Italian Fried Rice

The FUSION you needed in your life: Italian Fried Rice

Italian Fried Rice: an amazing fusion of Italian and Chinese!

 

Things to know:

What is Italian Fried Rice?

Italian fried rice is a savory fusion dish combining leftover rice with Italian ingredients like Italian sausage, garlic, Parmesan, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes. It is typically cooked in a skillet or wok using olive oil, incorporating vegetables like zucchini or peppers, and finished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

What exactly is food fusion?

Fusion food is the art of combining elements from different cultures or recipes to make a brand new dish. This approach allows you to create new and unique flavor combinations.

What are examples of fusion foods?

American-Mexican fusion cuisine like nachos, American-Italian fusion cuisine like pizza, American-Chinese like Sino-American cuisine, and American-Korean like Korean-style tacos and of course Italian-Chinese like Italian Fried rice!

What is the secret to making good fried rice?

The secret to perfect fried rice is using day-old, refrigerated rice to ensure individual, firm grains rather than mushy clumps. A blazing hot wok (or skillet), adequate oil, and not overcrowding the pan are essential for achieving a smoky flavor. Common restaurant secrets include soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper for seasoning.

What is the origin of fried rice?

Fried rice originated in China, with its roots traced back to the Sui Dynasty (589–618 AD) in the city of Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. It was developed as a practical, economical way to use leftover rice and ingredients, preventing food waste. The dish quickly became a staple, spreading globally through Chinese culinary tradition and migration.

What is China’s most eaten food?

Rice is overwhelmingly China’s most consumed staple food, particularly in southern regions where it is served at nearly every meal. It is primarily consumed steamed, fried, or as porridge (congee). Other staple foods include wheat-based products like noodles and dumplings (jiaozi).

Ingredients:

 

Olive oil as needed 

1 lb Italian sausage

1 cup diced pepperoni slices

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 small sweet onion, diced

8 oz diced baby bella Mushrooms

1 can diced fire roasted tomatoes, drained  

8 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup diced fresh oregano

1/4 cup diced fresh basil

4 cups cooked rice, dried uncovered on a baking sheet overnight in the fridge

 

1. Heat up your griddle to medium heat, put down a splash of olive oil, then add the ground Italian sausage, chopping with your spatula.

2. Once you judge the sausage is halfway cooked, add the pepperoni, bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms and more olive oil if needed.  Continue to mix up this concoction as it cooks until the veggies are soft, then move this mess to a cool side of your griddle.

3. Add the rice to the griddle and break up any chunks.  Let is cook until the rice begins to crisp up a little, then mix in the sausage/veggies, add the tomatoes, garlic, oregano and basil. 

4. Once warmed through, add the cheese and mix continuously until the cheese has melted.  Serve and ENJOY!

 

Equipment used:

Shogun Series Chef’s Knife 10.25”

HALO Elite Stir-Fry Griddle Kit

Zyliss Restaurant Cheese Grater

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