Golden Chili Oil Fried Rice in 10 Minutes! is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together the rich, aromatic flavors of chili oil and fried rice. The chili oil adds a spicy, savory kick, while the fried rice is cooked until golden and slightly crispy, creating a perfect balance of textures. The simplicity of the dish makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you need a quick meal with a lot of flavor. It’s also a great way to use up leftover rice and make a tasty, one-pan dish in no time!
The first time I made this, I was looking for something fast but packed with flavor, and it turned out to be a game-changer! The golden color from the chili oil makes it visually appealing, and the combination of heat from the oil and the richness of the fried rice makes it totally addictive. What I love most about Golden Chili Oil Fried Rice is how customizable it is—you can add veggies, scrambled eggs, or even some protein like chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal. It’s a perfect option for a quick lunch or dinner that feels both comforting and exciting!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Meal prepping
- Spice lovers
- Quick lunch ideas
- Pairing with Asian-inspired dishes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Golden Chili Oil Fried Rice will become a new favorite:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy days.
- Vibrant Flavor: The golden chili oil brings a bold and spicy kick to the rice.
- Customizable: Add your favorite protein or vegetables to personalize the dish.
- Savory and Satisfying: Each bite is packed with flavor, making it a hearty meal.
- Perfect Texture: The rice is fluffy yet slightly crispy, thanks to the frying process.
- Aromatic: The garlic and chili oil create an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required, making it easy to prepare and enjoy.
- Affordable Ingredients: Basic pantry ingredients come together to create a gourmet dish.
- Great for Leftovers: Use up leftover rice for a quick meal the next day.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Can be made without meat or with your preferred protein.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons golden chili oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Green onions, sliced
- Fried shallots
- Cilantro leaves
- Red chili flakes
Ingredient Highlights
- Golden Chili Oil: Adds a flavorful heat that coats the rice and gives it a beautiful golden color.
- Day-Old Rice: Perfect for fried rice, as it’s drier and fries up better than freshly cooked rice.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor and gives the rice a savory depth.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty finish to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Fried Rice:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil and golden chili oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble them until fully cooked.
- Fry the Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir to combine with the garlic, vegetables, and eggs. Fry for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Season the Rice: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, fried shallots, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for extra spice. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Golden Chili Oil Fried Rice:
- As a Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.
- With Fried Eggs: Top with a fried egg for extra richness and flavor.
- For Meal Prep: Portion the fried rice into containers for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- With Tofu: Add sautéed tofu for a vegetarian protein option.
- With Shrimp or Chicken: Mix in shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier dish.
- As a Snack: Enjoy as a quick snack when you’re craving something savory and spicy.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Serve alongside pickled cucumbers or kimchi for a tangy contrast.
- As a Party Dish: Serve as part of a larger spread at gatherings or potlucks.
- With Chili Sauce: Drizzle extra chili sauce for a fiery kick.
- With Sliced Avocado: Add avocado for a creamy contrast to the heat of the chili oil.
Additional Tips
- Use Cold Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist for fried rice. Day-old rice works best for frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the rice in batches to ensure it fries evenly.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice tolerance.
- Use High Heat: Fry the rice over medium-high heat to get a crispy texture.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or basil adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Garlic Fried Rice: Increase the amount of garlic and add more chili oil for a stronger flavor.
- Vegetarian Fried Rice: Skip the eggs and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Add chopped pineapple for a sweet contrast to the spicy chili oil.
- Beef Fried Rice: Add thinly sliced beef or pork for a meaty version of the dish.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Mix in shrimp for a seafood-inspired fried rice.
- Curry Fried Rice: Stir in a tablespoon of curry powder for a unique twist.
- Garlic Butter Fried Rice: Swap the chili oil for garlic butter for a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice: Incorporate chopped kimchi for an added layer of flavor and heat.
- Cashew Fried Rice: Add cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture.
- Vegan Fried Rice: Use tofu or tempeh as a protein and skip the eggs for a plant-based version.
Special Equipment
- Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for stir-frying and ensuring even heat distribution.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the rice without breaking the grains.
- Rice Cooker or Instant Pot: To easily cook rice ahead of time.
- Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure the oil and seasonings.
FAQ Section
- Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
Day-old rice is best because it’s less sticky and fries better, but you can use fresh rice if needed. - Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of chili oil or use a mild version of the oil for less heat. - How long does this fried rice last in the fridge?
It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze the fried rice?
Yes, freeze the rice for up to 1 month. Reheat in a skillet before serving. - What can I substitute for golden chili oil?
Use regular chili oil or make your own by infusing vegetable oil with dried chili flakes. - Can I add different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. - Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well for a healthier version of the dish. - How do I prevent the rice from being too sticky?
Make sure to use day-old rice and fluff it up before adding it to the pan to prevent clumping. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients for a larger batch, but you may need to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Golden Chili Oil Fried Rice in 10 Minutes is the perfect dish for when you need a quick, flavorful meal. This vibrant and aromatic fried rice gets its signature golden hue from the rich chili oil, which not only adds color but also a spicy, savory kick to the dish. The rice is stir-fried with vegetables, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce, allowing the chili oil to coat every grain, infusing the fried rice with its bold, warming flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for a fast weeknight dinner or when you have leftover rice to use up. You can also customize the fried rice with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even a fried egg on top for extra richness.
I can’t wait to see how your Golden Chili Oil Fried Rice turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!