Quick & Zesty Fried Rice Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Rice transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary adventure that dazzles taste buds and sparks joy.

Fragrant grains dance with colorful vegetables and savory proteins in this classic comfort dish.

Authentic techniques merge with personal creativity to craft something truly magical.

Every kitchen becomes a playground where simple components create extraordinary meals.

Regional influences from across Asia inspire countless delicious variations of this beloved staple.

Skilled home cooks can easily master the art of balancing flavors and textures.

Let you embark on a delightful journey that promises satisfaction with each delectable bite.

Different Ways to Make Mary Berry Fried Rice

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, using same honey glaze technique for protein. Maintain all other vegetables and spices.
• Seafood Fusion: Swap chicken with shrimp or salmon, adjusting cooking time for protein. Keep vegetable and seasoning mix identical.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving original flavor profile. Use same spices and cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Maintain original recipe's core techniques and flavor combinations.

What to Serve with Mary Berry Fried Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's Asian-inspired flavors and cut through the richness of the fried rice.
• Elevate with Fresh Cucumber Salad: Create a light, cool side dish with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to balance the warm, spicy fried rice.
• Match with Tropical Fruit Smoothie: Blend mango, pineapple, and a touch of mint to provide a sweet, refreshing contrast to the savory and slightly spicy rice dish.
• Serve with Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Quickly pickle radishes, carrots, and green onions in rice vinegar to add a tangy, crunchy element that brightens the overall meal experience.

Storing and Reheating Mary Berry Fried Rice

• Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled fried rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, label with the date, and freeze for up to 1 month to preserve its delicious flavor and texture.
• Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm a non-stick pan with a tiny bit of oil. Spread rice evenly, let it crisp slightly on medium heat.

Your Mary Berry Fried Rice Questions Answered

• Why should I use cold rice for fried rice?

Cold rice has less moisture and helps prevent mushy texture. Freshly cooked rice can become sticky and clump together, making it harder to achieve the perfect fried rice consistency.

• Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or even leave it vegetarian. Just ensure the protein is cooked thoroughly before adding to the rice.

• What makes curry powder special in this recipe?

Curry powder adds depth and warmth to the dish, providing a complex flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the fried rice. It brings a subtle spiciness and aromatic element to the meal.

Reasons to Enjoy Mary Berry Fried Rice

• Craft Versatile Meal: Easily transform leftover rice into a delicious and satisfying dish that works for lunch, dinner, or a quick family meal.
• Boost Flavor Layers: Combine sweet honey-glazed chicken with aromatic spices like curry powder and zesty lime juice, creating a complex taste profile that delights taste buds.
• Quick and Nutritious Cooking: Pack multiple vegetables and protein into one pan, making this recipe a balanced meal that saves time and provides essential nutrients.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken with tofu, add different vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need for Mary Berry Fried Rice

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds flavor and substance to the fried rice.

• Rice: The core foundation of the dish that provides a hearty and filling base.

• Onion, Pepper, Celery, Courgette: A colorful mix of vegetables that adds crunch, nutrition, and depth of flavor to the fried rice.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provides a robust and zesty flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

• Honey, Curry Powder, Soy Sauce, Chilli Sauce, Lime Juice: A combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy elements that create a complex and balanced flavor experience.

• Oil: Helps in cooking and prevents ingredients from sticking to the pan.

• Lime Wedges: Adds a fresh, citrusy brightness to the final dish.

How to Cook Mary Berry Fried Rice with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Cool Rice

Begin by cooking rice and allowing it to cool completely. This ensures the grains remain separate and won’t become mushy during frying.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken

Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan. Cook chicken pieces until they are fully done. Drizzle honey over the chicken and stir until it reaches a beautiful golden color. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

• Onions
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Courgette

Cook these vegetables until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Enhance With Aromatic Spices

• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Curry powder

Stir and cook for an additional minute to release their intense aromas.

Step 5: Combine Rice and Seasonings

• Soy sauce
• Chili sauce
• Fresh lime juice

Mix thoroughly and heat everything until the rice is steaming hot.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken With Dish

Return the golden chicken to the pan and gently mix all ingredients together, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the fried rice to serving plates. Accompany with fresh lime wedges on the side. Enjoy this delicious meal while it’s piping hot.

Handy Tips for Better Mary Berry Fried Rice

• Prep Rice Ahead: Cook rice a day before and refrigerate to prevent clumping and achieve perfect texture for fried rice.
• Manage Heat Wisely: Use high heat when stir-frying vegetables to maintain crispness and prevent soggy results.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to suit different dietary preferences and flavor profiles.
• Season Gradually: Add sauces and spices incrementally, tasting as you go to balance flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Quick Cooking Strategy: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before starting to ensure smooth and efficient cooking process.

Fried Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 56 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Fried Rice brings Asian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending savory ingredients with perfect texture. Crispy rice, tender vegetables, and aromatic seasonings create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, sliced into very thin strips

Rice and Grains:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) long-grain rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely diced
• 2 celery sticks, finely diced
• 1 medium courgette, finely diced
• 2 centimeters (0.75 inches) knob of fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon runny honey
• 1 tablespoon medium curry powder
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce
• juice of 1/2 lime
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Garnish:

• 4–6 lime wedges, to serve

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Instructions

1. Prepare rice ahead of time and allow it to cool thoroughly to room temperature, ensuring grains remain separate and firm.
2. Warm oil in a spacious wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until completely done, then glaze with honey, stirring until achieving a rich golden-brown color. Remove and set aside.
3. Using the same cooking vessel, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, and courgette for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become slightly tender but retain a crisp texture.
4. Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and aromatic curry powder into the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for 30-45 seconds to release their intense flavors without burning.
5. Incorporate cooled rice into the vegetable base, drizzling soy sauce, chilli sauce, and fresh lime juice. Toss vigorously to distribute seasonings evenly and heat the rice thoroughly.
6. Reintroduce the honey-glazed chicken into the rice mixture, gently folding to combine all ingredients and ensure uniform heating at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer the steaming fried rice to serving plates, garnish with additional lime wedges, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Chill rice overnight to prevent clumping and achieve that perfect restaurant-style texture for your fried rice.
• Select day-old cold rice as it separates easily and absorbs flavors more effectively during stir-frying.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to suit different dietary preferences.
• Keep vegetables bite-sized and uniform to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 46 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg