Did you know September 20th is National Fried Rice Day #NationalFriedRiceDay? As good as Fried Rice looks with all the Veggies I like I’ve never tried Fried Rice. Although, David loves Fried Rice and with Charlie’s friend Mikelia visiting I was thinking the kids could make Fried Rice for dinner.
If I don’t like it I can have a PB Sandwich. Would you like to join David, Charlie and Mikalia for dinner? If not I’ve shared a recipe for Fried Rice with you below. What else if anything should we serve with the Fried Rice and why?
People like to celebrate National Fried Rice Day on September 20th every year. National Fried Rice Day encourages everyone to indulge in their preferred version of Fried Rice. Prepared with long-grained Rice, Onions, Carrots, Peas, and Eggs, this tasty meal is a guilty pleasure.
Whether your preferred version of Fried Rice contains Beef, Pork, or Chicken, today is the perfect time to enjoy Fried Rice. Fried Rice takes center stage today as the flavor captures our hearts and keeps us wanting more.
Fried Rice first appeared in China’s Sui Dynasty and, consequently, all versions of this delicacy have their origins in Chinese Fried Rice. Fried Rice is the national dish of Malaysia and Indonesia and features prominently in South-, Southeast-, and East-Asian cuisines. Fried Rice is a typical homemade dish with several variations since Fried Rice can be prepared using ingredients from other dishes.
Did you know the first Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, Benihana, started Fried Rice Day in 2018 to celebrate the much-loved meal. For many people, Fried Rice isn’t just a side dish to indulge in, it is a fulfilling meal bursting with flavors to keep your taste buds on the edge.
Can you believe Benihana has served its famous Rice for more than 50 years to generations of food lovers across the Country. Have you ever been to Benihana because Charlie and I haven’t but I believe we should take David to try this tasty meal which is a beloved dish anywhere in the world.
Hokkien and Yangzhou Fried Rice are popular varieties of this meal in Greater China. The Japanese have a derivative of the Chinese Fried Rice called ‘Chāhan.’ Southeast Asia boasts similar Malaysian, Singaporean, and Indonesian Fried Rice variations and two popular dishes are Thai Khao Phat’ and ‘Nasi Goreng’).
Restaurants in the Western world have since invented their own versions of Fried Rice. Vegetarian menus include specialties including Egg-Fried Rice. Many American restaurants serving cuisines without the native tradition of a dish also include Fried Rice in their menus.
Several Latin-American varieties of Fried Rice exist, including Puerto Rico’s ‘Arroz Mamposteao,’ Peru’s ‘Arroz Chaufa,’ Cuba’s ‘Arroz Frito,’ and Ecuador’s ‘Chaulafan.’ Today, lets take the opportunity to celebrate Fried Rice and explore what it means to generations of food lovers all around the globe!
How to Celebrate National Fried Rice Day
- Take the opportunity today to prepare your favorite version of Fried Rice to enjoy at home. You can also go to a Benihana’s nearby and have a meal with friends and family.
- Have yourself a party and invite your friends over and stuff yourselves with Fried Rice.
- If you have a Fried Rice recipe you love hare your recipe with your friends or family or teach your children how to Fried Rice. Then share your meal on your socials with the hashtag #NationalFriedRiceDay.
Facts About Fried Rice
- Fried Rice may have been invented as a means of preserving leftover Rice according to the Chinese custom of not wasting food.
- Since the restaurant was first established, Benihana has dished out approximately 2,720,350 pounds of Rice every year.
- Did you know the name ‘Benihana’ is Japanese for ‘red Safflower’ and happens to be the name of the Coffee Shop owned by Hiroaki Aoki’s who was Benihana founder’)’s parents in Tokyo.
- Here is a fun fact for you that I can’t wait to share with Charlie and David. Benihana’s owner, Hiroaki Aoki, was a wrestler on Japan’s wrestling team at the 1960 Olympic Games.
- The calories in a single serving of Fried Rice match that of half a cup of Ice Cream.
Why People Love National Fried Rice Day
- Fried Rice is very accommodating to Vegetables as is demonstrated by the inclusion of this variation on many Vegetarian menus.
- Fried Rice is a good source of protein.
- Fried Rice blends effortlessly with many flavors whether you’re going for sour, spicy, or sweet, Fried Rice works just fine.
- Here is a question for you. Is there anything better than satisfying that inner craving for good food? Well, if you find out, be sure to let us know.
Recipe for Fried Rice
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup chopped baby carrots
- ½ cup frozen green peas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced, or to taste (Optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups leftover cooked and chilled white rice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or more to taste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil, or to taste
Directions
- Assemble ingredients.
- Place carrots in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a low boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in peas, then immediately drain in a colander.
- Heat a wok over high heat. Pour in vegetable oil, then stir in carrots, peas, and garlic; cook for about 30 seconds. Add eggs; stir quickly to scramble eggs with vegetables.
- Stir in cooked rice. Add soy sauce and toss rice to coat. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss again.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
