Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with my Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice! This dish brings together the savory goodness of fried rice with a twist of tangy ketchup, creating a unique and delightful meal that’s perfect for any time of day. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a satisfying and delicious dish!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the comforting flavors of a classic Japanese breakfast but hesitated due to its intricate preparation, my Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice is the answer you’ve been searching for! Inspired by my beloved Japanese Omurice dish, this recipe ingeniously transforms the rice component into a delectable fried rice, omitting the need for the egg pouch! It’s a shortcut recipe that I promise you will love!
With my signature hibachi-style technique borrowed from favorites like Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice and Spam Fried Rice, you’ll savor every bite of this hearty dish, bursting with the savory goodness of bacon and the tangy allure of ketchup. Perfect for anyone seeking a simple yet flavorful meal, my Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice is a must-try for those eager to experience the essence of Japanese cuisine without the fuss. So why wait? Dive into a Japanese cooking adventure and whip up this delightful dish now!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Rice – rice of choice.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Butter – salted or unsalted.
- Mushrooms – choose from white mushrooms or cremini mushrooms.
- Bacon – regular store-bought bacon sliced into small pieces.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion.
- Carrots – fresh and chopped.
- Green Peas – frozen or fresh.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Ketchup – regular ketchup.
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
Additional Add Ins
Enhance your Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice with flavorful ingredient add-ins like Ham, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, chopped Chicken or Beef, Spam, chopped Garlic, Scallions, Edamame, or a Fried Egg for added flavor and texture.
🍚 Rice Note
For optimal results, use Leftover Cold Rice or Day-Old Cooked Cold Rice. This technique efficiently reduces excess moisture, making it easier to get the proper fried rice texture with home cooking.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
Prep Your Ingredients in advance for efficiency and use a roomy Wok or Deep Skillet. Opt for High-Temperature Cooking Oil to achieve that signature sizzle and pop.
Step 1 In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, water, and your preferred sweetener to create a flavorful sauce.
Step 2 In a large pan, start by cooking the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, transfer the crispy bacon to a plate.
Step 3 In the same pan, add oil and bring it up to the right temperature. Then, introduce the rice, onions, and carrots, and let them cook together for about 2 minutes. This brief sauté allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
🍳 Fried Rice Cooking Pro Tip
Avoid Overcrowding the pan to ensure there’s enough space for all the rice to cook evenly under high heat and within the correct temperature range. If making a large serving, it’s better to Cook in Batches instead.
Step 4 Toss in some butter, mushrooms, frozen peas, and the cooked bacon. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Pour in the ketchup sauce you prepared earlier and ensure it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
Serve your fried rice Piping Hot. Heating the dish thoroughly enhances its flavors and textures.
Recipe Variations
Elevate your dish with enticing variations. Substitute the ketchup sauce base with garlic butter to craft a savory Garlic Butter Vegetable Fried Rice. Add beef for a hearty Japanese Beef Fried Rice or chicken for a flavorful Garlic Chicken Fried Rice. These simple tweaks offer diverse flavors to satisfy any palate.
Pairing Recommendations
Complete your meal by pairing your fried rice with Japanese Scrambled Eggs for a protein-rich addition. Serve alongside Tofu Miso Soup or Egg Drop Miso Soup for a comforting and flavorful accompaniment. These combinations create a satisfying and balanced Japanese breakfast experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ensure my fried rice turns out fluffy and not mushy?
To ensure your fried rice turns out fluffy and not mushy, it's crucial to use cold, dry leftover rice. High heat is also key to achieving that perfect texture. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking to allow the rice to fry evenly. Following these steps will help you achieve fluffy and delicious fried rice every time!
Is it necessary to use a wok, or can I use a regular frying pan?
While using a wok is traditional, you can definitely use a regular frying pan for making fried rice. Just ensure that the frying pan is large enough to provide ample space for the rice to cook evenly. As long as you have a spacious frying pan, you can achieve delicious fried rice without the need for a wok.
Can I freeze this fried rice for later consumption, and if yes, how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze this fried rice for later consumption. Ensure that the fried rice is fully cooked before freezing it. Once cooked, allow it to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the fried rice into ziplock bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing them. Store them flat in the freezer for optimal storage. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the frozen fried rice in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Storage Tips
To store your leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate. This method ensures freshness and preserves the flavors for up to 5-7 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups Rice rice of choice
- 1 tsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 White Mushrooms or cremini mushrooms
- 2 Slices Bacon
- 1 tbsp Onion chopped
- 1 tbsp Carrots chopped
- 1 tbsp Green Peas
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1/2 tbsp Water
- 1/2 tbsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Prepare mushroom, bacon, onion and carrots by finely slicing/chopping.
- Combine ketchup, sweetener and water inside a mixing bowl.
- In a small fry pan, add bacon on medium high heat and cook for 3-4 minutes or until done to liking. Transfer to a holding plate and discard excess oil.
- In a new large fry pan, add oil and bring up to temp. Next add in rice , chopped onions, chopped carrots and cook on high heat for 2 minutes while occasionally stirring.
- After 2 minutes, add butter, sliced mushroom, cooked bacon, peas, salt, black pepper and mix well. Continue an additional 1-2 minutes or until desired rice texture is reached.
- Mix in ketchup sauce, combine well and transfer to a serving plate.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving