Easy Blackstone Fried Rice Recipe | Perfect Griddle Rice at Home

Blackstone fried rice epitomizes the fusion of convenience and flavor, a dish that has garnered widespread acclaim among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Its preparation on the Blackstone griddle not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the dish’s authentic taste. This method of cooking transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight that rivals restaurant quality. The ease with which one can cook large batches makes it a favorite for family dinners and social gatherings, ensuring that anyone can create a savory, satisfying meal with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.

Why Use a Blackstone Griddle?

The Blackstone griddle stands out as the ideal surface for crafting the perfect fried rice. Its expansive cooking area allows for ample space to spread out the rice, ensuring each grain is evenly fried to golden perfection. The griddle’s consistent heat distribution is key to achieving the signature crispiness without the risk of burning. Furthermore, the griddle’s design facilitates the easy movement of ingredients from hotter to cooler zones, giving you control over the cooking temperature.

This adaptability is excellent for adding that desirable ‘wok hei’ — the breath of the wok — which is so characteristic of authentic fried rice. With the Blackstone griddle, you can cook large quantities efficiently, making it a practical choice for entertaining or meal prepping. Its ease of use and versatility make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to recreate their favorite fried rice dish at home.

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Choosing the Right Rice

Selecting the right type of rice is a cornerstone for delicious fried rice. Long grain white rice, like Jasmine, is a top choice due to its fluffy texture and ability to become perfectly crisp when fried. Its grains stay distinct, avoiding the mushiness that can plague shorter grains. Jasmine rice, with its subtle floral aroma, adds a layer of flavor that complements the savory notes of fried rice.

For those seeking a deeper dive into the intricacies of rice selection and preparation for the ideal fried rice, The Pioneer Woman offers a wealth of knowledge. Remember, the rice you choose is not just a base; it’s the star that can elevate your fried rice from good to great.

Rinsing and Cooking Rice

Rinsing rice is a pivotal step in the preparation of fried rice. This process removes excess starch from the surface, preventing the grains from sticking together and resulting in a fluffier texture. Begin by placing the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and wash it under cold water until the water runs clear. As for cooking, achieving the perfect texture for fried rice means the grains must be firm and separate, not mushy. It’s often recommended to cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate it, as chilled rice fries better, keeping its integrity when tossed on the griddle. A simple yet effective technique is to simmer the rice until it’s just done, then spread it out to cool before it goes into the fridge. This ensures each grain will stand out in the final dish, ready to absorb the flavors of your Blackstone fried rice recipe.

Cooking Fried Rice on the Blackstone Griddle

Preparation:

Before firing up your griddle, prepare all your ingredients. This includes cooked rice (preferably chilled overnight), diced vegetables (like onions, carrots, and peas), proteins (such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu), eggs, and your sauce mixture (soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sesame oil).

Heating the Griddle:

Preheat your Blackstone to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the rice and ingredients quickly without burning.

Cooking in Stages:

Start by spreading a thin layer of oil on the griddle. Add your proteins first, cooking them until they’re just done, then push them to the side.

Vegetables and Eggs:

Add another splash of oil, toss in the vegetables, and stir-fry until they’re tender-crisp. Push to the side with the protein. Then, crack the eggs onto the griddle, scramble them until nearly cooked, and mix with the other ingredients.

The Rice:

Now, add a bit more oil and spread your rice out over the griddle. Let it sit for a moment to get that signature crispiness, then stir everything together.

Seasoning:

Pour your sauce mixture over the rice, and stir well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Final Touches:

For an extra flavor boost, you can add chopped green onions and a sprinkle of white pepper. Keep everything moving to prevent sticking and to get an even cook.

Serve Hot:

Once everything is well-combined and the rice has a nice, crispy texture to it, your fried rice is ready to serve straight off the griddle.

Remember, the key to perfect fried rice is in the texture and the balance of flavors. The Blackstone Griddle provides an ideal surface for achieving that restaurant-style wok hei — the breath of the wok, which is the essence of a great stir-fry.

Seasonings and Sauces

Soy Sauce:

This is the foundation of your seasoning, providing a rich, savory umami flavor. Opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Drizzle it evenly across the rice as you stir-fry to ensure every grain is coated with its earthy taste.

Garlic Powder:

Garlic powder offers a convenient way to infuse your rice with a warm, aromatic essence without the worry of burning fresh garlic. A light sprinkle goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dish.

Butter:

A few dollops of butter can be used in place of oil for adding a creamy, rich dimension to your fried rice. It pairs wonderfully with the soy sauce and garlic, creating a velvety texture that makes the rice irresistible.

When adding these seasonings, do so gradually and taste as you go. The key is to build layers of flavor without overwhelming the natural taste of your other fresh ingredients. Remember, a successful fried rice is all about balance — the right amount of saltiness from the soy sauce, a hint of garlic, and the indulgent finish of butter can elevate your fried rice from good to great.

The Add-ins: Customizing Your Fried Rice

Customizing your fried rice is a creative process that caters to your palate. Begin with vegetables; peas, diced carrots, and bell peppers add color, crunch, and nutrition. For a touch of sweetness, toss in some corn. Leafy greens like spinach or bok choy contribute a pleasant earthiness and wilt nicely into the mix.

Proteins are your next addition. Chicken, beef, or shrimp are classic choices that bring heartiness to the meal. For a vegetarian twist, tofu or edamame beans are excellent for their texture and protein content. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s cooked properly before combining it with your rice.

Eggs are a staple in fried rice, offering richness and binding the ingredients together. Scramble them on the side of the griddle before mixing with the rice.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha will do the trick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil can add a burst of freshness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice just before serving brightens the entire dish.

Remember, the beauty of fried rice lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to discover your perfect combination.

Cooking Tools and Tips

For the culinary enthusiast looking to master the art of fried rice on a Blackstone griddle, having the right tools is as crucial as the ingredients themselves. A sturdy, flat spatula is essential for moving and flipping the rice with ease, allowing for even cooking and that desirable crispy texture. Long tongs are useful for adding and tossing ingredients quickly without losing heat. A high-sided griddle press can help to evenly cook thicker add-ins like chicken breasts or pork chops before they’re diced into the rice.

A griddle dome is another invaluable tool, creating a steamy environment to help cook vegetables faster and keep proteins juicy. For the rice itself, consider using a rice cooker to ensure it’s cooked consistently every time, which is a foundational step before it hits the griddle.

FAQs

Can I make fried rice at home without a griddle?

Yes, you can make fried rice on a stovetop using a large skillet. The key is to cook in batches or use multiple skillets to avoid overcrowding, which allows for a crispier texture.

What type of rice is best for fried rice?

Jasmine rice is highly recommended for its flavor and texture, but long grain white rice is also a suitable option. The key is to use rice that has been cooked and cooled, ideally refrigerated overnight, to prevent stickiness.

Why does my fried rice stick together?

Sticking or clumping can occur if the rice isn’t rinsed before cooking or if it’s not cooled properly before frying. Rinsing removes excess starch and cooling helps to separate the grains, resulting in fluffier rice.

conclusion: