Panda Express Fried Rice
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself craving that Panda Express Fried Rice goodness? Honestly, who doesn't? But sometimes, getting takeout just isn't doable.
That's where my version comes in. It nails that subtly smoky, savory flavour. Plus, it brings a taste of sunshine to your dinner table!
Unlocking the Secrets of Panda Express Fried Rice
The Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe , though American Chinese in origin, delivers that comfort food vibe. It's a clever remix of basic Cooking Fried Rice techniques.
Using day-old rice, vegetables, scrambled egg, and umami rich seasoning is a great idea. With all the different fried rice options, it becomes your next go-to Quick Dinner Idea , I promise!
From Wok to Table: An Easy Fried Rice Recipe
This Easy Fried Rice Recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. From chopping to serving, it will take only 30 minutes total.
It makes about 4 servings. This recipe is super simple. Even the most novice cook can pull it off.
Why You'll Love This Fried Rice with Egg
One of the great things about this Homemade Fried Rice is that it's packed with good stuff. You're getting veggies, protein from the egg, and carbs for energy.
It's balanced. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. But let's be honest; this is one of the Best Fried Rice Recipe I have ever done.
This Copycat Restaurant Recipes is perfect when you're craving takeout but want something healthier and homemade. It brings that Panda Express Fried Rice taste without leaving your house.
The blend of Chinese Vegetables and seasonings is what makes it special. Now get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need for this Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe ! I know it seems like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it.
I’ve made this so many times. You are going to be cooking Fried Rice like a PRO!
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific!
Okay, so for that authentic Panda Express Fried Rice flavour, precision matters. This Easy Fried Rice Recipe really shines when you nail the basics.
- Cooked and chilled long grain rice: 4 cups (700g) . Day-old rice is essential for that perfect texture. Seriously, don't skip this. Fresh rice will turn to mush.
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is for stir frying, so nothing too fancy.
- Egg: 1 large (approx. 50g) , lightly beaten. Fluffy scrambled egg bits are key!
- Diced yellow onion: 1/4 cup (approx. 40g) . Just a hint of that oniony flavour.
- Frozen peas, thawed: 1/4 cup (approx. 35g) . Adds a pop of sweetness and colour.
- Diced carrots: 1/4 cup (approx. 35g) . For that classic crunch.
- Diced green onions (scallions), green parts only: 1/4 cup (approx. 30g) . Adds that freshness at the end.
For the sauce, mix these together in a small bowl:
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . The base for flavour.
- Dark soy sauce: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Gives that rich, dark colour.
- Oyster sauce: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . It’s optional, but it adds some savoury magic, I tell ya!
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Balances out the saltiness.
- Sesame oil: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) . That nutty aroma is amazing!
- White pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (pinch) . Adds a subtle warmth.
- Chicken bouillon powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Totally optional, but it’s a flavour bomb for Homemade Fried Rice .
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power!
Honestly, the sauce is where the magic happens in any Best Fried Rice Recipe . The blend of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil is pure gold.
You know, experiment with adding a dash of ground ginger or a pinch of garlic powder to the mix. You can replace some part of Chinese Vegetables
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe . A wok is ideal, but a large, heavy bottomed skillet will do the trick. You will need:
- Large wok or skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Right then, with all that sorted, let's get cracking and make some Panda Express Fried Rice . I promise it'll be ready to eat in no time perfect for those Quick Dinner Ideas when you’re feeling peckish.
Panda Express Fried Rice: Wok Hei Wonders at Home!
Honestly, who doesn't love Panda Express Fried Rice ? It's like the ultimate comfort food. We're going to crack into creating a Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe that tastes just like the real deal, but right in your kitchen.
Get ready for some Easy Fried Rice Recipe magic!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First, prep everything. Seriously. Dice your 40g of yellow onion, 35g of carrots, 35g of peas, and 30g of green onions.
Whisk together 30 ml of soy sauce, 5 ml of dark soy sauce, 5 ml of oyster sauce (if you’re feeling fancy), 2.
5 ml of sugar, 1.25 ml of sesame oil, a pinch of white pepper, and 2.5 ml of chicken bouillon.
Having everything ready means you don't burn the onion while chopping something else. Trust me, been there, done that. And always use a cutting board, obviously!
Let's Get Cooking: Fried Rice Like a Boss
- Make sure your 700g of cooked rice is cold . Day-old rice works best for the Best Fried Rice Recipe , otherwise it'll be a gloppy mess.
