Description
American Fried Rice is a beloved fusion dish combining the comforting flavors of classic fried rice with a flavorful blend of ketchup, soy sauce, and a mix of meats such as ham, chicken, sausages, and bacon. Enhanced with vegetables like peas and carrots and garnished with refreshing cucumber slices and tomato wedges, this dish offers a deliciously sweet and savory experience perfect for a hearty main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1/4 cup frozen peas and carrots
- Sliced cucumbers and tomato wedges for garnish
Proteins
- 1/4 cup diced ham
- 1/4 cup cooked diced chicken
- 2 cooked sausages, sliced
- 2 slices cooked bacon
- 2 eggs
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook the meats: Stir in the diced ham and cooked chicken pieces and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to warm through and combine flavors.
- Scramble the eggs: Push the ingredients to one side of the skillet. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them until just set, then mix the eggs into the meats and vegetables evenly.
- Add the rice and seasonings: Add the day-old cooked jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Pour in the ketchup, soy sauce, and sugar, stirring well to coat the rice evenly and infuse flavor.
- Incorporate vegetables and finish cooking: Add the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are heated through. Stir in raisins for a slight sweetness, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve: Plate the fried rice and serve with sliced cooked sausages, bacon, cucumber slices, and tomato wedges on the side to complete this classic American-Thai fusion meal.
Notes
- Day-old rice works best for fried rice because it’s drier and less sticky, ensuring perfectly fried grains.
- You can substitute meats with shrimp or keep the dish vegetarian by using tofu instead.
- Adjust the amount of ketchup and soy sauce to achieve your preferred balance of sweetness and saltiness.
- Use jasmine rice for authentic aroma and texture, but other long-grain rice varieties will also work.
