If you are craving a quick yet exceptionally flavorful meal, this Ginger Fried Rice Recipe is going to be your new go-to comfort food. Combining fragrant jasmine rice with the zesty warmth of freshly minced ginger and tender ground chicken, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and aromatic. The simple ingredients come together in a way that’s both satisfying and invigorating, making it a standout on any dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this Ginger Fried Rice Recipe promises a delicious, fuss-free experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ginger Fried Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering layers of texture, flavor, and color — all while keeping the preparation refreshingly simple. From the fragrant jasmine rice to the punch of grated ginger, these ingredients create a dish that feels special without complicating your cooking process.
- 8 oz ground chicken: A lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and keeps the dish light.
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the chicken marinade.
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce: Provides umami richness and saltiness to the marinade.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger: Infuses the marinade with a gentle kick and fragrance.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil: The perfect neutral oil for stir-frying and getting that ideal texture.
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger: Fresh and vibrant, this ginger is the star of the fried rice.
- 3 eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt: Adds a rich, silky component to the dish.
- 4 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated): The white parts add savoriness early on, while the green tops provide freshness as a finishing touch.
- 4 cups overnight jasmine rice, fluffed: Using chilled, separated rice grains results in perfectly fluffy fried rice with no clumping.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the fried rice just right.
How to Make Ginger Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Ground Chicken
Start by combining the ground chicken with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to infuse the chicken with those lovely savory and fragrant notes that will shine through in your fried rice.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics and Eggs
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced ginger and the white parts of the scallions, stirring them until they release their aroma—this sets the foundation for the dish. Push the ingredients to one side, then pour in the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt. Scramble gently until just set but still soft, then combine everything before removing to a bowl.
Step 3: Cook the Marinated Chicken
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and increase the heat slightly. Add the marinated ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks until it’s browned and fully cooked through. The chicken should be juicy and flavorful from the marinade—this will add a lovely texture contrast against the rice.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice
Now it’s time to bring in the star ingredient: the fluffed, overnight jasmine rice. Add it to the pan and toss everything together over medium-high heat, making sure every grain gets coated with the savory flavors. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt and toss again. This step ensures the rice is heated through, evenly seasoned, and gets a slightly toasted finish without getting mushy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the scrambled eggs and scallion mixture to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly to marry the ingredients, then toss in the green parts of the scallions for a fresh, peppery crunch. Give it one last stir to combine and remove from heat immediately to preserve all the vibrant flavors and textures.
How to Serve Ginger Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet effective touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro on top. These garnishes add subtle layers of texture and an earthy brightness that complements the ginger and chicken beautifully. A few thin slices of fresh red chili can also provide a colorful, spicy pop.
Side Dishes
This Ginger Fried Rice Recipe pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired sides like steamed bok choy, stir-fried snap peas, or even a crisp cucumber salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, consider a side of crispy spring rolls or dumplings to round out the meal with an exciting variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, try serving your fried rice inside halved and hollowed bell peppers. This not only looks inviting but adds a juicy sweetness that contrasts with the savory rice. You can also plate the rice in small, compact mounds topped with a sunny-side-up egg and a drizzle of chili oil for an extra gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Ginger Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Ginger Fried Rice Recipe for an extended period, freezing is a great choice. Transfer cooled rice into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 1 month. Be sure to portion it out for easy thawing later.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over your fried rice to add moisture, then heat it gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for best texture retention, but if in a pinch, cover the dish to trap steam and heat thoroughly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice for this Ginger Fried Rice Recipe?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrance and texture, medium or long-grain rice works well too. Just make sure your rice is cooked and cooled properly to avoid a mushy fried rice dish.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, you can cook it plain. Keep in mind that marinating adds a wonderful depth you won’t want to miss.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled tofu or sautéed mushrooms, and replace Shaoxing wine and soy sauce with vegetarian alternatives for a delicious meat-free version.
How important is using overnight rice?
Overnight rice is preferred because it’s drier and the grains separate easily, which prevents clumping. If you don’t have overnight rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray to cool and dry a bit before frying.
Can this Ginger Fried Rice Recipe be made spicy?
Definitely! Add chopped fresh chilies, a splash of chili garlic sauce, or sprinkle cayenne pepper while stir-frying for a fiery twist that complements the ginger beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Ginger Fried Rice Recipe is a delightful blend of simple ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and warmth. I promise, once you try it, this will become one of your favorite quick dinners to make and share. Don’t hesitate—dig in and enjoy every fragrant, savory bite!
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Ginger Fried Rice Recipe
This Ginger Fried Rice recipe is a flavorful and aromatic stir-fried dish featuring marinated ground chicken, fragrant ginger, and fluffy jasmine rice combined with eggs and scallions. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it delivers a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors with a touch of Shaoxing wine.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Marinade
- 8 oz ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
Fried Rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
- 4 scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 4 cups overnight jasmine rice, fluffed with your hands to separate the grains
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the ground chicken with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, salt, and grated ginger. Mix well and allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes, letting the flavors infuse.
- Prepare the Eggs: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and scramble until just set. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Ginger and Scallions: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the skillet. Once hot, add the minced ginger and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Marinated Chicken: Add the marinated ground chicken to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add Rice and Seasoning: Add the fluffed jasmine rice to the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well to combine with the chicken, ginger, and scallions. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and slightly crisp in places.
- Combine Eggs and Green Scallions: Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet and add the green parts of the scallions. Toss everything together until evenly mixed and heated through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Using overnight jasmine rice helps to achieve the perfect texture by preventing clumping and excess moisture.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork if preferred.
- Adjust soy sauce and salt to taste based on dietary preferences.
- Shrimp or vegetables like peas and carrots can be added to enhance the dish further.
- Ensure the pan is hot enough for stir-frying to get that slightly crispy texture on the rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
