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Who says fried rice has to be boring? Not us! We’re here to shake things up with a guide on what to eat with fried rice.
Ah, fried rice – the unsung hero of weeknight dinners and the backbone of many a takeout feast.
It’s the dish we turn to for comfort, convenience, and a taste of home, no matter where we come from.
But here’s a thought – why settle for the same old sides when you could turn each spoonful of fried rice into a culinary adventure?
This article is your ticket to broadening those horizons.
Get ready to transform your humble plate of fried rice into a global gastronomic experience that caters to every whim and fancy.
From the soul-soothing classics to the daringly different, we’re about to take your taste buds on a whirlwind tour.
Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll be looking at that steaming bowl of fried rice with a whole new level of excitement and anticipation.
The Art and History of Fried Rice
Fried rice is a dish as old as time and traces its roots back to the Sui Dynasty in 589 – 618 AD in China (source).
What started as a way of not wasting food – by cooking up what was available before it went bad – fried rice has evolved into a staple food that is sought after for its delicious and healthy qualities.
The dish has numerous variations and has become a global phenomenon, finding a place in Indonesian and Japanese cuisine.
These days, fried rice, in some form or other, is available worldwide in restaurants and homes.
Korean Fried Rice: A Perfect Harmony (Variations)
Before exploring what to eat with fried rice, let’s talk about my favorite types of fried rice: Korean fried rice.
Korean fried rice, or bokkeum-bap, is made by frying cooked rice in oil and other ingredients. It can be made in many variations:
Kimchi Fried Rice
Kimchi is a traditional side dish made with spiced and fermented cabbage, and this is often used in fried rice to add flavor and crunch.
It’s often further augmented with pieces of meat like bacon, sausage, or chicken, and a few other vegetables or pickles to enhance the flavor.
One of the best tricks with kimchi fried rice is to add some of the juice from the kimchi jar straight into the fried rice dish.
It’s jam-packed with flavor and elevates the taste of the rice to new heights, underscoring the crunchy kimchi bits you bite into.
It’s also a fan favorite for Korean Picnics, which you can make gluten free or just nice and cozy for the winter.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Adding vegetables is an excellent way to add volume and flavor to your fried rice.
Little bites of fresh or cooked vegetables add pockets of flavor while also making for a bright and colorful plate.
When adding vegetables, you can either blanche, cook, or add them raw, or you can opt for pickled vegetables.
Some of the best vegetable options to include in your fried rice include:
- Carrots
- Peas
- Peppers
- Broccoli
- Onions (white or green)
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
Meat Fried Rice
Pieces of meat are a popular option to add rich and savory flavors to fried rice.
It’s perfect when adding small bite-size chunks of meat while frying it up.
This can be anything from sausage pieces, cubes of beef or pork, bacon bits, or chicken pieces.
It’s worth remembering that fried rice often accompanies meals, so adding excessive meat is unnecessary.
Little bits of meat are added to the fried rice for flavor more than anything else, so deli meats are also often used.
Seafood Fried Rice
Seafood fried rice can be a whole meal on its own or, like with meat pieces, can add to the flavor of the rice.
Adding shrimp, crab meat, or shellfish turns fried rice into an exceptional meal with loads of flavor.
The smaller the pieces of seafood, the likelier it is to be used as a side dish – but beautifully cooked prawn or shrimp tails on a bed of fried rice makes a delicious meal.
Omurice
Something that has taken Koreans by storm originates from Japan.
Omurice is a rice omelet that has become especially popular among younger folk in Korea as parents love to feed their children the delicious and nutritious meals.
The word ‘omurice’ is created from ‘omelet’ and ‘rice’ and is just that.
To make omurice, you cook up your preferred fried rice recipe and then use it to fill a thing omelet of fried egg – it’s wrapped like a burrito and usually topped with ketchup or other sauces.
Delicious Pairings: What To Eat With Fried Rice
Fried rice is an excellent accompaniment to other main courses, and the flavors can be altered to suit the main dish as you cook. Here are some of the best pairings for fried rice:
The Meaty Accomplice: For All The Meat Lovers
Various meats can be paired with fried rice, with the spices and flavors used in the main meaty dish echoed in how you cook up your fried rice.
Bulgogi:
Bulgogi refers to how meat is cooked more than it pertains to one type of meat specifically.
Korean BBQ is a popular way for diners to cook their selection of meats that may or may not be marinated in advance.
Beef, chicken, or pork are favorites, served with fried rice on the side.
Galbi:
Galbi is the name given to grilled ribs in Korean cuisine. Short ribs called galbi can be beef or pork, often marinated beforehand.
Samygyuspal:
Pork belly is a delicacy in Korea, often served in restaurants or at Korean BBQs.
It may be spiced in advance, prepared with just salt, or cooked as is and dipped in sauce after it has been cooked.
Warm and Hearty: A Side To Help Comfort The Soul (Korean Soups)
Fried rice alongside soup is a Korean staple; in some cases, the fried rice forms part of the soup.
