Why This Ginger Chicken Fried Rice is a Must-Try!
Still not convinced? Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan:
✔ Better than takeaway – All the deliciousness of restaurant-style fried rice but fresher and healthier.
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick.
✔ Budget-friendly – You can make this entire meal for around $20, making it a great option for feeding a family.
✔ One-pan meal – Less washing up, more eating!
✔ Full of flavour – Ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese five spice bring out the best in every bite.
✔ Easily customisable – Use whatever veggies you have on hand or swap the chicken for tofu or prawns.
If you love simple, no-fuss meals that taste incredible, this chicken recipe is exactly what you need! Let’s get into the secrets behind making the best ginger chicken fried rice at home.
Secrets to Making Perfect Fried Rice
If you’ve ever wondered why restaurant fried rice has that amazing texture and flavour, it all comes down to technique! Here are the key tips to nail it every time:
1. Use Day-Old Rice
Freshly cooked rice is too soft and sticky, which can make your fried rice mushy. Cold, day-old rice is drier and holds its shape better, giving you that perfect, separate grain texture.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you don’t have leftover rice, cook your rice fresh, spread it out on a tray, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before using.
2. Cook on High Heat
Fried rice needs to be cooked quickly at high heat to get that slightly crispy, caramelised flavour. A wok is best, but if you don’t have one, use a large frying pan.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If you add too many ingredients at once, the pan cools down and everything starts steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if needed to keep that crispy stir-fried texture.
4. Add the Rice Last
Veggies and protein go in first, but rice should always be added at the end. This lets it soak up all those delicious sauces without getting soggy.
5. Balance Your Flavours
The key to authentic-tasting fried rice is getting the perfect balance of salty, savoury, slightly sweet, and aromatic. That’s why we use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese five spice, and white pepper for the best flavour.
Best Ingredients for the Ultimate Fried Rice
While fried rice is super flexible, using high-quality ingredients will make a huge difference in flavour. Here are my top ingredient picks:
🥢 Rice: Jasmine rice works best, but any long-grain rice will do. Just make sure it’s cold and dry before frying.
🥢 Chicken: Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breast works if you prefer a leaner option.
🥢 Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives the best punchy flavour, but ginger paste is a great time-saver.
🥢 Veggies: I use carrots, capsicum, and green onions, but you can throw in peas, mushrooms, or bok choy too!
🥢 Chinese Five Spice: A must-have for that warm, slightly sweet, aromatic flavour.
🥢 Sauces: A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Chinese rice wine adds the perfect umami depth.
If you want to elevate the flavour even more, try adding a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for a delicious nutty aroma!
Why Ginger Chicken Fried Rice is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for a quick midweek dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual get-together, ginger chicken fried rice is always a winner. It’s the kind of dish that’s effortless to make but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant ginger, and perfectly seasoned rice creates an irresistible balance of flavours. Plus, it’s completely customisable—swap the chicken for prawns, add extra veggies, or spice it up with a dash of chilli. No matter how you tweak it, ginger chicken fried rice is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time!
How to Serve & What to Pair It With
This ginger chicken fried rice is a satisfying meal on its own, but if you want to create a full Asian-inspired feast, here are some perfect pairings:
- Dumplings – Whether they’re homemade or frozen, dumplings are always a winner.
- Spring Rolls – Crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour.
- Asian Cucumber Salad – A light, refreshing side to balance the richness of the rice.
- Sweet Chilli Sauce – Drizzle a little on top for extra flavour!
For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or an iced green tea pairs beautifully.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This ginger chicken fried rice is a great meal-prep option! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a hot pan with a little oil to keep the texture crispy. If using a microwave, sprinkle a little water on top before reheating to prevent dryness.
Pro Tip: Freeze your rice separately before making fried rice – it keeps better and reheats perfectly! 🙌
Other Delicious Recipes to Try Next!
If you loved this ginger chicken fried rice, here are some other quick and flavourful dishes you’ll enjoy:
Each of these recipes is simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Share Your Creations!
I’d love to see how your ginger chicken fried rice turns out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff so I can share your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
Ginger Chicken Fried Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Day 2 of Easy Dinners for around $20. Let’s talk about the ultimate one-pan dinner that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! This ginger chicken fried rice is a flavour-packed dish that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but fabulous!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a hot pan, toss in your chicken and ginger paste. Cook for 1 minute to seal that chicken goodness.
- Next, add your carrots and capsicum. Cook for a few minutes to soften the carrots slightly.
- Sprinkle over the Chinese 5 spice and white pepper for a burst of flavour.
- Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and Chinese rice wine. Give it a quick mix!
- Now, add your cooled rice to the pan and stir well to coat every grain in that delicious sauce.
- Finally, sprinkle over your coriander leaves and green onions. Stir through and serve hot!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
High heat is essential! Cooking in a super-hot wok with a little oil helps develop that signature smoky flavour you get from takeaway fried rice.
If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before frying. It won’t be as firm, but it will help prevent mushiness.