- Heat 15 ml of vegetable oil in your wok. Scramble 50g of lightly beaten egg until just set. Remove and chop it up. Nobody wants runny egg, yeah ?
- Add another 15 ml of vegetable oil. Sauté the diced onion until translucent. Then, toss in the carrots and peas for another minute.
- Push the Chinese Vegetables to the side. Add the rice, breaking up any clumps.
- Pour the sauce over the rice. Stir fry like your life depends on it until everything is combined and heated through.
- Return the scrambled egg. Add the green onions. Stir fry for another minute.
- Serve this Homemade Fried Rice immediately!
Pro Tips for Fried Rice with Egg Perfection
High heat is crucial! It gives you that smoky, "wok hei" flavor. If your wok starts smoking, turn the heat down a tad.
Nobody wants a fire alarm party. Also, taste and adjust. Need more salt? Add a splash more soy sauce. More sweet? A pinch more sugar.
Finally, don't skip the dark soy sauce. It gives that signature colour we love in our Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe .
Stir frying is your ticket to creating great Copycat Restaurant Recipes and Quick Dinner Ideas so get on it!
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe
Alright, let's talk about how to make your Panda Express Fried Rice even better . We're going beyond just following a recipe, innit?
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating
Honestly, presentation matters! Don't just chuck your Homemade Fried Rice into a bowl. Try using a small ramekin or measuring cup to mold the rice.
Flip it onto the plate for a nice, neat dome. Sprinkle some extra green onions on top for a pop of colour.
Simple, but effective.
For sides, you can't go wrong with some crispy spring rolls. Or, if you're feeling brave, try making your own Panda Express Orange Chicken to go with this Easy Fried Rice Recipe .
A classic combo.
Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh
If you've got leftovers of this Best Fried Rice Recipe lucky you! get it into an airtight container pronto.
Pop it in the fridge. It'll happily sit there for up to three days.
Freezing? Yeah, you can do it. But Cooking Fried Rice can change the texture a bit after thawing. Make sure the rice is completely cool before freezing.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help it steam back to life. Microwave until piping hot!
Variations: Making It Your Panda Express Fried Rice
Fancy a bit of a twist? Swap out the peas and carrots for some other Chinese Vegetables like bean sprouts or water chestnuts. Gives it a bit of a crunch, you know?
If you're after a vegetarian version, just skip the chicken bouillon powder and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free. Easy peasy.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Grain
Our Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe is roughly 350 calories per serving, based on estimates. It’s got a decent amount of carbs for energy, plus some protein from the egg.
Just watch the sodium content from the soy sauce. It’s got protein, it’s got carbs, and it’s got flavor!
So there you have it. A few tips and tricks to take your Copycat Restaurant Recipes to the next level.
Now go on, get cooking! You've totally got this Quick Dinner Ideas nailed!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my rice isn't mushy when making Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe?
Ah, the million dollar question! The secret is using day-old, cooked, and chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice has too much moisture. Chilling it overnight dries it out slightly, so it fries up beautifully and doesn't become a stodge fest. Think of it as giving your rice a bit of a spa day before the stir fry party!
Can I add different vegetables or protein to this Panda Express Fried Rice recipe?
Absolutely, you can! Think of the base recipe as your blank canvas. Diced cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even leftover roast pork are brilliant additions. For veggies, try bean sprouts, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring everything is cooked through before adding the rice. It's your chance to get creative unleash your inner culinary artist!
Is there a way to make this Panda Express Fried Rice recipe vegetarian or gluten-free?
Definitely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the oyster sauce, or use a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute made from mushrooms they're becoming quite common in supermarkets now. For a gluten-free version, swap out the soy sauce for tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative.
Always double check the labels on your ingredients to be sure!
How long does Panda Express Fried Rice last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it down completely before refrigerating to prevent bacteria growth. When reheating, ensure it's piping hot all the way through a microwave or a quick stir fry in a pan work well. Safety first, eh?
What's the secret to getting that "wok hei" flavor in my Panda Express Fried Rice Recipe at home?
Ah, "wok hei" that elusive smoky flavour! While a powerful commercial wok burner is ideal, you can get close at home. Make sure your wok or skillet is screaming hot before adding ingredients. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Use high heat oil and toss the ingredients frequently to promote even cooking and slight charring. A bit of practice and you'll be channeling your inner Chinese chef in no time!
Panda Express Fried Rice
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
