Egg fried rice, in all its unassuming glory, possesses an enchanting allure capable of captivating the palates of countless gastronomes. Within this rendition, the inclusion of turmeric and paprika imparts a vibrant burst of color and an inviting warmth, casting a resplendent golden sheen upon each grain without resorting to artificial food dyes. And for those who hold a special fondness for eggs, envision generously sized, delectable egg morsels adorning every spoonful, elevating this dish to the pinnacle of flavor and satisfaction.
Elevating the Basics
Many might question the hue of the fried rice they get from their local Chinese joint. Often, it’s food coloring. But here, we employ the magic of turmeric to achieve that same mesmerizing yellow, but naturally. What’s more, we’ve heightened the egginess of this dish by introducing them in two styles: some blended within the rice and some in glorious, sizable bits.
A Note on Preparation
Venturing into the egg-centric world? Make sure to explore other egg-forward dishes such as Stir-fried Shrimp and Eggs or the delicate Steamed Egg. Our vibrant egg fried rice pairs exquisitely with a variety of hot sauces. And a little secret, for the most sublime texture, day-old rice is your best friend. Though if you’re using freshly cooked rice, ensure it’s not too moist.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups of prepared rice
- 5 large eggs, split
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- 3 tbsp oil, separated
- 1 onion, finely diced
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup peas, thawed from frozen
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 chopped scallions
Instructions:
- Fluff the rice using a fork. For freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool on the counter until the steam dissipates. Cold rice from the fridge might clump, so use your fingers to separate the grains.
- In one bowl, whisk 3 eggs. In another, combine 2 eggs with 2 tablespoons of water, paprika, and turmeric.
- On medium-high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok. Scramble the 3 unspiced eggs and set aside.
- Increase the wok to high heat and pour in the remaining oil. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 1-2 minutes. Add the rice, ensuring it’s evenly heated and devoid of clumps. Drizzle the egg-spice blend over, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.
- Stir in the peas for a minute, then sprinkle salt, sugar, and black pepper, ensuring the rice heats thoroughly.
- If the rice seems parched, a dash of water or chicken broth can remedy it. Finally, mix in the scrambled eggs and scallions. Relish the flavors!
Elevate Your Fried Rice Game
Whether you have a penchant for Eggs and Bacon Fried Rice, or yearn for a twist with Thai Basil Shrimp Fried Rice or the summery delight of Crab Fried Rice, the world of fried rice is vast and varied. Dive in and enjoy its many flavors!