Secrets to making fried rice fluffy and not mushy
Many people have failed when making fried rice at home because the rice grains are soft, sticky and lack the characteristic aroma. According to Asian chefs, the most common mistake is using freshly cooked rice that is still hot.
Hot rice contains a lot of water vapor, when exposed to high heat it easily becomes mushy instead of tender and loose. Therefore, cold rice left overnight is often considered an ideal choice for fried rice.
The important secret of fried rice lies in controlling the humidity and pan temperature. When the pan is hot enough, vegetables will cook quickly, retaining their color and natural crispness instead of being mushy.
Vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and bell peppers should be chopped evenly to cook faster. Garlic needs to be added first to create a fragrance, but should not be stir-fried for too long because it is easily burnt and bitter.
Another notable point is the technique of pouring soy sauce around the pan instead of pouring it directly onto the rice. This method helps the sauce evaporate quickly, creating a richer aroma.
Hot pans and sesame oil create a distinctive flavor
Many chefs call the special aroma of stir-fried dishes over high heat "Wok Hei", meaning "the breath of the pan". This is a light smoky scent commonly found in Chinese restaurant dishes.
Chef Kenji Lopez-Alt - a culinary expert from Serious Eats (USA) - believes that cast iron or carbon steel pans retain heat better than conventional non-stick pans, helping rice grains to be firm and have attractive edge burning. High temperature is a decisive factor in helping fried rice reach firmness and create a characteristic aroma. Cast iron or carbon steel pans retain heat better than conventional non-stick pans, so they are often recommended for use.
Roasted sesame oil should only be added at the final stage to avoid losing its aroma. White pepper is also often prioritized instead of black pepper because it has a mild spicy taste but does not make the dish show dark dots.
Not only delicious, vegetable fried rice is also an effective way to utilize the remaining vegetables in the refrigerator. Cookers can add tofu, eggs or paneer cheese to increase protein intake for meals.
With a processing time of only about 25 minutes, this dish is suitable for busy days but still wants to have a hot, nutritious and less greasy dinner than fast food outside.
