Fried Rice Recipe Quick Dump and Bake for Easy Meals

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Ruby Bennett
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Why You’ll Love This Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice

Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice is a fantastic option for anyone looking for a simple meal that delivers big on flavor and ease. This one-pan dish combines uncooked long grain white rice with fresh ingredients, all baked together for a fluffy, welcooked texture that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. You’ll appreciate how the recipe uses 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice mixed with 2 cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable stock to ensure even cooking in the oven, yielding perfectly textured rice every time.

One of the standout features is the ease of preparation it’s designed for busy folks like you, requiring minimal chopping and letting the oven do most of the work. Health benefits abound, with nutrient-rich add-ins like 2 cups of frozen diced vegetables (a mix of carrots, peas, and corn) or fresh ones with an extra 1/4 cup water for moisture, providing vitamins and fiber in every bite. Plus, its versatility lets you adapt it for any diet, and the distinctive flavor from 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce and 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry adds a savory punch that elevates weeknight dinners.

To boost the protein, the recipe includes 1 1/4 cups chopped raw bacon or ham, which gets perfectly crispy during baking, making it even more satisfying. For those watching their intake, it’s packed with about 454 calories per serving, including 64 grams carbohydrates, 20 grams protein, and plenty of essentials like 5418 IU vitamin A. Whether you’re a student or a working professional, this tray bake fried rice keeps things light and nutritious without skimping on taste, as highlighted in this exploration of simple salads on our site.

Key advantages for everyday life

  • It takes just about 5 minutes to prepare, with total cooking and resting time around 65 minutes, fitting into even the tightest schedules.
  • You can tweak seasonings like 1/4 teaspoon white pepper for a subtle heat, making it customizable for family preferences.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, ideal for meal prep among busy parents or seniors.
This dish is all about making cooking fun and stress-free think of it as your go-to for those nights when you want something delicious without the hassle.
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Essential Ingredients for Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this tray bake egg fried rice recipe, and we’ll break it down so it’s straightforward. Start with the base items that create the dish’s hearty foundation, ensuring everything cooks up fluffy and full of flavor. Remember, using fresh or frozen veggies makes a difference, so choose based on what you have on hand.

Main ingredients list

  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry or mirin
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 cups frozen diced vegetables (a mix of carrots, peas, and corn) or fresh vegetables with an additional 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper if preferred
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped raw bacon or ham, preferably a fattier cut
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (added at the end)
  • 1/2 cup finely sliced green onion (2-3 stems)

These items not only build the dish but also pack in nutrition, like vitamins from the veggies and protein from the bacon. For the best results, use long grain white rice for that ideal texture, as mentioned in nutritional guides such as health benefits of rice.

How to Prepare the Perfect Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with tray bake egg fried rice is as easy as mixing everything together and letting the oven handle the rest it’s ideal for beginners or those short on time. Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C fan for even cooking. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked long grain white rice, low sodium stock, light soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, minced garlic, frozen diced vegetables, white pepper, and chopped raw bacon to create a flavorful mixture.

Spread this mixture evenly in a 22 x 32 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking pan, then scatter the raw bacon on top for that crispy finish. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and cook thoroughly. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes to brown the bacon perfectly, followed by a 10-minute rest covered loosely with foil to let the moisture settle.

Once done, stir in the sesame oil and finely sliced green onion, then fluff with a fork for the best texture. Key tips here include not rinsing the rice unless you want to reduce the stock by 2 tablespoons if you do and baking immediately after mixing for optimal results. This method, which takes about 65 minutes total, ensures a fluffy outcome, much like variations shared in our quick desserts section for easy meals.

Step-by-step details

  1. Preheat oven and prepare ingredients in under 5 minutes.
  2. Mix all base items in a bowl for even flavor distribution.
  3. Bake covered, then uncovered, for the perfect cook.
  4. Rest and add final touches before serving.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice

Making tray bake egg fried rice work for your diet is simple with a few smart swaps, keeping the dish versatile and delicious. For instance, if you’re going vegan, replace the bacon with plant-based alternatives like tempeh or seitan to maintain that protein hit. The recipe’s foundation of uncooked long grain white rice and veggies allows for easy adjustments without losing the core appeal.

