How To Make Fried Rice Like Panda Express

How to Make Panda Express Fried Rice at Home

Craving that iconic Panda Express fried rice but don't want to leave the house? You're in luck! This comprehensive guide will walk you through making delicious, restaurant-quality fried rice right in your own kitchen. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to mastering the perfect texture and flavor. Get ready to impress yourself and your taste buds!

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Panda Express Fried Rice

The key to replicating Panda Express's famous fried rice lies in the ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

The Rice:

• Day-old rice: This is crucial! Day-old rice is drier and less sticky, resulting in perfectly separated grains. Cook a batch of your favorite long-grain rice a day ahead of time.
• Quantity: Adjust the amount of rice based on how many servings you’re making. A good starting point is 2 cups of cooked rice for 4 servings.

The Veggies:

• Onions: Finely diced, these add a sweet and savory base flavor.
• Carrots: Use finely diced carrots for even cooking.
• Peas: Frozen peas are convenient and add a pop of color and sweetness.
• Optional additions: Feel free to experiment! Other vegetables like bell peppers or scallions can add extra flavor and texture.

The Protein:

• Chicken: Cubed chicken breast is a classic choice. Marinate it beforehand for extra flavor. Alternatively, use pork or shrimp.
• Important Note: Cook your protein separately before adding it to the fried rice. This ensures it's cooked through and prevents it from becoming overcooked in the stir-fry.

The Sauce:

This is where the magic happens. You'll need:

• Soy sauce: The foundation of the flavor profile. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Oyster sauce: This adds depth and umami.
• Sesame oil: A touch of sesame oil enhances the aroma and flavor.
• Honey or brown sugar: A tiny amount of sweetener balances the saltiness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Panda Express Fried Rice Perfection

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Prep Your Ingredients:

• Dice your vegetables finely and consistently.
• Cube and marinate your chicken (if using). A simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic is perfect.
• Cook the chicken separately until fully cooked and set aside.

2. Stir-fry the Vegetables:

• Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
• Add your onions and carrots first and stir-fry until softened.
• Add the peas and any other vegetables, stir-frying until tender-crisp.
• Remove the vegetables from the wok and set aside.

3. Create the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sweetener. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preferences.

4. Combine and Cook:

• Add the day-old rice to the wok and break up any clumps. Stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through.
• Add the cooked chicken and vegetables back to the wok.
• Pour the sauce over the rice and stir-fry until everything is well-combined and heated through.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade Panda Express-style fried rice!

Tips for Success:

• High heat: Use high heat to get that signature stir-fry char on the rice.
• Don't overcrowd the wok: Work in batches if necessary to prevent the rice from steaming instead of frying.
• Taste and adjust: Seasoning is key! Taste the fried rice as you go and adjust the sauce accordingly.

Making Panda Express-style fried rice at home is easier than you think. With a little practice and attention to detail, you'll be enjoying delicious, authentic-tasting fried rice anytime you crave it. Happy cooking!