Slow Cooker Fried Rice
Craving a tasty and easy-to-make meal? Try this slow cooker fried rice recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will have your family asking for more.
Whether you’re short on time or just want to switch up your usual dinner routine, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
Origins
Tracing back the roots of slow cooker fried rice requires exploring its delectable culinary background.
Fried rice has been around for centuries, having been invented during the Sui Dynasty in China.
The idea of preparing fried rice in a slow cooker is more recent. Slow cookers gained fame in the 1970s, providing a straightforward way to make meals with little effort.
Home cooks soon found that slow cooker fried rice wasn’t only easy to make but also gave delicious results. The slow cooking enabled the flavors to intermingle and the rice to become tender and infused with savory seasonings.
Since then, slow cooker fried rice has become a beloved dish, providing a convenient and flavorful variation of a classic Chinese staple.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Fried Rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare slow cooker fried rice:
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Prepare the slow cooker: Begin by spraying the slow cooker with cooking spray to stop sticking.
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Combine the ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chicken broth. Then, pour the mixture into the slow cooker.
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Add the rice and vegetables: Stir in cooked rice, frozen peas and carrots, and chopped green onions. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly.
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Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and leave to cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the rice is tender and the flavors are blended.
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Optional toppings: Before serving, you can garnish the fried rice with extra green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
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Enjoy: Serve the slow cooker fried rice hot and enjoy the delicious, flavorful dish.
Tips for Cooking
Stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker thoroughly is key for even cooking and flavor distribution. Doing so will help avoid clumps of rice or veggies and ensure each bite is full of flavor. Here are some tips to make perfect slow cooker fried rice every time:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use long-grain rice for the best texture and fluffiness. |
| 2 | Precook the rice before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent it from becoming mushy. |
| 3 | Add the vegetables and protein towards the end of the cooking time to retain their crispiness and avoid overcooking. |
These tips will help you make an amazing fried rice dish without any trouble. Get your slow cooker ready and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.
Final Thoughts
Creating delicious slow cooker fried rice is easy when you follow these key tips.
Start by using day-old rice, as fresh rice can turn mushy in the slow cooker.
Then, chop all your ingredients into small, uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
Low sodium soy sauce should be used to control the saltiness of the dish.
Additionally, add the eggs towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
Avoid lifting the lid and stirring the rice frequently, as this can interfere with the cooking process.
Finally, let the fried rice rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
With these tips, you’ll be able to make a flavorful dish every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Regular Frying Pan Instead of a Slow Cooker for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a regular frying pan in lieu of a slow cooker for this recipe. You may need to stir the ingredients more often, but the dish should turn out just as tasty.
How Long Does It Take to Cook the Fried Rice in a Slow Cooker?
It can take up to 2-3 hours to prepare fried rice in a slow cooker. The slower cooking method helps the flavors to blend together and the rice to become tender. So have patience and savor the delectable end result!
Can I Substitute the Soy Sauce With Another Type of Sauce?
Yes, you can switch out the soy sauce with an alternate sauce if you desire. Pick a sauce that works with the flavors of the dish, and adjust the amount accordingly.
Is It Necessary to Pre-Cook the Rice Before Adding It to the Slow Cooker?
No pre-cooking is required for the rice before adding it to the slow cooker. The slow cooker can be used to cook the rice along with the other ingredients, resulting in a tasty and effortless meal.
Can I Add Additional Vegetables or Proteins to the Fried Rice Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely customize the fried rice recipe with additional vegetables or proteins. This will add more flavor and nutrition to the dish. Simply follow the recipe as is and add your favorite vegetables and proteins to make it unique.