Here are some of the best ways to serve fried rice and soup:
Kimchi Jjigae:
Kimchi soup and kimchi stew are excellent alongside fried rice. In both cases, the bowl of kimchi jjigae is served with rice.
The ingredients include onion, tofu, pork shoulder or pork belly, kimchi, and various broths and seasonings.
Doenjang Jjigae:
Soybean paste soup is often one of the first meals for children learning to eat solids.
It’s usually served with fluffy white rice added to it, but it’s even better with fried rice.
This soup is made with potato, onion, zucchini, chili, and fermented soybean paste, and it can have tofu or meat added to it.
Mu-guk:
Radish soup is a staple in Korean homes and is easy to make. It has a slightly sweet taste and gets loads of Korean radish, meat, garlic, sesame oil, and seasoning.
It can also be made without meat for a vegan or vegetarian option.
Bugeo-guk:
Sometimes referred to as Pollak or pollock soup, this is a rich soup made from fish, anchovy stock, radishes, onions, and sesame oil.
Its umami flavor accompanies simple fried rice exceptionally well.
Miyuk-guk:
Like many other soups mentioned here, Seaweed soup is based on a rich broth but is filled with hearty green seaweed.
Ingredients include dried seaweed, beef chuck or steak, garlic, and oils and seasoning.
Vegetarian Delights: Sides to Accompany Your Fried Rice
The beauty of fried rice is that it suits those who don’t want meat.
Eggs:
Eggs form a staple in fried rice, and if you still want to get your protein count in, you can add more egg to the rice when cooking it.
Spring Onions:
Spring onion adds intense flavor and color to the fried rice and is also a great way of adding crunch to the meal.
Banchan:
Banchan is the name given to various side dishes in Korean meals and will include such items as vegetables, tofu, pickles, and different seasoning sauces.
Of course, eating these with your fried rice builds a beautiful flavor.
Mandu:
Mandu are Korean dumplings with ground pork, tofu, or vegetables.
They are usually packed with flavors like garlic, ginger, and sesame.
International Bites: Pairing Fried Rice with Dishes from Other Countries
Fried rice has become popular worldwide, and there are many ways of altering your fried rice dish to incorporate some international ideas.
Spam:
Spam is a brand from the United States, but it’s become the name for processed and canned pork meat.
It tastes salty and pairs well with fried rice when cut into small pieces and added to stir-fry.
Egg Drop Soup:
Egg Drop Soup is Chinese in origin and comprises a savory chicken or vegetable broth with ribbons of fried egg (omelet strips) added to it. It’s served with fried rice to increase the flavor.
Omurice:
Like with omurice, fried rice can also be added to tortillas and burritos to supplement the filling and add texture and flavor.
It’s particularly good with South American flavors in Mexican foods.
Exploring Unique Food Combinations with Fried Rice
Creative Fusion: Unusual But Tasty Fried Rice Combinations
Fried rice may be an old recipe, but it has many modern takes.
Natto:
Natto is a Japanese food that’s made from soybeans that are fermented.
It contains probiotics and adds an incredible umami flavor when served on top of fried rice.
Egg Rolls:
Egg rolls are filled with cabbage and meat and can be uplifted by adding spicy fried rice before frying them up.
This makes a delicious alternative to traditional egg rolls and plain fried rice.
Cheese:
In recent years, adding cheese to fried rice has gained popularity.
Adding a layer of grated cheese of your choice, covering the pan, and letting it melt returns a divine taste and texture.
Dietary Tolerances: Gluten-Free and Vegan Options with Fried Rice
For those who aren’t able to eat gluten or who are vegan, fried rice makes an excellent basis for meals.
Since rice is naturally gluten-free, adding your desired vegetables means a whole meal that’s delicious and won’t trigger any health concerns.
Braised Tofu:
Tofu is made from soybeans or soy curd and, as a result, is both meat- and gluten-free.
To make the most of this recipe, pan-fry the tofu and simmer it in a rich sauce.
Add this to fried rice, and you have a gluten- and meat-free meal.
Kongnamul Muchim:
This soybean sprout side dish is generally served as banchan in a meal in Korean homes, but you can also elevate it to a full meal if you’d like vegan and gluten-free fried rice.
Combine the sprouts with scallions and flavorings, and add to your favorite fried rice.
Wrapping Up: What to Eat with Fried Rice
Wrapping up our culinary adventure through the vibrant world of fried rice accompaniments, we’ve ventured from the timeless classics to the wonderfully whimsical.
Whether you’re jazzing up a weeknight dinner or hosting a feast for friends, knowing what to eat with fried rice can transform a simple dish into an unforgettable meal.
From the sizzle of stir-fried veggies to the tender bite of perfectly cooked shrimp, every suggestion here is aimed at enriching your dining experience.
Remember, the beauty of fried rice lies in its versatility – it’s a blank canvas awaiting your personal touch.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and share your own combos. After all, the best meals are not just eaten; they’re experienced.
Keep this guide handy, and next time you find yourself pondering what to eat with fried rice, you’ll be well-equipped to elevate your meal from good to gastronomically great.
