Are you a barbecue enthusiast looking to diversify your outdoor cooking repertoire? If so, you've come to the right place! One of the most flavorful and enjoyable dishes you can prepare on your griddle is fried rice. Many people believe that fried rice is a complex dish reserved solely for kitchen woks, but I'm here to tell you that it's also perfect for a griddle. Cooking fried rice on a griddle offers a unique taste and texture that can elevate your backyard meals to new heights.

In this article, we'll walk you through every step on how to make fried rice on a griddle. You'll learn the essential ingredients, the techniques to achieve that perfect bite, and some fantastic tips to make your griddle-fried rice the star of your next barbecue.

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Why Cook Fried Rice on a Griddle?

Griddles are incredibly versatile and offer a large cooking surface that allows for even heating and plenty of space to mix and toss your ingredients. This ensures that your fried rice will be cooked uniformly, capturing all those exquisite umami flavors and preserving the desirable texture of each ingredient.

Essential Ingredients for Griddle-Fried Rice

Key Griddle-Fried Rice Ingredients

• Cooked Rice: One of the essential steps for perfect griddle-fried rice is using pre-cooked, day-old rice. Fresh rice tends to be too moist and can turn mushy when fried. Make sure the rice is cold and has had time to firm up.
• Proteins: Choose from a variety of proteins like chicken, shrimp, beef, or even tofu. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Vegetables: Common vegetables include onions, peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Feel free to get creative based on your personal preferences.
• Aromatics: Garlic and ginger add an extra layer of flavor that shouldn't be overlooked.
• Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: Soy sauce adds the hallmark salty, umami flavor, while a touch of sesame oil imparts a nutty aroma.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs provide a wonderful richness and additional texture to the fried rice.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and other spices like chili flakes can be added to taste.

Preparing Your Griddle

Before you start cooking, ensure your griddle is properly cleaned and seasoned for the best results. If you need guidance on maintaining your griddle, check out our comprehensive guides on getting rust off a griddle and cleaning a cast iron stove top griddle.

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Step-By-Step Guide to Making Fried Rice on a Griddle

Heat the Griddle

Start by preheating your griddle to medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add a small amount of oil and let it heat up until it starts to shimmer.

Cook the Proteins

Add your choice of protein to the griddle. Cook until fully done and remove it from the griddle, setting it aside for later.

Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped vegetables to the griddle. Stir-fry them until they are tender, which should take around 3-5 minutes. Once done, push them to the side.

Add the Aromatics

Add minced garlic and ginger to the griddle. Cook briefly until aromatic, being careful not to burn them.

Scramble the Eggs

Move the vegetables to the side and crack a few eggs directly onto the griddle. Scramble them until they are fully cooked.

Add the Rice

Add your day-old, cold rice to the griddle. Break up any clumps and make sure the rice is well-distributed over the cooking surface. Stir it around to combine with the vegetables and eggs.

Mix Everything Together

Pour the cooked protein back onto the griddle and mix everything together. Add soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Serving Your Griddle-Fried Rice

Your flavorful, perfectly cooked fried rice is now ready to be enjoyed! Transfer it to serving plates and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor.

For more tips on effective griddle cooking, don't forget to check our comparison of griddle vs. grill and our guide on using a stovetop griddle.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for frying?

Day-old, long-grain rice is ideal for fried rice. The grains are firm and less sticky, which makes them perfect for frying without becoming mushy.

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Using freshly cooked rice is not recommended because it tends to be too moist, making it mushy when fried. If you must use fresh rice, try to cool it down quickly and allow it to dry out before frying.

How do I avoid my rice sticking to the griddle?

Ensuring your griddle is well-oiled and preheated can help prevent sticking. Additionally, using day-old rice, which is drier and less sticky, will also help.

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