This Baked Fried Rice brings all the flavors of traditional fried rice with the ease of a one-pan oven dish. Forget constant stirring over the stove; this recipe gives you hands-off cooking and consistent results every time. With fluffy grains, savory seasonings, and a medley of vegetables, it’s an excellent side or main for family meals or gatherings.
Why Oven-Baked Fried Rice?
Baking fried rice is an easy way to ensure everything cooks evenly without needing to watch the stovetop. This oven method allows the rice to soak up all the rich flavors from the chicken broth, sesame oil, and soy sauce, blending them into a deliciously effortless dish. It’s also perfect for making big batches for meal prep or gatherings.
Fried Rice Variations
Baked fried rice is as adaptable as it is delicious. You can easily mix in different ingredients to match your favorite flavors or meet dietary preferences:
- Protein Boost: Add pre-cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu before baking to turn this dish into a complete meal.
- More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by mixing in chopped bell peppers, broccoli florets, or mushrooms.
- Spicy Kick: For a hint of heat, add a dash of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the broth mixture.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Fried Rice
This baked fried rice is a versatile base that pairs perfectly with a variety of flavorful toppings or proteins for a tasty meal:
- Sticky Wings: Pair the rice with sticky wings to bring a deliciously savory and subtly sweet contrast to the seasoned rice, creating a satisfying, crowd-pleasing combination.
- Crusted Chicken Romano: Enjoy with Crusted Chicken Romano for a meal that combines the crispy, herbaceous chicken with the lightly seasoned rice, ideal for a hearty, comfort-food dinner.
- Fried Egg Topping: Top with a fried egg for an added layer of creaminess and protein, turning this baked fried rice into a simple yet filling breakfast or brunch dish.
Tips for Perfect Baked Fried Rice Every Time
While baked fried rice is straightforward, a few tricks can enhance the flavor and texture:
- Use Low Sodium Broth: Using low sodium chicken broth prevents the dish from becoming overly salty, especially with the soy sauce.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the rice to sit covered for 10 minutes after baking ensures an even texture and makes the rice fluffier.
- Opt for Long-Grain Rice: Long-grain white rice works best as it remains separate and fluffy, preventing clumping.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, baked fried rice stores well and retains its flavor. Let the rice cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
A Meal-Prep Essential
This Baked Fried Rice isn’t just an easy weeknight side; it’s a great option for meal prep. Make a larger batch on the weekend and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier a day or two later.
Baked Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups frozen vegetables a blend of corn, carrots, peas, and green beans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, vegetables, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the top of the rice to brown slightly.
- Take the rice out of the oven, loosely cover with foil, and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve alongside your favorite protein.