Emergency Dump ‘n Bake’ Fried Rice

why make this recipe
Emergency Dump ‘n Bake Fried Rice is perfect for those busy days when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This simple recipe requires minimal prep and uses ingredients you likely have on hand. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge and enjoy a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
how to make Emergency Dump ‘n Bake Fried Rice
Ingredients :
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, UNCOOKED (Note 1)
- 2 cups chicken or veg stock, low sodium
- 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce (Note 2)
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (dry sherry, mirin or sake, Note 3)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced with crusher (straight into pan)
- 2 cups frozen diced veg (carrots, peas, corn mix, Note 4 fresh veg)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 1/4 cups / 180g bacon (uncooked) or ham, chopped (I use store bought chopped bacon, Note 5)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup green onion, finely sliced (2 – 3 stems)
Directions :
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C fan).
- Mix ingredients in baking dish: In a baking dish (~22 x 32cm / 9 x 13"), combine all the Baked Fried Rice ingredients except for the bacon. Stir everything together well and then spread the rice evenly across the pan.
- Top with bacon: Scatter the chopped bacon evenly over the surface of the rice mixture.
- Bake covered for 40 minutes: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This will help color the bacon. The liquid should be absorbed and the rice will be cooked, but it might seem a bit wet.
- Rest for 10 minutes: After baking, cover loosely with foil and allow it to stand for 10 minutes.
- Fluff and serve: Add the green onion and sesame oil. Fluff the rice with a fork and enjoy the perfectly cooked grains.
how to serve Emergency Dump ‘n Bake Fried Rice
Serve the fried rice warm on its own or as a side dish with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or tofu. You can also top it with additional green onions or sesame seeds for an extra sprinkle of flavor.
how to store Emergency Dump ‘n Bake Fried Rice
To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
tips to make Emergency Dump ‘n Bake Fried Rice
- Use fresh vegetables if you have them; simply chop and add them instead of frozen.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.
- If you want to add protein, include cooked shrimp, firm tofu, or shredded chicken.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have. Feel free to swap bacon for turkey bacon, ham, or omit meat altogether for a vegetarian version. Add different vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms for variety!
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you will need to adjust the liquid and cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding extra time if needed.
Q: What should I do if the rice isn’t cooked after baking?
A: If the rice appears undercooked, add a little more stock or water, cover again, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.