Ingredients
2 cups long grain rice
3 cups water
1/8 tsp sea-salt flakes
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
4 eggs
300g leg ham, finely diced
1 green shallot, thinly sliced
300g small prawns, peeled
1 cup frozen peas
1 Tbsp dark soy sauce
Banana leaf, to serve
Extra thinly sliced green shallot, to garnish
Lime cheeks, to serve
Method
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Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear, then put in a large bowl. Add enough cold water to cover rice and set aside for 30 minutes. Drain, then put in a large saucepan with water and salt. Put over a high heat, then bring to the boil.
When craters appear on surface, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to stand, covered, for 15 minutes. Fluff grains with a fork.
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Meanwhile, heat 1/2 of the oil in a wok or large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Crack in eggs and cook, stirring, to break up into small pieces. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
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In same wok, heat remaining oil over a high heat. Add cooked rice, ham, shallot, prawns and peas. Stir-fry for 5 minutes or until prawns are cooked, peas are warmed through and ham is starting to brown. Stir through dark soy sauce and cooked egg.
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Line serving bowls with a piece of banana leaf. Spoon fried rice on top of leaves and garnish with extra green shallot. Serve with lime cheeks.
What is the secret to good fried rice?
There are a couple of tips that can help you make the perfect fried rice, including:
- Rinsing your rice in cold water before cooking
- Prepping all of your ingredients before putting in the wok
- Use a large wok or skillet: this helps to increase surface level heat so all of your ingredients cook evenly
- Keep the temperature up high
- Add a splash of soy sauce at the end of the cooking for added flavour
Do you have to use a wok?
You do not have to use a wok for this recipe, a skillet or fry pan will work just fine. The reason a wok is preferred is because it has a large base and sides that can reach very high temperatures, which ensures even cooking and allows you to toss the rice without it flying everywhere.
Does fried rice taste better when the rice is old?
Using cold, day old rice instead of freshly cooked rice will help give your fried rice the perfect texture. If you wish to replicate the best fried rice, complete step 1 in the method a day earlier, and leave the rice in the fridge overnight.