Szechuan Fried Rice
A fiery and flavorful Indo-Chinese classic, this fried rice gets its kick from a homemade Szechuan sauce. Perfectly cooked rice tossed with crisp vegetables and aromatic spices, ready in under 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Szechuan Sauce
- b.Begin by soaking the 8 dried red chilies in 1/2 cup of hot water for 20 minutes until they are soft and pliable.
- c.Drain the chilies, reserving a few tablespoons of the soaking water. Transfer the soaked chilies to a blender.
- d.To the blender, add 4 garlic cloves, 1 inch of ginger, 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 0.5 tsp sugar.
- e.Blend into a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved chili water to help it blend.
- f.Heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil in a small pan over low-medium heat. Add the blended paste and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the paste darkens in color and the oil begins to separate. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Stir-fry Vegetables and Aromatics
- b.Place a large wok or a heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp of sesame oil.
- c.Once the oil is shimmering, add the 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of minced ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped spring onion whites and the finely chopped onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- e.Add the finely diced carrot, french beans, and green capsicum. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Finish the Fried Rice
- b.Add the 4 cups of cold, cooked rice to the wok. Use your spatula to gently break apart any clumps.
- c.Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of your prepared Szechuan sauce (or more, depending on your spice preference), the remaining 0.5 tbsp soy sauce, 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper.
- d.Toss everything together vigorously on high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the rice and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- e.Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped spring onion greens.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Szechuan Fried Rice immediately, garnished with extra spring onion greens if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Day-old, cold rice is crucial for the best texture. Fresh, warm rice contains too much moisture and will result in a sticky, mushy fried rice.
- 2Ensure your wok or pan is very hot before you start cooking. This high heat gives the dish a characteristic smoky flavor known as 'wok hei'.
- 3Have all your ingredients chopped and ready ('mise en place') before you begin. Stir-frying is a very fast cooking process.
- 4Do not overcrowd the pan. If making a larger batch, cook the rice in two separate portions to ensure it fries properly rather than steaming.
- 5The unique tingling, numbing sensation of Szechuan peppercorns is key to this dish. If you're new to them, start with a smaller amount and adjust.
- 6You can store any leftover homemade Szechuan sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
For a more substantial meal, add diced paneer, tofu, shredded chicken, or shrimp. Sauté the protein separately and add it back in with the rice.
Vegetable SwapVegetable Swap
Feel free to use other quick-cooking vegetables like sweet corn, mushrooms, cabbage, or baby corn.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Nutty AdditionNutty Addition
For extra texture and flavor, garnish the finished dish with a tablespoon of roasted peanuts or cashews.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Boosts Metabolism
The capsaicin found in the red chilies used in the Szechuan sauce can help to temporarily boost metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Aids Digestion
Ginger is a well-known digestive aid that can help soothe the stomach and reduce nausea. Garlic also possesses properties that support a healthy gut.
Rich in Antioxidants
Garlic, ginger, and chilies are packed with powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Source of Vitamins
The variety of vegetables like carrots, capsicum, and beans provides essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
Frequently asked questions
Szechuan Fried Rice can be part of a balanced diet. It's packed with vegetables that provide vitamins and fiber. However, it can be high in sodium from soy sauce and high in carbs from the rice. To make it healthier, you can use brown rice, reduce the amount of oil and salt, and load it with more vegetables.