Baked "Fried" Rice

If you don't have cold leftover rice around, this easy oven method will produce something very similar to the classic fried rice, with the perfect texture every time. Just like rice pilaf, the grains of rice get coated in fat before absorbing the cooking liquid, ensuring plump, tender, separate grains with no sticky clumps. Just adjust cooking time if using a different kind of rice or pan size. Garnish with green onions and serve with a runny poached egg on top if desired.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 361 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup diced carrots
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 cup diced ham
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• ½ cup green peas
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• ½ cup sliced green onions
• 1 pinch salt to taste (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil, or to taste
• ½ cup diced red bell peppers
• 2 teaspoons chile paste (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Place rice in a large baking dish. Drizzle in canola and sesame oils; toss to coat rice completely. Add garlic, green onions, bell peppers, carrots, peas, and ham. Season with salt. Stir until well combined.

Step 3

Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, and chile paste in a pot over high heat. Stir and bring to a boil. Pour on top of the rice and stir briefly. Cover top tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven for 32 minutes. Remove and let stand for 10 minutes. Uncover; fluff rice with a fork. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5

Increase oven temperature to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Return to the oven until rice is browned and crusted, about 10 minutes.