Description of this recipe
Blackstone Fried Rice is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. This recipe transforms simple ingredients like rice, vegetables, and eggs into a restaurant-quality meal right on your Blackstone griddle. It’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite proteins and vegetables, and it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. The high heat of the griddle ensures a slightly crispy texture, smoky flavor, and perfectly cooked ingredients every time.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll fall in love with Blackstone Fried Rice because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and fun to make. The Blackstone griddle imparts a unique smoky flavor that elevates the fried rice beyond what you can achieve in a traditional pan. It’s a great way to get creative with your cooking, using up whatever vegetables and proteins you have on hand. Plus, the whole family will enjoy customizing their own bowls with different toppings and sauces. This recipe is also a time-saver, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table quickly. The entire cooking process is interactive and entertaining, making it a fantastic dish to prepare with friends or family.
Introduction
Fried rice is a classic dish enjoyed around the world, celebrated for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavors. This Blackstone Fried Rice recipe takes the traditional concept and elevates it to new heights with the unique cooking method provided by the Blackstone griddle. The Blackstone griddle, known for its even heat distribution and large cooking surface, allows for a perfectly seared and flavorful fried rice that’s impossible to replicate on a stovetop. The high heat of the griddle creates a slightly crispy texture on the rice and vegetables, while the smoky flavor imparted by the cooking surface adds an extra layer of depth. This recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about creating an experience. The interactive nature of cooking on the griddle makes it a fun and engaging activity, perfect for family dinners, outdoor gatherings, or even a solo culinary adventure. The recipe is designed to be flexible, allowing you to customize the ingredients to your liking. Feel free to add your favorite proteins such as chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu. You can also experiment with different vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas. The key to great fried rice is using day-old rice, which has had time to dry out slightly, preventing it from becoming mushy during cooking. The combination of sesame oil, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and oyster sauce creates a rich and savory flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of butter towards the end adds a touch of richness and helps to bind all the ingredients together. Garnish with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to complete the dish. This Blackstone Fried Rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and delivers an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned griddle master or a novice cook, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Blackstone Griddle. Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Ensure the surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. The ideal temperature will allow the rice to get slightly crispy without burning.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions. Add sesame oil and vegetable oil to the hot surface. The combination of oils provides a balanced flavor profile, with sesame oil adding a nutty aroma and vegetable oil providing a neutral base. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Peas and Carrots. Add the frozen peas and carrots to the griddle. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through. This ensures the vegetables are tender-crisp and retain their vibrant color. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs. Push the vegetables to one side of the griddle and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side. Scramble them quickly using a spatula. Once the eggs are cooked but still slightly moist, mix them with the sautéed vegetables. Ensure the eggs are evenly distributed for a consistent texture and flavor throughout the fried rice.
Step 5: Add the Rice. Add the day-old rice to the griddle. Break up any clumps using a spatula to ensure the rice grains are separated and can cook evenly. Mix the rice with the vegetables and eggs. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture and preventing the rice from becoming mushy.
Step 6: Season with Sauces. Drizzle soy sauce and oyster sauce evenly over the rice. Stir and fry for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. The soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, while the oyster sauce provides a rich and savory depth. Stir constantly to ensure the sauces are evenly distributed and the rice is coated thoroughly.
Step 7: Add Butter. Add a pat of butter for extra richness and stir until melted. The butter enhances the overall flavor and adds a creamy texture to the fried rice. Ensure the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve. Garnish with sliced green onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. The green onions add a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Serve hot and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Very Easy)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Customizability: 5/5 (Highly Customizable)
- Time Efficiency: 4/5 (Quick)
- Overall: 5/5 (Outstanding)
Serving Suggestions:
Blackstone Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Main Course: Serve as a complete meal by adding your favorite protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu. Top with a fried egg for added richness and protein.
- Side Dish: Pair with Asian-inspired dishes like General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour pork, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings such as sesame seeds, chili flakes, sriracha, or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor and texture.
- Sauces: Serve with a side of soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
- Salads: Complement the fried rice with a refreshing side salad such as a cucumber salad or a seaweed salad to balance the flavors.
Tips:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Day-old rice is essential for achieving the perfect texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can result in a mushy dish.
- High Heat is Key: The high heat of the Blackstone griddle is crucial for creating a slightly crispy texture and infusing the rice with a smoky flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the griddle, which can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking.
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
- Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and sauces to create your own unique version of Blackstone Fried Rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Conclusion
Blackstone Fried Rice is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of simple ingredients cooked with the right technique. The Blackstone griddle elevates this classic dish, imparting a unique smoky flavor and perfectly seared texture that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Blackstone Fried Rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your kitchen. So fire up your griddle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own backyard. The combination of savory flavors, satisfying textures, and interactive cooking experience makes this dish a winner every time.
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can definitely use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a chewier texture to the dish. However, keep in mind that brown rice tends to be more absorbent, so you might need to adjust the amount of liquid (soy sauce and oyster sauce) accordingly. Also, ensure the brown rice is cooked and cooled before using it in the recipe, just like with white rice.
Q2: What other vegetables can I add to this fried rice?
A: The possibilities are endless when it comes to vegetables! Some great additions include broccoli florets, diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced mushrooms, snow peas, bean sprouts, and corn. Just make sure to chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit any meat or seafood and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, you’ll also need to replace the eggs with a vegan egg substitute or tofu scramble. Additionally, make sure to use a vegan oyster sauce alternative, as traditional oyster sauce contains oyster extracts.
Q4: How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the griddle?
A: To prevent the rice from sticking to the griddle, make sure the surface is properly preheated and lightly oiled before adding the rice. Using day-old rice is also crucial, as it tends to be drier and less likely to stick compared to freshly cooked rice. Avoid overcrowding the griddle, as this can lower the temperature and increase the chances of sticking. Finally, stir the rice frequently while cooking to ensure it’s evenly coated with oil and sauces.
Q5: Can I prepare this fried rice in advance?
A: While fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, you can definitely prepare it in advance if needed. Cook the rice, vegetables, and eggs separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the ingredients on the griddle, add the sauces and butter, and stir until everything is heated through. Keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating, so it’s best to consume it within a day or two.
