Dirty Fried Rice

Yield

4 servings · Approximately 5 cups

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice, cold and preferably day-old
• ½ lb ground beef, pork, chicken, or sausage
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Break up any clumps in the cold rice and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Ground beef and pork should reach 160°F (71°C); ground chicken and poultry sausage should reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
5. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Push the vegetables to one side. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until fully set.
8. Add the cold rice, breaking up any remaining clumps. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
9. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, soy sauce, and oyster sauce until the rice is evenly coated.
10. Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 3–4 minutes until everything is thoroughly heated.
11. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
12. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Kitchen notes

Practical Woman's Secret
Use cooked rice that has been promptly refrigerated and thoroughly chilled. Cold rice separates easily during stir-frying, creating fluffy grains instead of a sticky texture.