Fried rice is a beloved dish around the world, known for its crispy texture, savory flavor, and endless customization options. While traditional fried rice is often made in a wok, there’s a new way to elevate this classic comfort food—using a Blackstone griddle. With its wide, flat cooking surface, the Blackstone griddle offers the perfect platform for creating that signature crispy fried rice texture while allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned griddle master or new to the Blackstone experience, this Blackstone Fried Rice recipe is simple, quick, and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this dish from start to finish, giving you all the tips and tricks to make your fried rice stand out. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The first step in creating your Blackstone Fried Rice is gathering the necessary ingredients. Fried rice is all about layering flavors, so quality ingredients are key to making it taste delicious. Below is a list of the basic ingredients, plus options for protein and customization.
Basic Ingredients
- 4 cups of cooked rice: The best fried rice comes from day-old rice, as it’s dryer and doesn’t clump together when fried. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook fresh rice and let it cool down, or spread it out on a baking sheet to speed up the process.
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil: This aromatic oil brings a nutty depth of flavor to your fried rice and helps achieve that signature crispy texture on the griddle.
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce: A key component in fried rice, soy sauce adds the salty umami flavor that brings the whole dish together. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional): For an extra depth of umami, oyster sauce is a great addition. It’s not essential but adds a savory layer to the rice.
- 2 large eggs: Scrambled eggs are a classic addition to fried rice, offering both texture and protein.
- 2 cups of mixed vegetables: The beauty of fried rice is its versatility, and vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers are common choices. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables, depending on what you have on hand.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Green onions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a fragrant, savory base to the dish.
Protein (Optional)
While fried rice is often served with a protein, you can easily customize this dish to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Chicken, shrimp, or pork (about 1 pound, cooked and chopped) are all great choices. You can also use beef or even tofu for a vegetarian or plant-based version. For this recipe, it’s best to have your protein pre-cooked and chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Method on the Blackstone Griddle
Cooking Blackstone Fried Rice on the griddle is a simple and fun process, but there are a few key tips to follow to ensure everything cooks perfectly.
1. Preheat the Griddle
Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle on medium-high heat. Give it a few minutes to get hot enough to create a slight sizzle when the oil hits the surface. A hot griddle is essential for achieving the crispy texture of fried rice.
2. Scramble the Eggs
Once the griddle is hot, drizzle a little sesame oil over the surface. Crack the eggs directly onto the griddle and use a spatula to scramble them. Stir the eggs constantly until fully cooked. Once scrambled, remove them from the griddle and set aside for later.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add a bit more sesame oil to the griddle and toss in your mixed vegetables. Stir them regularly to prevent burning and to ensure they cook evenly. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes or until they are tender but still have a bit of crispness left.
4. Add Rice and Combine
Once your vegetables are cooked to your liking, it’s time to add the rice. Break up any clumps of rice and spread it evenly across the griddle. Drizzle soy sauce and optional oyster sauce over the rice. Stir constantly, ensuring the rice gets coated with the sauces and starts to crisp up around the edges.
This is the stage where your rice begins to develop that desirable crispy texture. Keep the rice moving to avoid burning, but allow it to sit on the griddle long enough to get crispy bits on the bottom.
5. Add Protein and Eggs
Next, add your protein of choice, whether it’s chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the protein throughout the rice. Then, add the scrambled eggs back onto the griddle and mix them in with the rice.
Continue to stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to mingle and heat through. This is also the time to adjust the seasoning if needed—add a bit more soy sauce or sesame oil if the rice feels dry.
6. Finish with Green Onions
Once the rice and protein are well combined and heated through, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Stir them in gently and allow them to soften just slightly from the heat. The fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor that brightens up the dish.
Customizing Your Blackstone Fried Rice
One of the reasons fried rice is so universally loved is because it can be tailored to suit your preferences. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few ideas for how to customize your Blackstone Fried Rice:
Add More Vegetables
If you prefer a vegetable-heavy fried rice, consider adding extra veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or mushrooms. For an even more colorful and nutritious version, mix in spinach, peas, or even a handful of corn.
Go for Different Proteins
You can easily swap the meat or protein for something else. Try using beef or even a combination of proteins like chicken and shrimp. For a vegetarian twist, swap in tofu or tempeh for a plant-based fried rice that’s just as satisfying.
Make it Spicy
If you love heat, there are plenty of ways to spice up your fried rice. Try adding chili paste or sriracha to the sauce mix for an extra kick. You can also incorporate fresh chopped chili peppers for more spice, or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
Add Sweetness
For a hint of sweetness, consider adding pineapple chunks to your fried rice. The tropical sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors, and it’s an ingredient commonly found in Chinese-style fried rice.
Tips for Perfect Blackstone Fried Rice
If you want to take your Blackstone Fried Rice to the next level, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
- Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, making it difficult to achieve the crispy texture that makes fried rice so special. Day-old rice is perfect because it’s drier and less likely to clump together.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle: If you’re making a larger batch, it’s best to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding the griddle will lower the temperature and prevent the rice from frying properly.
- High Heat is Crucial: The key to getting crispy rice is cooking it on high heat. Make sure your Blackstone griddle is preheated and stay at a medium-high heat throughout the cooking process to get the signature fried rice texture.
- Constant Stirring is Important: Keep the rice moving on the griddle to prevent burning, but allow it to sit in certain spots long enough to get those delicious crispy edges.
- Don’t Skimp on Oil: Using enough sesame oil will help with the frying process and bring out the rich flavors in the dish. If you like a more pronounced sesame flavor, feel free to add a little extra.
Conclusion
Blackstone Fried Rice is a game-changer when it comes to preparing this iconic dish. Thanks to the high heat of the griddle, you can achieve crispy, flavorful rice with minimal effort. Whether you’re using leftover rice, fresh ingredients, or experimenting with proteins and vegetables, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends and family. Follo
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