Description
American Fried Rice is a popular Thai-style fried rice dish with a unique twist. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal made with cooked rice, fried chicken, sweet raisins, and a variety of vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce. Often served with a side of fried egg, this dish is a fusion of savory and sweet flavors that make for a delicious and satisfying meal. Ideal for lunch or dinner, American Fried Rice brings together rich flavors and a simple preparation that’s sure to please any palate.
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
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2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless (or use chicken breast), diced
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1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
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1/4 cup raisins (or dried cranberries for a twist)
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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1 tablespoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 eggs (for frying)
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Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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1. Cook the Chicken:
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In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Fry the Vegetables:
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In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. Remove from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.
3. Prepare the Fried Rice:
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In the same skillet, add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry the rice for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to brown slightly.
4. Season the Rice:
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Add soy sauce, ketchup, fish sauce, sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder to the rice. Stir to combine, making sure all the rice is evenly coated. Taste and adjust with additional soy sauce or seasoning if desired.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
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Return the cooked chicken, vegetables, and raisins to the skillet. Stir everything together until well mixed and heated through. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
6. Fry the Eggs:
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In a separate pan, heat a little oil over medium heat and crack in the eggs. Fry them sunny-side-up or scrambled, depending on your preference.
7. Serve:
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To serve, plate the fried rice and top with the fried egg. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
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Rice: Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice, as it’s less sticky and easier to fry. If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool before using.
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Chicken: You can use diced chicken thighs or chicken breast. Alternatively, leftover cooked chicken or shrimp can be used as a quick substitution.
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Raisins: The sweetness of raisins adds a unique flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you can swap them with pineapple chunks or omit them entirely.
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Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or peas to suit your taste.
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Eggs: For extra richness, you can use two eggs per serving and scramble them into the rice if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 215mg