asian essentials: awesome egg-fried rice

How To Make asian essentials: awesome egg-fried rice

• 
  1

  PREP/PREPARE
• 
  2

  You will need a good-sized skillet or wok to make this recipe.
• 
  3

  The Rice One of the secrets to a good egg-fried rice is the condition of the rice when you stir-fry it. You do not want fresh out-of-pan rice, it needs to sit for a bit. If it is too fresh, it will just get mushy in the pan. So, you want to make it the day before, and let it chill in the fridge overnight. About an hour or so before using it, let it come to room temp. This will dry it out enough that when it hits the hot pan, it will fry up nicely, and not break down.
• 
  4

  Annatto Seeds Annatto seeds are a versatile spice, that when used in large quantities impart an earthy, lemony, peppery taste to a dish; however, they are used in another way… coloring When used in small amounts (like in this recipe) they impart a rich yellow/orange color to the recipe; especially with items like rice. Annatto is sometimes called the “poor man’s” saffron. Not a bad name given that it creates this beautiful appetizing color, for a LOT less money. As you can see from the recipe images, the awesome yellow/orange color comes from ground up annatto seeds.
• 
  5

  Seasoning Mix With the exception of the ground annatto, these items are pretty much standard for Asian fried rice. I would put in a couple of good dashes of tamari sauce or liquid aminos, and a drop or two of toasted sesame oil. A good pinch or two of salt, and a bit less of pepper should deepen the flavors, and a few sprinkles of annatto powder (if you are using it) will give the recipe a nice yellow/orange color. Experiment with the spices until you achieve the perfect combination of flavors.
• 
  6

  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 
  7

  Place a skillet or wok over medium high heat, when the pan heats up, add a tablespoon or two of oil.
• 
  8

  When the oil heats up and begins to shimmer, add the scrambled eggs.
• 
  9

  Scramble the eggs in the pan until they are cooked, then remove and reserve.
• 
  10

  Add a bit more oil, then add the veggies.
• 
  11

  Stir until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
• 
  12

  Add the rice, and seasoning mix. Gently stir until the rice is incorporated, about 1 minute.
• 
  13

  Lower heat to medium, then return the eggs to the pan. Gently stir to mix the eggs into the rice and veggies, about 1 minute.
• 
  14

  Do a final tasting for proper seasoning.
• 
  15

  PLATE/PRESENT
• 
  16

  Serve as a side with chicken, fish, beef, pork, or eat on its own. Enjoy.
• 
  17

  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
• Printable Recipe Card