When it comes to quick, easy, and delicious meals, a combo fried rice recipe is hard to beat. Packed with a mix of proteins and vegetables, this dish caters to everyone's taste buds and can be customized to suit a wide range of preferences. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a meal prep session, this combo fried rice recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why Combo Fried Rice?
The beauty of a combo fried rice recipe lies in its versatility and flavor. By combining different proteins like chicken, shrimp, and beef, along with a variety of vegetables, you create a meal that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftovers and minimize food waste. The result is a satisfying, hearty dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice (preferably cooked a day before and refrigerated)
- 1 cup of cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup of beef, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Equipment:
- A rice cooker for perfectly steamed rice
- A sharp knife and a cutting board for prepping ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Cooking the rice for fried rice needs to be done ahead of time. Day-old rice that's been refrigerated is ideal because it has the right texture for frying. If you're using fresh-cooked rice, make sure it's cooled completely before using it in this recipe. Use a rice cooker to steam your jasmine rice to perfection.
Step 2: Prepping Your Ingredients
While the rice is cooling, gather and prepare all your ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken breast, peel and devein the shrimp, and thinly slice the beef. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and have your mixed vegetables ready. Using a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board is essential for efficient and safe prep work.
Step 3: Cooking the Proteins
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. Next, add a bit more oil if necessary and cook the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set them aside with the beef. Finally, add the diced chicken to the skillet, cooking until heated through and slightly browned. Set the chicken aside with the other cooked proteins.
Step 4: Sauteing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and saute the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 5: Combining Everything
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they're fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables. Add the cooked proteins back into the skillet, followed by the cold jasmine rice. Stir everything well to combine.
Step 6: Seasoning the Rice
Pour the soy sauce and oyster sauce evenly over the rice mixture. Drizzle the sesame oil over as well. Stir the rice thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well-coated with the sauces. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
Step 7: Serving
Garnish your combo fried rice with chopped green onions and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with additional Asian-inspired dishes like crusty bread or a simple rustic bread made in a dutch oven.
Tips for the Best Combo Fried Rice
Making the best combo fried rice requires a few key tips:
- **Use day-old rice** for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, which doesnt give you the perfect fried rice texture.
- **Prep all ingredients** before you start cooking. Fried rice cooks quickly, so having everything ready to go will ensure nothing gets overcooked.
- **Cook on high heat** to achieve that delicious slightly-charred flavor often found in restaurant-style fried rice.
- **Don't overcrowd the pan**. If you have a lot of rice, cook it in batches to ensure it fries properly and doesnt become mushy.
Cleaning Up
Once you've enjoyed your delicious combo fried rice, it's time to clean up. Using your favorite Cookware Cleaner and Cutting Board Oil will ensure your kitchen tools are ready for your next cooking adventure. For more ways to keep your kitchen gear in top shape, check out these tips [here](https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/rice-recipes/ Cleaning Tips').
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