Try swapping soy sauce for tamari if gluten is a concern, or add extra water when using fresh vegetables to keep things moist. You’ll also love how adding cooked chicken or shrimp midway through baking amps up the protein, aligning with tips for balanced meals. With options like using mirin instead of Chinese cooking wine, this dish adapts to preferences for low-sodium or flavorful twists.

Original IngredientSubstitution OptionReason
1 1/4 cups chopped raw baconFirm tofu or tempehFor vegan diets, adds protein without meat
Light soy sauceTamari or coconut aminosMakes it gluten-free and lowers sodium
Frozen diced vegetablesFresh veggies with extra waterEnsures moisture and freshness

Mastering Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, diving into advanced tips can make your tray bake egg fried rice even better think of it as leveling up your kitchen skills. Use day-old rice if you have it for less moisture and a firmer texture, or press the ingredients evenly into the pan to avoid uneven cooking. Experiment with flavors by adding curry powder or pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory mix that surprises your taste buds.

Presentation matters too; serve it in individual ramekins topped with sesame seeds for a fancy feel at family dinners. If you’re meal-prepping, combine ingredients ahead but bake fresh to keep that just-made quality. Incorporating add-ins like eggs or spinach after the initial bake adds layers of nutrition, drawing from the dish’s nutritional profile of 13 grams fat and 7 grams fiber per serving.

Pro techniques and ideas

  • Opt for a fattier cut of ham for richer taste and better browning.
  • Add cooked proteins midway to prevent overcooking.
  • Resting the dish is crucial for moisture absorption, enhancing the final texture.

How to Store Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your tray bake egg fried rice tasting fresh, extending its enjoyment beyond the first meal. Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches. If you’re freezing, portion it into bags and store for a month, then thaw overnight before reheating to maintain that fluffy consistency.

Reheat in the microwave for even warming, stirring as needed to avoid dryness, or use the oven for a crisper result. Remember, preparing in bulk makes meal prep a breeze for busy lifestyles, and always reheat thoroughly for safety. This approach ties into the recipe’s total time of 65 minutes, making it efficient for working professionals.

Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice

What type of rice should I use for tray bake egg fried rice?

Long grain white rice is best for tray bake egg fried rice because it holds up well during baking without becoming sticky. Basmati rice is another good choice due to its fluffy texture and aroma. Avoid medium or short grain rice as they tend to clump more, and jasmine rice requires less water to prevent it from getting mushy.

Can I substitute the stock used for baking egg fried rice?

Yes, chicken stock adds the best flavor, but vegetable stock is a suitable alternative if you prefer a vegetarian option. Use low-sodium stock to control saltiness. If you don’t have liquid stock, you can prepare water with stock powder according to package instructions for similar flavor.

Should I cook bacon before adding it to the tray bake egg fried rice?

No need to pre-cook the bacon. Scatter raw bacon strips on top of the rice before baking—the uncovered baking stage crisps and browns it nicely, enhancing flavor and texture.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in tray bake egg fried rice?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used, but add an extra 1/4 cup of water to compensate for the moisture that frozen vegetables typically release during cooking. This adjustment helps keep the rice from drying out.

How do I store and reheat leftover tray bake egg fried rice?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using a microwave for best results, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Avoid preparing the dish ahead of time before baking to maintain texture and freshness.
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Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice 19.png

Tray Bake Egg Fried Rice

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🍚 Enjoy a quick and convenient Fried Rice recipe that cooks evenly in the oven, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
🥓 This dump and bake dish combines fresh ingredients and protein for a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal with minimal prep.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice

– 2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock

– 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry or mirin

– 2 minced garlic cloves

– 2 cups frozen diced vegetables (a mix of carrots, peas, and corn) or fresh vegetables with an additional 1/4 cup water

– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper or black pepper if preferred

– 1 1/4 cups chopped raw bacon or ham, preferably a fattier cut

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (added at the end)

– 1/2 cup finely sliced green onion (2-3 stems)

Instructions

1-Preheat oven and prepare ingredients in under 5 minutes.

2-Mix all base items in a bowl for even flavor distribution.

3-Bake covered, then uncovered, for the perfect cook.

4-Rest and add final touches before serving.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍚 Use long grain white rice for best texture; avoid rinsing unless desired and adjust water accordingly.
🥄 Use light soy sauce to prevent discoloration of the rice.
🍳 Resting the dish after baking is essential for moisture absorption and optimal flavor.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Resting Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Contains Pork

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 454 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1016 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 64 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

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