Herb and seed fried rice

Say “fried rice” and most people think of Chinese-style fried rice. Eggs, char shiu pork, sausages, carrot, peas… Delicious, sure, but there’s more than one way to cook fried rice, as any cook worth his or her salt will tell you.

But why garlic, basil, thyme and oregano? Because those were what we had in the pantry on the day this dish was cooked. If you’re wondering if other herbs and spices can be used, the answer is a resounding yes.

Think of the “holy trinity” — not in any religious sense but as a flavor base associated with Cajun and Creole cooking. One part onion, one part carrot and one part bell pepper. It’s a modification of the French mirepoix which has onion, carrot and celery.

Now, think of creating your own flavor base. You like Southeast Asian flavors? Try combining lemongrass, ginger and chilies. Japanese? The trinity of soy sauce, sake and mirin form the base of so many Japanese dishes. So many options, really.

Whatever flavor base you choose, just remember that a good rice dish is not only rich in flavor but in texture as well. And seeds not only give fried rice texture but a delightful aroma too.

Herb and seed fried rice

Connie Veneracion

This herb and seed fried rice bursts with the flavor and aroma of basil and thyme. And, with every mouthful, you get a light crunch from flax, chia and hemp seeds.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Asian Fusion

Servings 3 people

Ingredients

  

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• ▢ 3 cups day-old cooked rice
• ▢ 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• ▢ 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• ▢ ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ▢ 1 small sprig oregano stripped (or ⅛ teaspoon dried)
• ▢ salt
• ▢ pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon flax seeds
• ▢ 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• ▢ 1 teaspoon hemp seeds
• ▢ 1 tablespoon sliced scallions

Instructions

 

• Crumble the rice to separate the grains.
• Heat the cooking oil in a wok or frying pan.
• Lightly brown the garlic over medium heat.
• Add the basil, thyme and oregano. Cook, stirring, for half a minute.
• Turn up the heat to high.
• Add the rice. Season with salt and pepper. Stir fry until the rice is heated through.
• Off the heat, add the flax, chia and hemp seeds.
• Toss to blend well.
• Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed.
• Add the scallions, toss a few more times.
• Serve the herb and seed fried rice with your meat, seafood or vegetable main course.

Notes

Updated from a recipe originally published in August 28, 2016