Baked Fried Rice

This baked fried rice recipe offers all the delicious flavors of classic fried rice without the constant stirring and attention. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting, flavorful, and hands-off. This dish combines the savory goodness of bacon and ham with a medley of veggies, all baked together until everything melds beautifully.

I discovered this recipe when I was craving fried rice but didn’t want to stand over the stove. Now it’s a regular in our rotation on nights when I just want to pop something in the oven and relax.

Ingredients

• Uncooked long-grain rice: for fluffy texture choose a good quality brand
• Chicken broth: adds richness to the rice as it bakes boosting flavor naturally
• Reduced-sodium soy sauce: balances saltiness without overpowering
• Oyster sauce: adds a subtle sweetness and depth
• Mirin: offers a gentle sweetness and helps balance savory notes
• Minced garlic: brings that classic fragrant fried rice aroma
• Grated onion: blends into the rice for a subtle sweetness and body
• Frozen peas and carrots: add color and natural sweetness no need for fresh here
• Frozen shelled edamame: provides a tasty pop of protein and texture
• Salt and pepper: to season and bring out the other flavors
• Center-cut bacon strips: add smoky richness thicker cut holds its texture well
• Diced fully cooked ham: contributes a savory slightly sweet bite
• Butter: optional for richness especially when making the scrambled eggs
• Large eggs: for optional scrambled topping bringing extra protein and creaminess
• Sesame oil: drizzled at the end adds a nutty authentic finish
• Thinly sliced green onions: for fresh color and mild bite to garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Base:

In a lightly greased 13 by 9 inch baking dish combine uncooked rice chicken broth soy sauce oyster sauce mirin minced garlic grated onion frozen peas and carrots frozen edamame salt and pepper. Spread everything into an even layer so it cooks uniformly.

Bake the Rice and Meats:

Scatter the chopped bacon and diced ham over the rice mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. You want the meats to brown lightly and the liquid to absorb mostly.

Rest and Prepare Eggs:

Remove the dish from the oven and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the rice finishes steaming. While it rests melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the beaten eggs. Let the eggs sit undisturbed for 30 seconds then gently stir and fold with a spatula until softly scrambled and set.

Combine and Garnish:

Top the baked rice with the scrambled eggs if using stirring gently to combine. Drizzle the sesame oil evenly on top and finish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. The sesame oil adds a wonderful aroma and the green onions brighten the dish.

Storage Tips

This baked fried rice keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave. It also freezes well if you want to portion out for a future meal. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Replace bacon and ham with cooked sausage or tofu for different protein options. If you don’t have mirin a splash of rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar works as a substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of steamed greens or a simple cucumber salad to brighten the plate. A drizzle of sriracha on top adds a nice kick if you like heat. This dish is also great alongside stir-fried or roasted vegetables for a bigger meal.

Cultural Context

Fried rice is a beloved Asian staple commonly made quickly in a wok. This baked version is inspired by that tradition but adapted to be more hands-off and oven-friendly. Using mirin and oyster sauce ties it back to Japanese and Chinese culinary influences respectively blending flavors in a comforting way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different proteins in this dish?

Yes, you can substitute bacon and ham with cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp to suit your preference while keeping the savory balance.

Is it necessary to soak or rinse the rice before baking?

Using uncooked long-grain rice without soaking works well here since it bakes slowly with broth, absorbing flavors and becoming tender throughout.

What is the purpose of mirin in this dish?

Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and depth, balancing salty and savory notes from soy and oyster sauces.

Can frozen vegetables be replaced with fresh ones?

Fresh peas, carrots, and edamame can be used; just adjust the baking time slightly to ensure vegetables are tender.

How should the scrambled eggs be prepared and added?

The eggs are gently cooked and folded until just set, then stirred into the baked rice to add creaminess and protein without overwhelming flavors.

Is it okay to omit butter in the scrambled eggs?

Yes, butter is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a neutral oil without significantly affecting the taste.