Sri Lankan fried rice
Sri Lankan fried rice
Sri Lankan Fried Rice: A Flavorful and Aromatic Dish 🇱🇰🍚
Sri Lankan Fried Rice is a delicious and aromatic dish that brings together vibrant flavors from Sri Lankan cuisine. Known for its bold spices, fragrant rice, and a mix of colorful vegetables and proteins, this fried rice is a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful comfort food. Whether served as a main dish or as a side to accompany curries and other Sri Lankan dishes, Sri Lankan Fried Rice is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds!
What Makes Sri Lankan Fried Rice Special? 🍚✨
Sri Lankan Fried Rice is different from other versions of fried rice around the world because of its use of Sri Lankan spices like curry powder, cinnamon, and cardamom, giving it a unique and aromatic flavor. The combination of fragrant basmati rice, meat or seafood, vegetables, and seasonings creates a dish that is both rich and satisfying.
Ingredients for Sri Lankan Fried Rice 🍽️
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or ghee for extra richness)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 green chili, sliced (adjust for spice)
- 1/2 cup carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
- 1-2 eggs (optional, scrambled)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Sri Lankan curry powder (or any mild curry powder)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
- A squeeze of lime juice for freshness
- Sambol (Sri Lankan chili condiment) on the side (optional)
How to Make Sri Lankan Fried Rice 🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- If using fresh rice, cook it and allow it to cool completely. Day-old rice works best because the grains are firmer and less likely to become mushy when stir-fried.
- Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains before cooking.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Meat
- Heat a large wok or pan on medium heat and add the vegetable oil or ghee.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and the onions become soft.
- Stir in the green chili and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are released.
- Add the carrot, green beans, peas, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain their color and crunch.
Step 3: Cook the Meat (or Tofu)
- Add your choice of cooked chicken, shrimp, or pork to the pan. If you're making a vegetarian version, add tofu or extra vegetables instead.
- Stir well and cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Spices
- Sprinkle in the Sri Lankan curry powder, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir everything together so that the vegetables, meat, and spices are evenly mixed.
- Pour in the soy sauce and fish sauce (if using), and stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the Rice
- Add the cooled, cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and toss the rice with the vegetable and meat mixture.
- Stir-fry the rice on high heat, allowing it to absorb the spices and seasoning. Continue to stir for 5-7 minutes to get a slightly crispy texture, but be careful not to burn it.
Step 6: Scramble the Eggs (Optional)
- If you’re adding eggs, push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack 2 eggs into the empty side and scramble them until cooked.
- Once the eggs are scrambled, mix them into the rice, ensuring everything is well combined.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce or salt if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
- Serve with a side of sambol (spicy Sri Lankan chili paste) if you enjoy more heat.
Serving Suggestions 🍴
Sri Lankan Fried Rice can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish or paired with Sri Lankan curries like Sri Lankan chicken curry or beef curry. It also goes wonderfully with grilled fish or sambal (a spicy condiment) on the side. For an added twist, serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad or yoghurt-based raita.
Why You’ll Love Sri Lankan Fried Rice ❤️
- Burst of Flavors: The combination of curry powder, cinnamon, and soy sauce gives this fried rice a unique and aromatic flavor profile that’s both savory and a little sweet.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable to whatever vegetables or proteins you have available. You can make it vegetarian, add shrimp, chicken, or even pork, based on your preference.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It’s an ideal dish to make with leftover rice and whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand. You can easily transform your leftovers into a flavorful meal.
- Satisfying and Filling: The hearty ingredients make it a filling and satisfying dish that will keep you full and energized.
Conclusion 🌟
Sri Lankan Fried Rice is an easy-to-make, flavorful, and aromatic dish that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Sri Lanka. With the perfect blend of spices, vegetables, and proteins, this fried rice makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a Sri Lankan curry.
So, next time you're craving something delicious and vibrant, give this Sri Lankan Fried Rice a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🍽️🌿
Enjoy Your Sri Lankan Fried Rice! 🍚
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