Name: Oven Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 29 min
Total time: 39 min
Ingredients: 2 cups white rice (not instant or minute rice); 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup soy sauce (can use less if preferred, based on taste.); 1 envelope dry onion soup mix; 4 cups water; 1 bunch Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

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There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Oven Fried Rice. I remember the first time I made it; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted nothing more than a cozy dinner that didn’t require hours in the kitchen. I stumbled upon this recipe that promised simplicity and deliciousness, and boy, did it deliver! The aroma of the rice baking in the oven was simply irresistible, filling my home with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. As I pulled the dish from the oven, the crispy top layer beckoned to be served, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in. This dish has become a staple in our home, loved by everyone for its easy preparation and satisfying flavors.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
39 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
29 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
238 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
9 x 13 Casserole Dish

Why This Oven Fried Rice Hits Different

A Comforting Classic

One of the reasons I adore Oven Fried Rice is its versatility. It’s a dish that can easily accommodate whatever leftovers you have on hand, making it a true champion of the clean-out-the-fridge dinners. Just think about it: you can toss in some vegetables or proteins, and it transforms into a new meal each time. This adaptability not only saves time but also reduces food waste, which is something I always strive for in my kitchen.

An Easy One-Pan Wonder

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is its simplicity. The prep work is minimal, and everything bakes together beautifully in one dish. This means less cleanup, which is always a bonus in my book! You can mix all your ingredients in a 9×13 inch baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it do its magic while you relax or attend to other tasks.

Perfect for Any Meal

The Oven Fried Rice is not just a side; it can easily stand alone as a main dish or be paired with your favorite proteins. It’s perfect for a family lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a festive gathering. The flavors meld together so nicely that it always impresses guests, making it one of those go-to recipes I love to share.

Flavorful and Satisfying

The blend of ingredients in this dish creates a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more. The combination of the vegetable oil, soy sauce, and dry onion soup mix brings depth to the dish, enhancing the natural taste of the rice. And let’s not forget the freshness brought by the parsley garnish, which adds a vibrant touch that makes it visually appealing.

Kid-Approved!

Lastly, I can’t emphasize enough how much my kids love it! They enjoy helping to mix everything together, and they’re always excited to see what I’ve added to that batch. It’s a fun and interactive way to engage them in cooking, and knowing they eat it all up makes me feel like I’ve won a mom victory!

Ingredients Overview for Oven Fried Rice

When crafting this delightful Oven Fried Rice, the ingredients harmonize beautifully, creating a dish that is both rich in flavor and satisfying. The key players are of course the rice, acting as the foundation, along with the vegetable oil and soy sauce that lend a savory richness. The dry onion soup mix adds an extra layer of depth, while fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness as a garnish.

2 cups white rice (not instant or minute rice) – This is the base of your dish. Make sure to choose the right type of rice, as it will hold up better during the baking process, absorbing flavors without becoming mushy.
1/4 cup vegetable oil – This helps to create a rich, savory flavor and keeps the rice from sticking together.
1/4 cup soy sauce – Adds saltiness and depth. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.

1 envelope dry onion soup mix – Infuses the rice with a savory onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
4 cups water – Essential for cooking the rice and ensuring it absorbs all the flavors during baking.
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor just before serving.

The Method for Oven Fried Rice

The process for making Oven Fried Rice is as easy as it gets! You’ll find that just a few simple steps lead to a deliciously baked rice dish that’s full of flavor. Let’s jump into the method!

Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking. This is an important step as preheating helps to cook the rice evenly.

Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the white rice, vegetable oil, soy sauce, dry onion soup mix, and water. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures every grain of rice is coated with flavor.
Initial Baking: Place your dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 30 minutes. At this point, it’s a good idea to check the rice. If you notice that the liquid has been fully absorbed, the rice is ready and can be taken out of the oven.
For a Crispy Top Layer: If you prefer your rice with a crispy top, continue baking for up to 45 minutes in total. This extended baking time encourages a deliciously crispy layer to form on top, while the rice beneath remains soft and fluffy.

Before Serving: Should you opt for the crispy top, once baking is complete, take a moment to mix and fluff the rice. This helps to evenly distribute the crispy bits throughout the rice, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of textures.
Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the dish cool slightly and fluff the rice. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired. This adds a touch of freshness that lifts the entire dish.

