Fried rice is a beloved dish, known for its versatility, savory taste, and ability to transform leftovers into something delicious. If you’re a fan of cooking on a Blackstone griddle, you’ll love this Blackstone fried rice recipe, which takes the classic dish to the next level. The Blackstone griddle, with its even heat distribution and spacious surface, makes it the perfect tool to prepare a crispy, flavorful fried rice that’s cooked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just whipping up a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to make Blackstone fried rice, step by step, and offer tips on customization, storage, and nutrition. Get ready to learn how to make a meal that is both delicious and adaptable to a variety of dietary preferences!
Introduction to Blackstone Fried Rice
If you’ve ever used a Blackstone griddle, you know how it can turn simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. A Blackstone fried rice recipe offers all the elements of a classic fried rice dish: fluffy rice, savory sauces, vegetables, and proteins — but cooked in a way that maximizes flavor and texture. The griddle’s large surface allows you to cook ingredients quickly, ensuring they remain crisp and flavorful.
This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick yet hearty meal. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and adaptable for nearly any dietary need. Whether you’re a vegetarian, gluten-free, or looking for a low-calorie option, this Blackstone fried rice recipe can be modified to suit your preferences.
Fried rice is also a great way to use up leftovers. By adding in leftover meats, vegetables, or even eggs, you can create a satisfying meal without wasting any ingredients. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a family dinner.
Benefits and Advantages of Blackstone Fried Rice
There are many reasons why Blackstone fried rice has become a favorite for home cooks and griddle enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the top benefits and advantages of this tasty dish:
1. Quick and Easy to Prepare
Making fried rice on a Blackstone griddle is incredibly fast. The large cooking surface allows you to cook everything at once, reducing the need to use multiple pans. Within 15-20 minutes, you can have a flavorful, restaurant-quality fried rice dish on your table.
2. Healthy and Customizable
One of the best things about this fried rice recipe is how easy it is to make it fit different dietary needs. You can opt for brown rice instead of white rice for a more nutritious, fiber-rich base. Additionally, you can choose lean proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and pack the dish full of vegetables. By controlling what goes into the recipe, you can make it as healthy or indulgent as you like.
3. Great for Meal Prep
If you’re looking to save time during the week, Blackstone fried rice makes an excellent meal prep option. You can make a large batch of fried rice and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to grab and go for lunch or dinner.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion
Fried rice is the perfect dish for any occasion — whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual BBQ, or hosting a party. It pairs well with grilled meats and other sides and can be easily adapted for various taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Plus, you can serve it as a main dish or a side dish depending on your needs.
5. Minimal Cleanup
Because you’re cooking everything on the Blackstone griddle, there’s little mess to clean up afterward. No more juggling multiple pans, and less washing up!
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why Blackstone fried rice is a go-to meal for so many home cooks. It’s not only delicious and quick to make, but it’s also a great way to use up leftovers and accommodate a variety of diets.
Ingredients Overview
Essential Ingredients for Blackstone Fried Rice
To make the perfect Blackstone fried rice, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Essential Components for the Dish:
- Rice: 4 cups of cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier version). Using day-old rice is ideal as it’s firmer and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried rice texture.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the ingredients on the griddle.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly scrambled. Eggs add richness and a nice texture to the fried rice.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons for flavor. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Green Onions: 2 stalks, chopped. These add freshness and a slight onion flavor.
- Carrots: 1 medium carrot, diced or shredded. Carrots add color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
- Frozen Peas: 1/2 cup. Frozen peas are a convenient choice for fried rice and add a pop of green.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. For extra flavor, you can drizzle some sesame oil into the rice while cooking.
- Protein of Choice: Choose between chicken, shrimp, or tofu. If you want to make this vegetarian, tofu is a great option, and for a meatier dish, chicken or shrimp is fantastic.
- Optional Add-ins: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn are optional ingredients that can add flavor and texture.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Blackstone Fried Rice
This recipe is very adaptable, and you can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Here are some suggestions for making Blackstone fried rice your own:
- Rice Alternatives: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can replace regular rice with cauliflower rice. This will give you the same texture without the carbs.
