Fried rice is one of the universe’s most perfect foods, in my humble opinion. It’s chewy and crispy and tender in ways that make “just one more bite” an irresistible option. It takes all of 15 minutes to cook and satisfies the most ardent hunger pangs. Fried rice also makes good use of any random vegetables or proteins you might have lingering in the fridge.
I mean, if you’re not cooking extra rice for dinner just so you have an excuse to make fried rice the next day, what are you even doing?
Lisa Lin’s Chicken Fried Rice is my ride-or-die recipe. I will never stray from my devotion and it’s because of one simple seasoning upgrade: Chinese five spice.
Simply Recipes / Lori Rice
What Is Chinese Five Spice?
Chinese five spice is a blend of spices often used in Chinese cooking, typically star anise, peppercorns, cloves, fennel seed, and cinnamon. Even just a sprinkle adds warmth and depth to savory foods and sweet dishes alike. I find that it’s a flavor you might not immediately pinpoint, especially in a dish with a lot of other big flavors, but you miss it if it’s not there.
Case in point: this fried rice.
Why Add Chinese Five Spice To Fried Rice?
For the longest time, I felt like my homemade versions of fried rice fell short of my expectations. They were solidly “fine” but never made me crave a repeat.
Lisa’s recipe changed all that. She says she picked up the trick of adding five spice to fried rice from her mom, who made her family’s fried rice this way while Lisa was growing up. The first time I tried it for myself, I knew immediately that this was what my previous versions had been lacking.
The spice blend isn’t obvious (you’re only using a half teaspoon), but I think it works to bring together the flavors of the whole dish. It adds an extra layer of savoriness, and bite after bite, I just keep coming back for more. Lisa says this spice is optional when making her recipe, but I beg to differ.
When To Add Chinese Five Spice To Fried Rice
Whether you’re making Lisa’s fried rice or your own favorite recipe, sprinkle a half teaspoon of five spice over the rice just after adding it to the pan. Stir it all together so the rice is evenly coated. As the rice warms, it will absorb the flavor and become evenly seasoned. Fried rice perfection.
