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Let's begin the recipe of schezwan fried rice. Boil water in a large pot, then add 250 gms of long-grained basmati rice.
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After draining the extra water, after the rice is about 80% cooked and is a little firm to the bite.
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This is the stage where overcooking the rice makes it soggy during the stir-frying process.
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Once your rice reaches this point, then drain it immediately, but lay it out on a big platter or tray to cool.
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It helps spread grains of rice to stay separated rather than sticking together.
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When the rice is cooling, heat two tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over medium flame.
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It's essential to allow the rice to cool, as otherwise, the rice can get mushy, and the fried rice will not retain the texture we desire.
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Put one finely chopped onion, 2 chopped green chillies, and two tablespoons of chopped garlic in the wok.
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Continue to saut the mixture until the onions have been translucent.
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But the green chillies will infuse good spiciness to it, and garlic itself contributes aromatic depth to the dish, forming the foundational flavour in fried rice.
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Now add 1/2 cup of finely cut vegetables to the pan.
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Carrots, beans, and capsicum are plentiful in this dish, but you can also add peas or cabbage.
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Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes.
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You will want the vegetables slightly crunchy, so don't overcook.
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This will ensure that, at the end of cooking, all the elements in fried rice seem harmonious; the softness of the grains contrasts with the crunch of the vegetables.
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Now add the key flavouring agents to turn this into Schezwan fried rice.
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Add two tablespoons of Schezwan sauce made from red chillies, garlic, and vinegar; it is a spicy sauce whose kick gives this dish its characteristic fiery flavour.
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Add one teaspoon of soy sauce for a savoury umami flavour and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar to usher in slight tanginess and brighten the dish.
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Mix everything well so that vegetables are evenly coated with sauces. Add the cooked and cooled rice into the pan with well-combined sauces and vegetables.
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By now, the rice should have cooled down enough to hold its shape when mixed with the other ingredients.
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Now sprinkle in some salt according to taste and just toss everything lightly.
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Ensure that the rice grains are evenly coated with the Schezwan and soy sauces.
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Mix the ingredients nicely and gently, as you do not want to break those rice grains, which will turn the fried rice into a sticky mess.
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Cook the mixture further for another 5-7 minutes, often stirring in order not to get stuck in the bottom of your pan.
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Further frying the mixture allows the rice grain to absorb flavours from the sauce and slightly get crispy.
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The lumps are also avoided by regularly stirring to ensure heat is well spread.
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Finally, the Schezwan fried rice should be garnished with liberal bunches of freshly chopped spring onions. The green onion gives a faintly sweet fresh hit and a pop of colour to this dish, which makes it even more vivid and savoury.
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Serve Schezwan fried rice hot with or without Manchurian or a simple salad. This dish's intense, sour, and savoury flavours make it perfect for lunch and dinner.