- Protein Options: For a vegetarian or vegan fried rice, opt for tofu, tempeh, or a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, peas, and corn. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer something closer to traditional fried rice.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: If you’re avoiding soy, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative. Both are great for adding that salty umami flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to ensure the dish is entirely gluten-free.
- Egg-Free Version: If you’re vegan or avoiding eggs, simply skip the eggs or substitute with scrambled tofu for a similar texture.
With these substitutions, you can easily modify the Blackstone fried rice recipe to meet your dietary needs or preferences.
How to Prepare the Perfect Blackstone Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make Blackstone fried rice step by step. This process is simple, but with a few tips, you’ll be able to master it in no time.
First Step: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have everything ready. Cook your rice ahead of time and let it cool. Day-old rice works best for this recipe because it’s less sticky and easier to fry. Dice your vegetables, chop the green onions, and whisk your eggs together in a bowl. If you’re using protein, cook it beforehand and chop it into small pieces.
Second Step: Heat the Griddle
Turn on your Blackstone griddle and set it to medium-high heat. Allow it to fully heat up, which should take about 5 minutes. Once it’s hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the griddle and spread it evenly.
Third Step: Cook the Vegetables
Add the diced carrots and peas to the griddle and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re tender but still slightly crisp. Push the veggies to the side of the griddle, leaving a space in the center for cooking the eggs.
Fourth Step: Scramble the Eggs
In the empty space on the griddle, add a little more oil if necessary, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until they’re cooked through but still soft. Once done, chop the eggs into smaller pieces and mix them with the vegetables.
Fifth Step: Add the Rice
Now it’s time to add your cooled rice to the griddle. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and mix it with the cooked vegetables and eggs. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos) over the rice and stir well to evenly distribute the flavor.
Sixth Step: Add Protein and Flavor
Add your protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu) to the rice mixture and stir it in. If you’re using sesame oil, drizzle it over the rice at this point for added flavor. Toss everything together until the rice is hot and the ingredients are well mixed.
Seventh Step: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked and well-combined, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top of the fried rice. Serve immediately while hot.
Mastering Blackstone Fried Rice: Advanced Tips and Variations
While this recipe is easy to follow, there are a few tips that can help elevate your Blackstone fried rice to the next level.
- Use a Large Griddle: The more surface area you have, the easier it is to spread the ingredients out and get that perfect crispy texture. If you don’t have a large griddle, you can always cook the rice in batches.
- Add Fresh Ginger: For an extra kick, grate some fresh ginger into the fried rice while cooking the vegetables. This will add a subtle warmth and spice to the dish.
- Crispy Rice: If you love crispy fried rice, let the rice sit on the griddle for an extra minute or two without stirring, allowing the bottom to crisp up.
- Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to give your Blackstone fried rice a spicy twist.
These variations and tips will help you get the most out of your Blackstone fried rice recipe.
How to Store Blackstone Fried Rice: Best Practices
If you have leftovers, storing Blackstone fried rice is simple.
Refrigeration
Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, make sure to heat it through completely on the griddle or in a pan.
Freezing
To freeze fried rice, allow it to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a hot pan or on the griddle until warmed through.
Nutritional Value of Blackstone Fried Rice
The nutritional value of Blackstone fried rice depends on the ingredients you use, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving (based on 1 cup serving size)
- Protein: 12-20 grams per serving (depending on the protein used)
- Carbohydrates: 45-55 grams per serving
- Fat: 15-20 grams per serving (can vary based on oil and protein used)
- Fiber: 3-4 grams per serving (more if using brown rice)
For a healthier version, you can reduce the oil or use a lower-fat protein source, such as chicken breast or tofu.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Blackstone Fried Rice
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
While it’s best to use day-old rice, fresh rice will work in a pinch. Just be sure to let it cool down a bit before frying to avoid it becoming too mushy.
Can I make Blackstone fried rice without soy sauce?
Yes! You can use coconut aminos or tamari as a soy-free alternative to soy sauce, or opt for a low-sodium soy sauce to keep it healthier.
Can I add other vegetables to the fried rice?
Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or zucchini. The beauty of fried rice is its versatility.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
To make Blackstone fried rice vegan, simply skip the eggs and use tofu or another plant-based protein. Also, be sure to use a vegan-friendly soy sauce or tamari.
This Blackstone fried rice recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, customizable, and delicious meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, it’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire!