John Miller
Mushroom fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a light main course or a side. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be made with various mushrooms, vegetables, and sauces. The dish is typically cooked in a wok or skillet, where the mushrooms are seared and stir-fried with crispy rice, resulting in a savoury and aromatic flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main or side |
| Cuisine | Indo-Chinese |
| Dietary Requirements | Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, rice, oil, eggs, onions, garlic, ginger, chilli, spring onions, bell peppers, green peas, beansprouts, soy sauce, salt, pepper |
| Rice Type | Long-grain, medium-grain, short-grain, brown, jasmine, Japanese short-grain, Chinese medium-grain white rice |
| Mushroom Types | Shiitake, oyster, white button, baby bella, king oyster, morel, cremini, straw, exotic, mixed |
| Cooking Method | Stir-fried, seared, sautéed, fried |
| Cooking Time | Under 30 minutes |
| Utensils | Wok, skillet, pan |
| Oil Type | Peanut, vegetable, avocado, sesame, canola, olive |
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What You'll Learn
Types of mushrooms to use
Mushroom fried rice is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of mushrooms, depending on your preference and availability. Here are some popular options:
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their strong, intense flavour and earthy aroma. They are widely available in supermarkets and add a distinct savoury taste to the dish. When using shiitake mushrooms, it is recommended to use a small amount and pair them with milder mushrooms to balance the flavour.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are known for their unique umami flavour, reminiscent of seafood. They provide a delicious savoury taste to the fried rice. Oyster mushrooms are commonly used in mushroom fried rice, especially when paired with other varieties.
White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms are the classic choice for fried rice. They are mild in flavour and readily available in most places. White button mushrooms are versatile and can be paired with other ingredients without overwhelming the dish.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, have a more robust flavour than white button mushrooms. They add a nice earthy taste to the dish and are a great option if you're looking for something a little different.
Exotic Mushrooms
If you want to take your mushroom fried rice to the next level, you can experiment with exotic mushrooms like king oyster, morels, portobellos, or mixed exotic varieties. These mushrooms can elevate the dish and provide a unique and indulgent experience.
Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms, such as shiitake or straw mushrooms, can also be used in fried rice. Simply rehydrate them in water for about 30 minutes before using them in the recipe. Dried mushrooms can add a concentrated flavour to the dish and are a great option when fresh mushrooms are not available.
Ultimately, the type of mushrooms you choose for your fried rice depends on your personal preference and what is locally available. Feel free to mix and match different varieties to create a unique and flavourful mushroom fried rice dish.
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Types of rice to use
Mushroom fried rice is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of rice, depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Here are some options for the types of rice you can use:
Leftover or Pre-cooked Rice
Using leftover or pre-cooked rice is a common and convenient option for making mushroom fried rice. This is because the rice has already dried out a bit, which helps it to separate into individual grains and get crispy when fried. It's best to use rice that has been in the fridge or freezer for a day or more, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy and stick together.
Long-Grain Rice
Long-grain rice, such as jasmine rice, is a popular choice for mushroom fried rice. It has a lighter texture and less starch, so the grains are less likely to stick together. This type of rice gets nice and fluffy, making your fried rice dish airy and delicious.
Medium-Grain Rice
Medium-grain rice, including jasmine rice, is another option for mushroom fried rice. It has a slightly higher starch content than long-grain rice, which helps the rice hold together better. This can be a good choice if you want a more cohesive dish or if you're serving it with sauces that need to stick to the rice.
Short-Grain Rice
While less common, short-grain rice can also be used for mushroom fried rice. This type of rice is typically used in Japanese-style fried rice. It has the highest starch content of the three grain types, so it tends to stick together the most. However, it can still be used to create a tasty fried rice dish, especially if you follow the tips for preventing rice from sticking during cooking.
Brown Rice
If you prefer, you can also use brown rice for your mushroom fried rice. Brown rice has a chewier texture and a nuttier flavour compared to white rice. It is a healthy option that can add some extra fibre and nutrients to your dish.
Rice Variety Tips
When choosing your rice, consider the texture and flavour you want to achieve. For a lighter and fluffier dish, opt for long-grain or medium-grain rice. For a stickier and more cohesive dish, short-grain rice might be a better choice. Remember to rinse your rice well before cooking to remove excess starch, and consider soaking it for a bit to enhance its texture.
