Olivia Carter
Fried rice is a versatile and delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways. One of the quickest and easiest ways to make fried rice is in a microwave oven. This method eliminates the need for a stovetop and allows you to have a satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re short on time or just prefer the convenience of the microwave, this article will guide you through the process of cooking fried rice in a microwave oven.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that microwaves vary in power, so be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. Additionally, the type of rice you use will also affect the cooking time, so keep that in mind when following this recipe. Now, let’s dive in and learn how to cook fried rice in a microwave oven!
Step 1: Start by preparing your ingredients. You will need cooked rice, vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers), protein (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu), soy sauce, and any additional seasonings or spices you prefer. Chop the vegetables and protein into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe dish, combine the cooked rice, vegetables, and protein. Mix everything together until well combined. For added flavor, you can also add minced garlic or ginger at this stage. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
To cook fried rice in a microwave oven, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Make sure to have all the ingredients measured and prepared before starting the cooking process.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice
Once you have washed the rice thoroughly, it’s time to cook it. Follow these steps to ensure perfectly cooked rice for your fried rice dish:
1. Measure the rice: Use a measuring cup to measure the desired amount of rice. A good rule of thumb is to use a 1:1 ratio of rice to water, but you can adjust this based on your preference.
2. Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water. This helps remove any excess starch, resulting in fluffy rice.
3. Cook the rice in the microwave: Transfer the rinsed rice to a microwave-safe bowl. Add the measured amount of water, making sure that the water covers the rice by about 1 inch. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate.
4. Microwave on high: Set the microwave to high and cook the rice for about 10-12 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on your microwave’s power. Keep an eye on the rice to ensure it doesn’t overflow or burn.
Note: It’s important to follow the cooking instructions on your specific rice package, as different types of rice may require different cooking times and methods.
5. Let the rice rest: Once the rice is cooked, leave it in the microwave for about 5 minutes to rest. This allows any excess moisture to be absorbed and ensures even cooking.
6. Fluff the rice: After resting, remove the rice from the microwave and use a fork to gently fluff it. This helps separate the grains and prevents clumping.
Now that you have perfectly cooked rice, you’re ready to proceed to the next step in making fried rice.
Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables
Preparing the vegetables is an important step in making fried rice. Here’s how you can do it:
Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- ½ cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Make sure you have all the vegetables mentioned above before you start preparing them.
Chop and Dice the Vegetables
- Peel the onion and dice it into small pieces.
- Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely.
- Peel the carrot and dice it into small cubes.
- If you’re using fresh peas, remove them from their pods. If you’re using frozen peas, thaw them first.
- If you’re using fresh corn kernels, remove them from the cob. If you’re using frozen or canned corn, drain any excess liquid.
- Remove the seeds and stem from the bell pepper, then dice it into small pieces.
Ensure that all the vegetables are chopped and diced into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Now that you have prepared all the necessary vegetables, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking fried rice in a microwave oven.
Step 4: Cooking the Vegetables
Once your rice is heated through, it’s time to add the vegetables for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prepare the vegetables
Wash and chop your desired vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Popular options for fried rice include carrots, peas, bell peppers, and onions. Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables you enjoy.
2. Microwave the vegetables
Place the chopped vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl and add a tablespoon of water. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or microwave-safe plastic wrap to create a steamy environment. This will help cook the vegetables quickly and evenly.
Microwave the vegetables on high for 2-3 minutes or until they are crisp-tender. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave’s power.
Alternatively, you can also sauté the vegetables in a pan on the stovetop if you prefer.
3. Add the cooked vegetables to the rice
Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the microwave and carefully uncover the bowl as steam will escape. Add the cooked vegetables to the bowl of heated rice.
Use a fork or spoon to gently mix the rice and vegetables together until they are evenly distributed.
Your fried rice is now ready to be served!
Step 5: Mixing the Rice and Vegetables
Once the vegetables are cooked to your desired doneness, it’s time to mix them with the rice. This step ensures that the flavors of the vegetables combine evenly with the rice, creating a delicious and satisfying dish.
1. Add the rice to the vegetables
Using a fork or a spoon, start by adding the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables. Make sure to spread it evenly throughout the pan to ensure all the rice gets coated with the vegetable flavors.
2. Gently fold the rice and vegetables together
Using a gentle folding motion, combine the rice and vegetables together. Be careful not to mash the rice or break the grains. This way, you will maintain the texture and integrity of the rice.
Pro tip: If you prefer your fried rice to have some crispy bits, you can press down on the rice with a spatula to create some contact with the pan. This will give you those delicious crispy edges.
3. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes
Continue stirring and folding the rice and vegetables for a couple of minutes. This will help distribute the flavors evenly and ensure everything is heated through.
Note: If your fried rice looks a bit dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of soy sauce or any other sauce you prefer, to add some moisture and extra flavor.
Once you are satisfied with the taste and texture, your fried rice is ready to be served. Transfer it to a plate or a bowl and garnish it with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal.
Step 6: Serving the Fried Rice
Once your fried rice is cooked and ready to be served, it’s time to plate up and enjoy! Follow these steps to serve your delicious microwave oven fried rice:
1. Get a Serving Dish
Choose a large and shallow serving dish that will accommodate the amount of fried rice you cooked. This will make it easier for you to mix and serve the rice without it spilling over the sides.
2. Fluff the Rice
Using a fork or a spatula, gently fluff up the fried rice to loosen the grains. This will help to separate any clumps and ensure that each bite of rice is light and fluffy.
Once you’ve fluffed up the rice, you can also taste a small portion to check if it requires any additional seasoning. If needed, you can add a bit more soy sauce or salt to enhance the flavor.
3. Transfer to the Serving Dish
Carefully transfer the fried rice from the microwave-safe container to the serving dish. Use your fork or spatula to evenly distribute the rice in the dish.
Make sure to scrape out any remaining fried rice from the container to ensure you get every bit of the delicious dish.
It’s important to handle the hot dish with caution and use oven mitts or kitchen towels to protect your hands from the heat.
4. Garnish and Serve
For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, you can garnish your fried rice with fresh chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
Once garnished, your fried rice is ready to be served! Bring the dish to the table and let everyone dig in. It pairs well with other Asian dishes, such as stir-fried vegetables, teriyaki chicken, or sweet and sour pork.
Enjoy your homemade microwave oven fried rice!
FAQ
Can I cook fried rice in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can cook fried rice in a microwave oven. It is a quick and convenient way to prepare this dish.
What ingredients do I need to cook fried rice?
To cook fried rice in a microwave oven, you will need cooked rice, vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn), soy sauce, eggs, and any other desired seasonings or protein options (such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu).
How long does it take to cook fried rice in a microwave oven?
The cooking time for fried rice in a microwave oven varies depending on the wattage of your microwave and the quantity of ingredients. As a general guideline, it usually takes around 5-10 minutes.
Do I need to cover the fried rice when cooking it in a microwave oven?
Yes, it is recommended to cover the fried rice when cooking it in a microwave oven. You can use a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to cover the dish.
Can I use frozen vegetables to make fried rice in a microwave oven?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables to make fried rice in a microwave oven. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the dish, or adjust the cooking time accordingly if using them directly from the freezer.
