Baked Fried Rice

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Baked Fried Rice is a genius way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional fried rice with less effort and oil. The crispy, golden rice combined with tender vegetables and fluffy scrambled eggs makes for a deliciously satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and comforting.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it’s a great way to use up leftover rice. Plus, baking it in the oven means you get that crispy fried rice texture without standing over a hot stove. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this baked fried rice is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Full Recipe:

3 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup carrots, diced
2 eggs, lightly beaten

3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
1/2 tsp sesame oil

2 green onions, finely sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a large baking dish with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Spread the cooked rice evenly over the baking dish, breaking up any clumps.
In a frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Add the peas and carrots to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables and stir continuously until scrambled and cooked through.
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the egg and vegetable mixture, stirring to combine.

Pour the egg and vegetable mixture over the rice in the baking dish and gently mix everything together.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is crispy and golden.
Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Introduction to Baked Fried Rice

Baked Fried Rice is a delightful twist on the classic fried rice dish, where the familiar flavors are achieved with the ease and convenience of oven-baking. It’s the perfect example of how traditional dishes can be adapted to fit a busy lifestyle without compromising on taste or nutrition. This version offers a healthier and less labor-intensive alternative, eliminating the need for excessive oil and constant stovetop attention while still delivering the crispy, golden rice that is synonymous with fried rice.

The Concept Behind Oven-Baked Fried Rice

The idea of baking fried rice may sound unconventional, but it’s rooted in practicality. Classic fried rice recipes often require constant stirring in a hot wok or pan, ensuring that the rice doesn’t stick or burn. For busy home cooks, this can be time-consuming. Baked fried rice allows the oven to do the heavy lifting, evenly heating the rice and vegetables, so they develop that desirable crisp texture without the need for constant supervision.

Another reason this recipe is a winner is that it uses day-old rice, which tends to be drier and perfect for frying or baking. This method repurposes leftovers into a fresh, exciting meal that feels anything but repetitive. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for both casual family dinners and meal prep for busy weeks.

Why Oven-Baking is a Game-Changer

Baking rice in the oven creates a fantastic texture that is hard to replicate on the stovetop. When rice is spread in an even layer and baked, it forms a crispy crust on the top, while maintaining the tender, fluffy grains underneath. The result is a delightful contrast of textures—something that makes this dish particularly appealing.

Here are some reasons why oven-baking rice is such a great method:

Hands-Off Cooking: Once the rice is in the oven, there’s no need to hover over it. You can use this time to prepare other elements of the meal or simply relax.
Even Cooking: The oven provides consistent heat, which helps evenly cook the rice and ensures that the vegetables and eggs meld beautifully with the grains.

Crispier Rice: The oven’s dry heat helps to evaporate excess moisture, allowing the top layer of rice to crisp up, which is hard to achieve with traditional pan-fried rice.
Less Oil: Baked fried rice uses less oil than the traditional stir-frying method. This makes it a lighter, healthier option for those who want to cut down on fats without sacrificing flavor.

Versatility of the Baked Fried Rice

One of the best things about this baked fried rice recipe is its incredible versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand, what’s in season, or your personal preferences. This recipe is a wonderful base, but here are a few ways you can make it your own:

Vegetarian-Friendly: This version of baked fried rice is naturally vegetarian, but it can easily be adapted to be vegan by omitting the eggs or substituting them with a plant-based alternative such as tofu scramble.
Protein Boost: If you’re looking to add more protein to the dish, you can toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu before baking. Adding proteins to the rice will turn it into a more substantial meal, perfect for dinner.
Use of Leftovers: The recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover rice and vegetables from other meals. You can throw in leftover cooked meats, sautéed veggies, or even legumes like chickpeas or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.

Gluten-Free Option: By using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, you can easily make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing any of its delicious flavor.
Add More Veggies: While peas and carrots are classic choices, feel free to get creative with vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or spinach can all be great additions to the dish. Just make sure the vegetables are cooked or par-cooked before mixing them with the rice to ensure they are tender when baked.
Spice It Up: If you like your food with a little kick, you can easily add some heat by incorporating chili flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños. For a milder version, you could add a dash of smoked paprika or Chinese five-spice powder to elevate the flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Tips for Making Perfect Baked Fried Rice

Although baked fried rice is straightforward to make, here are a few tips to ensure you get the best possible result every time:

Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is often too moist for frying or baking, which can result in soggy grains. Day-old rice works best because it’s had time to dry out slightly, which helps it crisp up in the oven.
Break Up Rice Clumps: If your rice has formed clumps in the fridge, gently break them up with your fingers before spreading it in the baking dish. This ensures even cooking and crisping.

Don’t Overload the Baking Dish: For the rice to crisp up, it needs plenty of surface area. Make sure the rice is spread out in an even layer without being too crowded.
Toss the Rice Halfway: For even crispiness, give the rice a quick stir halfway through baking. This allows the rice at the bottom to be exposed to the hot, dry oven air and crisp up just as nicely as the top layer.
Use High Heat: The higher baking temperature (around 200°C or 390°F) is key to getting the crispy texture on the rice. Lower temperatures will cook the rice, but it won’t develop that signature crisp.

Add Sesame Oil for Flavor: A small drizzle of sesame oil adds an authentic Asian flair and a deep, nutty flavor to the rice. Be sure to add it towards the end of baking or after removing from the oven to preserve its aromatic qualities.
Garnish Generously: Don’t forget the final garnishes! Freshly chopped green onions add a burst of color and flavor, while toasted sesame seeds, chili oil, or a squeeze of lime can enhance the dish further.

The Appeal of Baked Fried Rice for Different Occasions

Baked fried rice is the perfect dish for a variety of occasions, whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing for the week ahead, or just craving a comforting, homemade meal.

Weeknight Dinners: With minimal prep and a short cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Meal Prep: Since baked fried rice stores well in the fridge for up to 4-5 days, it’s an ideal option for meal prepping. Simply reheat a portion in the microwave or oven for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Potlucks or Gatherings: This dish scales easily for larger groups, making it a great choice for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made in advance and reheated just before serving.

Budget-Friendly: Rice, vegetables, and eggs are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making this a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. It’s a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

Baked Fried Rice is more than just a simple dinner recipe—it’s a versatile, healthy, and delicious meal that suits a wide range of occasions and dietary preferences. By baking the rice, you not only save time and effort, but you also achieve that coveted crispy texture with far less oil than traditional frying methods. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal prep staple, or a dish to bring to a gathering, baked fried rice checks all the boxes. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored of making or eating this comforting classic.