Things Worth Knowing

Resting Time: After baking, let the rice sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the moisture to distribute evenly.
Ingredient Variations: Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or proteins, like peas or diced chicken, before baking to make this dish your own!

Consistency Check: If the rice seems dry after the initial baking, add a bit more water and cover the dish with foil before returning it to the oven.
Garnishing: Besides parsley, consider adding green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Make It Your Own

One of the best parts about Oven Fried Rice is its adaptability! Here are some ideas to help you personalize this dish:

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze portions of the prepared rice in freezer-safe bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or tofu, enhancing your meal with a delicious side.

Veggie Boost: Add in your favorite vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Make it Spicy: If you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the mix for a spicy kick!

Serving Ideas for Oven Fried Rice

When it comes to serving Oven Fried Rice, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

As a Main Dish: Serve it as a hearty main course for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Side Dish Delight: This rice pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, making it a perfect side for family gatherings.
Storage Tips: Leftover Oven Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, ensuring you can enjoy it again!

Seasonal Pairing: In summer, serve with fresh, lighter proteins like fish or chicken; in winter, enjoy it alongside comforting stews or casseroles.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to create multiple servings at once for busy weekdays.

FAQ

While you can use instant rice, I highly recommend sticking to regular white rice for the best texture and flavor. Instant rice cooks differently and may not absorb the flavors as effectively as traditional rice. Regular white rice will give you that fluffy consistency and is better suited for baking, ensuring that every bite is deliciously satisfying. If you’re in a pinch, consider cooking the instant rice separately and then mixing it with the other ingredients before baking.

To make your Oven Fried Rice vegetarian, simply omit the dry onion soup mix, which may contain meat products, and substitute it with a vegetarian-friendly option. You can also add more vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Utilize vegetable broth instead of water for an extra boost of flavor. Serve it alongside some grilled vegetable skewers for a delicious, meat-free meal.

For the best flavor, I recommend using a low-sodium soy sauce. This allows you to control the saltiness of the dish, especially since the dry onion soup mix also contributes salt. You can also experiment with different types of soy sauce, such as tamari (which is gluten-free) or mushroom soy sauce for an added depth of flavor. Remember, a good soy sauce can make all the difference in achieving that authentic taste in your Oven Fried Rice.

To prevent your rice from becoming mushy, make sure to use the right type of rice, preferably long-grain white rice. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and allow it to cook until just tender before baking. When combining your ingredients, ensure that there’s enough liquid without over-saturating the rice. Keep an eye on it while it bakes, and adjust the cooking time if needed to achieve that perfect fluffy texture.

Absolutely! Adding protein is a great way to enhance your Oven Fried Rice. You can mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu before baking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. If using raw proteins, cook them beforehand or ensure they’re safe to bake along with the rice. This will give you a well-rounded meal that is both satisfying and nutritionally balanced.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oven Fried Rice is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, and I encourage you to try this recipe. With its delightful aroma and crispy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. So why not make it tonight and savor every delicious bite?

Oven Fried Rice

The ultimate comfort food, Oven Fried Rice is an easy weeknight dinner that combines fluffy rice with savory flavors. Baked to perfection, it’s a satisfying dish that’s sure to please your family. Make it tonight for a delicious and hearty meal!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 29

Total Time 39

Course Dinner

Cuisine Asian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 238 kcal

Equipment

9 x 13 Casserole Dish

Ingredients

2 cups white rice not instant or minute rice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup soy sauce can use less if preferred, based on taste.
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
4 cups water
1 bunch Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's ready for baking.
Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the white rice, vegetable oil, soy sauce, dry onion soup mix, and water. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Initial Baking: Place your dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about 30 minutes. At this point, it's a good idea to check the rice. If you notice that the liquid has been fully absorbed, the rice is ready and can be taken out of the oven.
For a Crispy Top Layer: If you prefer your rice with a crispy top, continue baking for up to 45 minutes in total. This extended baking time encourages a deliciously crispy layer to form on top, while the rice beneath remains soft and fluffy.
Before Serving: Should you opt for the crispy top, once baking is complete, take a moment to mix and fluff the rice. This helps to evenly distribute the crispy bits throughout the rice, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of textures.

Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the dish cool slightly and fluff the rice. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tip 2: You can freeze portions of the prepared rice in freezer-safe bags.

Tip 3: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or tofu.
Tip 4: Add in your favorite vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Tip 5: If you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the mix for a spicy kick!