Quick answer: To make fried rice, stir-fry cold, day-old rice in a very hot pan with oil, aromatics, vegetables, egg and seasoning. Three things matter most: use cold rice, cook on high heat, and do not overcrowd the pan. For takeaway flavour in one shake, Costack Fried Rice Seasoning does the heavy lifting.
Why day-old rice matters
Fresh rice is soft and wet, so it clumps and goes mushy in the pan. Cold rice from the fridge has dried out and firmed up, so the grains separate and fry instead of steam. If you do not have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and chill it for an hour.
The method, step by step
- Heat the pan hard. A wok or wide frying pan on high. Add a little neutral oil.
- Aromatics first. Fry chopped onion, garlic and ginger for a minute until fragrant.
- Push aside, scramble the egg. Cook a beaten egg in the gap, then break it up.
- Add the rice. Tip in the cold rice and press it into the hot pan, then toss. Let it catch a little.
- Vegetables and protein. Peas, carrots, spring onion, plus any cooked chicken, prawns or leftover meat.
- Season. A shake of Costack Fried Rice Seasoning (or soy sauce plus garlic, onion and white pepper). Toss to coat.
- Finish. A final high-heat toss for that smoky, just-fried edge. Serve straight away.
Common mistakes
- Wet rice: the number one reason fried rice goes mushy. Use cold, dry rice.
- Pan too cool: low heat steams instead of fries. Get it hot.
- Overcrowding: too much in the pan drops the temperature. Cook in batches if needed.
- Under-seasoning: rice is bland on its own. Season properly.
Easy variations
Egg fried rice, chicken fried rice, prawn fried rice, or a veg-loaded version. The method is the same, you just change what goes in. For a fuller walk-through with our blend, see the Costack Fried Rice Recipe.
FAQ
Can I use fresh rice for fried rice?
You can, but chill it first. Spread it on a tray and refrigerate for an hour so it dries out, or it will turn mushy.
Why is my fried rice mushy?
Usually wet rice, a pan that is not hot enough, or too much rice at once. Cold rice, high heat, smaller batches.
What seasoning goes in fried rice?
Garlic, onion, white pepper and soy are classic. A ready blend like Costack Fried Rice Seasoning covers it in one shake.
Where can I buy fried rice seasoning in the UK?
Direct from costack.uk, with free UK delivery on orders over ยฃ35.
