Special Fried Rice

Name: Special Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked long-grain rice; 100 grams cooked chicken, cut into small pieces; 150 grams peeled and deveined shrimp; 50 grams green peas; 1 diced carrot; ½ diced onion; 2 cloves finely chopped garlic; 2-3 sliced spring onions; Soy sauce, sesame oil, and cooking oil for flavoring

Posted on February 13, 2026

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Special Fried Rice is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of a classic takeaway right to your kitchen. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends for dinner. This quick and easy recipe showcases tender prawns, savory chicken, and vibrant vegetables, all stir-fried with day-old rice to create a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your choice of proteins and vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this fried rice is both nutritious and filling.
Family Favorite: Its familiar flavors make it a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
Perfect for Leftovers: Use leftover rice to reduce waste and create an effortless meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

Wok or large skillet
Cooking spatula
Whisk
Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

Wok or large skillet: Provides ample space for stir-frying ingredients evenly.
Cooking spatula: Ideal for tossing ingredients without sticking or breaking them apart.
Whisk: Helps to blend eggs smoothly for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Rice Base

3 cup Cooked long grain rice (About 200 grams, or 2 serving rice)
100 gram Char Siu (Chinese BBQ chicken, chicken, or a choice of cooked meat, cut in small pieces)
150 gram Prawns (Peeled and deveined prawns/shrimp)

For the Vegetables

50 gram Green peas (About ½ cup)
1 Carrot (Cut into small dice)
½ Onion (Cut into small dice)
2 cloves Garlic (Finely chopped)
2-3 Spring onion (Cut thin slices)

For Flavoring

2-3 tbsp Cooking oil (Neutral flavour oil)
1 tsp Soy sauce (Regular or light soy sauce)
1 tsp Shao Xing grape juice (Chinese cooking rice grape juice)
1 tsp Corn starch (Or potato starch)
¼ tsp White pepper powder (Or black pepper)
2 tbsp Soy sauce (Regular soy sauce or light soy)
1 tsp Chicken powder (Chili bouillon powder or MSG)
1 tsp Sesame oil (Toasted sesame oil)
½ tsp White pepper powder (Or black pepper)

How to Make Special Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure that your rice is cooked and cooled, preferably a day old. This helps achieve that perfect fried texture.

Step 2: Heat Your Wok

Heat the wok over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers.

Step 3: Cook the Eggs

Whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt until well combined.
Pour into the hot wok and scramble until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add more oil if needed and toss in garlic and onions.
Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add diced carrots and green peas; cook for another minute.

Step 5: Add Proteins

Stir in the char siu chicken pieces and prawns. Cook until they are heated through.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Add the cooked rice to the wok along with soy sauce, Shao Xing grape juice, corn starch, white pepper powder, chicken powder, and sesame oil.
Toss everything together gently until well mixed and heated through.

Step 7: Finish with Spring Onions

Finally, fold in the scrambled eggs along with sliced spring onions before serving hot.

Enjoy your homemade Special Fried Rice as a delightful main course!

How to Serve Special Fried Rice

Serving special fried rice can elevate your meal and impress your guests. This dish is versatile, making it perfect for various occasions, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.

Pair with Fresh Salad

Crisp Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of fried rice.

Offer with Soy Sauce

Soy Sauce on the Side: Providing soy sauce allows guests to adjust the seasoning according to their taste preferences.

Include Pickled Vegetables

Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Adding pickles brings a crunchy texture and sharp flavor that balances the savory notes of the rice.

Serve with Dumplings

Steamed Dumplings: Offering steamed dumplings as a side adds a delightful chewy texture that pairs well with fried rice.

Accompany with Spring Rolls

Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy rolls filled with vegetables or meat make a tasty complement to your special fried rice.

Add Fresh Herbs

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top not only adds color but also enhances flavor and freshness.

How to Perfect Special Fried Rice

Achieving perfect special fried rice requires attention to details and some clever techniques. Here are some tips to help you master this classic dish.

Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover rice is drier and less sticky, making it ideal for frying.
Pre-Cook Ingredients: Having all ingredients prepped in advance speeds up cooking and ensures everything is ready when needed.
High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat allows for quick stir-frying, giving the rice a nice toasted flavor without becoming mushy.
Add Ingredients Gradually: Introduce proteins and vegetables one at a time; this helps each ingredient cook evenly and retain its texture.
Season at Each Step: Seasoning during cooking rather than just at the end enhances the flavors throughout the dish.
Finish with Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds richness and depth of flavor to your special fried rice.

Best Side Dishes for Special Fried Rice

Pairing side dishes with special fried rice can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Chili Chicken Skewers: Spicy marinated chicken grilled on skewers offers bold flavors that complement the rice beautifully.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of colorful vegetables sautéed quickly retains their crunchiness while adding nutrients to your meal.
Tofu Nuggets: Crispy tofu nuggets provide a protein-rich vegetarian alternative that works well alongside fried rice.
Egg Drop Soup: This light soup adds warmth to your meal and is simple to prepare, making it a comforting accompaniment.
Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles dressed in a savory sauce create an interesting contrast in temperature and flavor.
Sweet and Sour Chicken: The tangy sweetness of this dish pairs nicely with the savory notes of special fried rice, creating a delightful balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Special Fried Rice, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using Fresh Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be sticky, making it hard to fry. Use day-old rice for the best texture.
Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much rice at once can lead to uneven cooking. Fry in smaller batches for better results.
Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly may result in bland fried rice. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you cook.
Skipping Vegetables: Neglecting veggies can reduce the nutritional value. Always include a mix of colorful vegetables for flavor and health benefits.
Not Prepping Ingredients: Preparing ingredients in advance is crucial for a smooth cooking process. Chop and measure everything before you start.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Allow rice to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Special Fried Rice

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2-3 months.
Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Special Fried Rice

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread rice on a baking sheet and cover with foil; heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place rice in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add rice and stir until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Special Fried Rice more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, add extra soy sauce, sesame oil, or fresh herbs during cooking. Tasting as you go will help achieve your desired taste.

Can I use different proteins in my Special Fried Rice?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken with beef, turkey, lamb, or tofu based on your preference and dietary needs.

What type of rice is best for Special Fried Rice?

Long grain rice is ideal due to its separate grains when cooked. Day-old rice works best as it dries out slightly, making it perfect for frying.

Is Special Fried Rice suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it great for meal prep throughout the week.

Conclusion

Special Fried Rice is not only quick and easy but also highly customizable. You can mix and match proteins and vegetables based on your preferences and what’s available in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love its versatility!