Description
This Red Vietnamese Fried Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring jasmine rice stir-fried with garlic, ham, peas, and a rich tomato paste blend, finished with scrambled eggs for a hearty and comforting meal. It combines savory fish sauce and soy sauce with a hint of sweetness, creating a delicious caramelized finish in each bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Frying Ingredients
- 30g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 cup diced ham (pre-chopped recommended)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 1/2 cups day-old cooked jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 2 tsp soy sauce (all purpose or light soy, not dark soy)
- 1/4 tsp white sugar
- 2 eggs, whisked
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt most of the butter in a large non-stick skillet over high heat, reserving a small amount for scrambling the eggs later.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the finely minced garlic to the hot butter and cook for 10 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ham: Add the diced ham and stir for 30 seconds to heat through and slightly brown.
- Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 30 seconds to warm them up evenly.
- Add Rice and Tomato Paste: Mix in the day-old jasmine rice along with the tomato paste and cook the mixture for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the tomato flavor.
- Add Sauces: Pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, and sprinkle the white sugar, cooking everything together for 1 minute. This step helps develop a nice caramelization on the tomatoey rice.
- Scramble Eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet. Melt the reserved butter in the cleared space and pour in the whisked eggs. Scramble them gently until just set.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the scrambled eggs through the rice until well combined. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful red Vietnamese fried rice!
Notes
- Using day-old rice prevents the dish from becoming mushy and helps achieve a better texture.
- Pre-chopped ham saves prep time and ensures even cooking.
- Fish sauce adds authentic umami depth; adjust according to taste to avoid overpowering saltiness.
- Use light or all-purpose soy sauce for balance; avoid dark soy sauce to keep the flavor authentic and colors bright.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Keywords: Vietnamese fried rice, red fried rice, tomato paste fried rice, jasmine rice recipe, quick fried rice