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Other ingredients to add
Mushroom fried rice is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and what you have available. The core ingredients are mushrooms, rice, oil, and aromatics, but you can also add other ingredients to create a more substantial meal or to add extra flavour and texture.
One way to bulk up your mushroom fried rice is to add some form of protein. Scrambled or beaten eggs are a popular choice for this, but you could also add tofu, chicken, or cauliflower wings.
You can also add other vegetables to mushroom fried rice. Peas, beansprouts, bell peppers, and green onions (scallions) are all common additions, but you can also add cabbage, celery, asparagus, carrots, or even more exotic ingredients like chanterelles or porcini mushrooms. If you're using fresh mushrooms, you can also use the mushroom water to cook the rice, adding extra flavour.
Finally, you can experiment with different types of rice and oils to change the texture and flavour of your fried rice. Jasmine rice is a popular choice, but you can also use brown rice, short-grain rice, or medium-grain rice. As for oils, peanut, vegetable, avocado, sesame, and canola oil are all good options, depending on your preferences and what you have available.
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How to cook the mushrooms
When it comes to cooking the mushrooms, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can use fresh or dried mushrooms. If you opt for dried mushrooms, such as shiitake, you will need to rehydrate them by soaking them in water for about 30 minutes before slicing and cooking them. If you're short on time, you can slice the mushrooms first and then soak them in water while you prepare the other ingredients.
The type of mushroom you choose will depend on your personal preference and availability. Some common varieties used in mushroom fried rice include shiitake, oyster, white button, baby bella, cremini, king oyster, morels, and exotic mushrooms like straw mushrooms. If using shiitake mushrooms, it's best to use a small amount and pair them with milder mushrooms as they have a strong flavour.
To cook the mushrooms, heat some oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use olive oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or canola oil. If using dried mushrooms, you may want to trim away any tough stems. Add the sliced mushrooms to the hot oil and stir-fry them for about 1 to 3 minutes until they are tender, lightly browned and caramelized. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and onions to the mushrooms while sautéing to build flavour.
If you're cooking the rice separately, it's best to remove the mushrooms from the wok or skillet once they're cooked and set them aside. If you're cooking the rice and mushrooms together, simply follow the steps for cooking the rice, ensuring that the mushrooms don't burn.
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How to cook the rice
To cook the rice for mushroom fried rice, it is recommended to use leftover rice, which will better absorb the flavours while cooking. If you are not using leftover rice, it is important to cook the rice before frying it. Bring three cups of water to a boil in a large pot, adding a teaspoon of oil to the water. Rinse the rice well a few times to remove surface starch, and soak the rice until the water boils. When the water is rapidly boiling, drain the water from the rice and add the rice to the pot. Let the rice cook until it is al dente—fully cooked yet firm and not mushy. Drain the rice and let it cool completely. If the rice is overcooked, drizzle some oil over it and spread it on a tray to cool.
When you are ready to cook the fried rice, separate the rice grains with your fingers so that they do not stick together. Heat a wok or pan on high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or another oil of your choice. You can also add a small amount of sesame oil for flavour. Add two chopped cloves of garlic and sauté until aromatic. Then, add a finely chopped onion and sauté for a minute. At this point, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, capsicum, or celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and cooked completely.
Next, add the cooked rice to the wok or pan. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and stir-fry for a minute. If the rice starts to stick, increase the heat and keep stir-frying, using the spatula to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Push the rice to the side and make space in the middle of the wok or pan. Add beaten eggs to the space and stir until they are mostly set, then mix everything together. Continue stir-frying for 30 seconds. If desired, let the mixture sit undisturbed for a minute to get some browning. Finally, turn off the heat and drizzle over some sesame oil.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom fried rice is a quick and easy dish that can be served as a light main or
You can use any edible mushroom for fried rice, such as button mushrooms, shiitake, oyster, cremini, or white mushrooms. If you want to use dried mushrooms, rehydrate them for 30 minutes before you start cooking.
It's best to use leftover, pre-cooked rice for fried rice. You can use any type of rice, but long-grain rice with less starch, such as jasmine, works particularly well as it gets fluffy without the grains sticking together.
You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, green peas, beansprouts, and cabbage, as well as eggs, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet, add your chosen ingredients and stir-fry until cooked. If using eggs, cook them first, then remove them from the pan and set aside before adding your other ingredients.
