Evidence based
This fried rice is different from the kind you’ll find in most restaurants. With less sodium, no preservatives and plenty of antioxidants, this healthier version will be your new go-to when a takeout craving strikes!
Green Tea Goodness
Sencha green tea has a grassy flavor that can easily be incorporated into both sweet and savory recipes. If you are incorporating other herbs like green onion, basil or cilantro, the green tea flavor will pair nicely without overpowering other herbs. Adding green tea to soup broths, stews, and rice dishes is a fun and unique alternative to simply sipping.
Green tea contains antioxidants that help fight-free radicals and support healthy digestion. Green tea provides sustained, jitter-free energy. The crystal form of this tea blends into the sauce effortlessly. Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants that help support gut health.
A Low Sodium Takeout Alternative
Many takeout fried rice dishes contain a lot of sodium as well as MSG. Fried rice is often cooked in unhealthy oils as well. So, cooking fried rice at home lets you control the amount of sodium as well as the type of oil used. Heart healthy olive oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health. You can also use avocado oil. Coconut aminos are a soy sauce alternative that have gained popularity. Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and contain less sodium than traditional soy sauce. They have a very similar umami flavor that adds rich flavor and depth to dishes. Look for coconut aminos near soy sauce at the grocery store.
When it comes to add-ins like vegetables, herbs and protein, fried rice is very versatile. This recipe was kept traditional with chicken, carrots, peas and green onion along with scrambled eggs–a staple in fried rice. Feel free to mix up the recipe using produce and protein you have on hand.
Other great additions include:
- Chopped pork
- Tofu
- Chopped bell pepper
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Sweet with onion
- Basil
- Cilantro
The rice can be cooked a day ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to prepare the recipe. The rice is best when it is drier and can better toast in the oil when moisture is reintroduced. Too moist of rice will result in a mushier rice.
Ingredients
For Sauce
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1 sachet Pique sencha green tea
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
For Fried Rice
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 6 oz. chopped boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups cooked/cooled white rice
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion
Instructions
- Stir together coconut aminos, sencha green tea crystals, garlic, ginger and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add chopped carrots and sauté for 6 minutes covered, stirring occasionally. Transfer carrots to a bowl. Add chicken to hot pan and brown for 5-6 minutes uncovered. Transfer mixture to bowl with carrots.
- Add eggs to pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, using a spatula to scramble. Transfer eggs to bowl with chicken. Wipe the pan clean and add remaining oil to pan. Stir in rice and toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cooked chicken/egg mixture. Stir peas, and sauce into pan to evenly combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes longer, until peas are heated. Serve hot topped with green onion.
Recommended for this recipe:
Pique Sencha Japanese Green Tea
A gold-medal winning, stand-out variety of the classic. Hydrating, delectable and satisfying.
