Pork fried rice is a classic and flavorful dish that’s a favorite at Chinese restaurants and takeout joints. The good news is that you can easily recreate this delicious meal at home. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make homemade pork fried rice that’s bursting with savory flavors.
Ingredients for Pork Fried Rice
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
Cooked Rice: Use cold, cooked, and preferably day-old rice. Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works well.
Pork: Choose boneless pork chops, pork tenderloin, or pork loin, and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Vegetables: You’ll need a mix of diced vegetables. Common choices include carrots, bell peppers, peas, and diced onions. You can also add scallions for extra flavor.
Eggs: Whisk a couple of eggs to create small, fluffy pieces throughout the fried rice.
Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce for seasoning.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying the ingredients.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger add aromatic depth to the dish.
Pepper: Ground black or white pepper for seasoning.
Steps to Make Pork Fried Rice
Follow these steps to make delicious pork fried rice:
Cook the Pork:
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it to coat the pan.
Stir-fry the pork pieces until they are browned and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Scramble the Eggs:
Lower the heat to medium.
Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed.
Pour in the whisked eggs and scramble them until they’re cooked but still slightly soft. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Stir-Fry Vegetables:
Add more oil to the pan, if necessary.
Stir-fry the diced vegetables until they begin to soften but are still slightly crisp.
Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavors.
Combine with Rice:
Add the cold, cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry to combine it with the vegetables.
Add Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil:
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice mixture.
Stir well to evenly coat the rice. Adjust the amount of soy sauce to your taste.
Return Pork and Eggs:
Return the cooked pork and scrambled eggs to the pan.
Stir-fry for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
Season and Serve:
Season the pork fried rice with ground pepper and additional soy sauce if needed.
Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations and Tips
Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version of fried rice by omitting the pork and using tofu or adding more vegetables for protein.
Customize Flavors: Experiment with different seasonings like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or chili paste to add unique flavors to your fried rice.
Use Leftover Ingredients: Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover meat, vegetables, or rice from previous meals.
Conclusion:
Making homemade pork fried rice is a satisfying culinary adventure that allows you to enjoy this beloved dish anytime you crave it. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, get the wok ready, and savor the delightful taste of homemade pork fried rice!
