Imagine a bustling kitchen, the aroma of sizzling fish wafting through the air. It's time for dinner, and comfort is calling me. I find myself reaching for a bowl of cooked rice, ready to give it a new life. That's the magic of fried rice.
Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just yourself, fish fried rice offers a satisfying and delightful experience. Stick around; I'll walk you through every step of the way.
What is Fish Fried Rice?
Fish fried rice is a delicious dish that marries tender fish with fluffy rice, all stir-fried together. It's a one-pan wonder that showcases how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. Think of it as a celebration of flavors and textures, with a combination that’s both healthy and filling.
Why This Recipe Works
Why does fish fried rice stand out? First off, it’s a time-saver. In about 30 minutes, you can whip up a complete meal. The dish is versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand. Plus, using jasmine rice gives it that perfect fluffy quality. The addition of ginger and scallions balances the rich flavors of the fish beautifully. This combination makes every bite memorable.
What You'll Need to Make This Dish
To create this dish, gather the following ingredients:
4 oz boneless fish fillet (like salmon or tilapia), diced
12 oz uncooked Thai jasmine rice
10 oz filtered water
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 oz scallions, chopped
½ oz fresh ginger, minced
3 oz leafy romaine lettuce, chopped
2 oz fermented fish (optional but adds depth)
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 oz chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Marinade Ingredients
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
⅛ teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
How to Make Fish Fried Rice
Now that we've gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into how to make fish fried rice.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Begin by preparing your jasmine rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve that fluffy texture.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
In a bowl, combine the diced fish with oyster sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and water. Let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
In a pot, bring 10 oz of filtered water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Once done, fluff it up with a fork. This rice will be the base of your dish.
Step 4: Prepare Your Veggies
While the rice cooks, chop the scallions, ginger, and lettuce. These fresh elements add crunch and flavor to the fried rice.
Step 5: Cook the Fish
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated fish and cook until it turns opaque—about 3 to 4 minutes. Feel free to break it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
Step 6: Add Eggs
Push the fish to the side of the pan, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until just set, then mix everything together.
Step 7: Combine
Add the cooked rice into the pan. Toss it with the fish and eggs, mixing well. Then, add the scallions, ginger, lettuce, soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil. Stir everything until combined and heated through.
Tips for Making the Perfect Fish Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice: This helps avoid mushiness. If using fresh rice, spread it on a tray to cool before frying.
High Heat: Cook on high heat for a bit of char and depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making a large batch, do it in batches to avoid steaming the ingredients.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro for a bright finish.
Taste As You Go: Adjust seasoning according to your taste as you mix everything together.
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to bring it back to life.
How Would I Recommend Serving Fish Fried Rice?
When it comes to serving, you want to impress your family or guests. Here are a few suggestions that can take the meal to the next level:
Crispy Tofu: Pair the fried rice with crispy, golden tofu. It adds a delightful crunch and is a great protein boost. Sweet Chili Sauce: A drizzle of sweet chili sauce can add a kick of sweetness and heat that guests will love. Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of pickled carrots or radishes for a tangy contrast to the dish. Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top before serving brightens flavors and adds zest.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
Sometimes you might have the craving but lack certain ingredients. Here are some great substitutes:
Fish: If you can’t find fish, cooked shrimp works wonderfully. Just toss them in and cook briefly before adding the eggs.
Rice: If jasmine rice isn’t available, you could use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as brown rice will take longer.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead.
Eggs: You can swap the eggs for tofu to create a vegan-friendly version. Just crumble and sauté it with the fish.
Conclusion
Fish fried rice is not just a meal; it’s an experience that marries simplicity and flavor. Every step brings freshness and joy back into your kitchen moments. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, it’s versatile enough to please any palate. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and serve up a bowl of happiness. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and here’s to many delightful dinners ahead!
When preparing fish fried rice, selecting the right accompaniments can enhance the overall meal. A light drizzle of sweet and sour sauce adds a tangy sweetness that beautifully elevates the dish.
Pairing it with a fresh garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette brings balance, adding crunch and freshness to each bite. For a healthful touch, consider serving simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy, which complement the flavors without overpowering them.
Additionally, crispy spring rolls make for a delightful appetizer, providing a fun textural contrast that pairs perfectly with the fried rice. Together, these elements create a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience!
Ingredients
4oz boneless chicken breast, diced
12oz uncooked Thai jasmine rice
10oz filtered water
2large eggs, beaten
2tablespoons vegetable oil
1oz scallions
1/2oz fresh ginger, minced
3oz leafy romaine lettuce
2oz fermented fish
1/4teaspoon ground white pepper
2teaspoons soy sauce
1oz chopped cilantro
1tablespoon sesame oil
Marinade Ingredients
1tablespoon oyster sauce
1/8teaspoon ground white pepper
1teaspoon cornstarch
1tablespoon water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
1
Begin by preparing your jasmine rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps achieve that fluffy texture.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
2
In a bowl, combine the diced fish with oyster sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and water. Let it sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
3
In a pot, bring 10 oz of filtered water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Once done, fluff it up with a fork. This rice will be the base of your dish.
Step 4: Prepare Your Veggies
4
While the rice cooks, chop the scallions, ginger, and lettuce. These fresh elements add crunch and flavor to the fried rice.
Step 5: Cook the Fish
5
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the marinated fish and cook until it turns opaque—about 3 to 4 minutes. Feel free to break it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
Step 6: Add Eggs
6
Push the fish to the side of the pan, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until just set, then mix everything together.
Step 7: Combine
7
Add the cooked rice into the pan. Toss it with the fish and eggs, mixing well. Then, add the scallions, ginger, lettuce, soy sauce, white pepper, and sesame oil. Stir everything until combined and heated through.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories254kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat17.9g28%
Saturated Fat3.7g19%
Trans Fat0.1g
Cholesterol117mg39%
Sodium236mg10%
Total Carbohydrate12g4%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars6g
Protein11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
cool before frying.
High Heat: Cook on high heat for a bit of char and depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If making a large batch, do it in batches to avoid steaming the ingredients.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro for a bright finish.
Taste As You Go: Adjust seasoning according to your taste as you mix everything together.
Keywords:
fish fried rice recipe
Lisa Schneider
Registered dietitian, food lover and food blogger
I'm Lisa Schneider, a registered dietitian and the creator of Simple Food Dishes. My passion is to help people create easy, nutritious meals that fit seamlessly into their busy lives. Through this blog, I aim to make home cooking fun, accessible, and stress-free for everyone!