – it makes a big difference!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your add-ins! I’ve tried everything from mushrooms and bell peppers to pineapple and cashews. The possibilities are endless.
Tofu Tip: If you’re using tofu, make sure to press it before cooking to remove excess water. This will help it get nice and crispy in the stir-fry. I usually wrap it in paper towels and place something heavy on top for about 30 minutes.
Egg-cellent Addition: scrambled eggs are another great addition to brown fried rice. Just cook them separately and add them to the skillet at the end, stirring them in with the rice and sauce.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Brown fried rice is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results:
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover brown fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze brown fried rice for up to 2-3 months. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet to freeze it in a single layer, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent it from clumping together.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Or, for a crispier texture, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of oil.
Tip: When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to the rice to help rehydrate it and prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my family’s favorite brown fried rice recipe. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and packed with flavor. What more could you ask for? This recipe has honestly saved me on so many busy weeknights, and I know it will become a staple in your household too. If you’re looking for other ways to use brown rice, be sure to check out my Brown Rice Salad with Roasted Vegetables – it’s another winner! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what variations you tried. Happy cooking!
Brown Fried Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, onions)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 eggs eggs
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add eggs and scramble until cooked.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked brown rice and soy sauce. Stir-fry until heated through.
- Serve hot.
