Blackstone Fried Rice: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Results

Blackstone Fried Rice: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your weeknight dinners! Imagine perfectly cooked rice, tossed with vibrant vegetables, savory protein, and a symphony of umami flavors, all sizzling to perfection on your Blackstone griddle. This isn’t just fried rice; it’s an experience.

Fried rice, in its essence, is a dish born of resourcefulness, a clever way to repurpose leftover rice and transform it into something new and delicious. Its origins trace back to ancient China, where it evolved as a staple, showcasing the ingenuity of cooks in maximizing ingredients and minimizing waste. Over time, fried rice has journeyed across continents, adapting to local tastes and ingredients, resulting in countless variations, each with its unique charm.

What makes Blackstone Fried Rice so irresistible? It’s the combination of textures – the slight crispness of the rice, the tenderness of the vegetables, and the juicy succulence of the protein. The high heat of the Blackstone griddle imparts a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the dish to another level. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! One pan, minimal cleanup, and a complete meal ready in minutes. It’s no wonder families around the world have embraced fried rice as a go-to favorite. Get ready to create your own Blackstone Fried Rice masterpiece!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Rice:
• 4 cups cooked and cooled long-grain rice (day-old is best!)
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• For the Protein (Choose your favorite or mix and match!):
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound cooked pork tenderloin, diced
• 1 pound firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Other:
• 2-3 large eggs
• Vegetable oil or canola oil for cooking
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients:

Before we even think about firing up the Blackstone, let’s get everything prepped. This is key to a smooth and delicious fried rice experience. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling to chop veggies while your rice is burning!

1. Cook the Rice Ahead of Time: This is super important! Freshly cooked rice is too sticky and will result in mushy fried rice. Day-old rice that’s been refrigerated is perfect. The grains will be drier and separate easily. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit.
2. Prep the Protein: If you’re using raw protein like chicken or shrimp, make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the fried rice. Dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using tofu, press it well to remove excess water, then cube it.
3. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything chopped and ready to go will make the cooking process much faster and easier.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add a little more sugar for sweetness or red pepper flakes for heat.

Cooking on the Blackstone:

Now for the fun part! Get your Blackstone griddle nice and hot. We’re aiming for medium-high heat. A little smoke is good, but you don’t want it scorching hot.

1. Prepare the Griddle: Drizzle a generous amount of vegetable oil or canola oil onto the hot griddle. Spread it around evenly with a spatula. You want enough oil to prevent sticking and to help the rice get nice and crispy.
2. Cook the Eggs: Crack the eggs directly onto the griddle. You can scramble them right there or cook them as individual omelets and then chop them up. Cook until they’re set but still slightly moist. Remove the eggs from the griddle and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the griddle. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Add the Bell Peppers: Add the diced bell peppers to the griddle and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they’re slightly tender.
5. Add the Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the griddle and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Add the Protein: Add your chosen protein (chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu) to the griddle and cook for a few minutes, until it’s heated through and slightly browned.
7. Add the Rice: Push all the ingredients to one side of the griddle. Add the cooked rice to the other side and drizzle with the 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Spread the rice out into a thin layer.
8. Fry the Rice: Let the rice cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing it to get slightly crispy on the bottom. Then, use your spatula to chop and flip the rice, mixing it with the other ingredients. Continue to cook and chop the rice for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s heated through and slightly browned.
9. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce over the rice and ingredients. Use your spatula to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
10. Add the Frozen Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and corn to the griddle. Cook for a few minutes, until they’re heated through.
11. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the cooked eggs back to the griddle and mix them in with the rice and other ingredients.
12. Final Stir-Fry: Continue to stir-fry everything together for another minute or two, until all the ingredients are well combined and heated through.

Serving and Garnishing:

Almost there! Now it’s time to plate up your delicious Blackstone fried rice and add the finishing touches.

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the fried rice immediately while it’s hot and fresh.
2. Garnish: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t overcrowd the griddle: If you’re making a large batch of fried rice, it’s best to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the griddle. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and result in soggy fried rice.
• Use high heat: High heat is essential for getting that nice, crispy texture on the rice.
• Keep it moving: Stir-frying is all about keeping the ingredients moving. Use your spatula to constantly chop and flip the rice and other ingredients to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking: The sauce recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, or more red pepper flakes for heat.
• Get creative with the ingredients: Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Feel free to add other vegetables, proteins, or sauces that you have on hand.

Variations:

• Spicy Fried Rice: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Vegetarian Fried Rice: Omit the meat and use tofu as the protein source. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or bok choy.
• Kimchi Fried Rice: Add kimchi to the fried rice for a tangy and spicy flavor.
• Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple to the fried rice for a sweet and savory flavor.
• Shrimp Fried Rice: Use only shrimp as the protein source.
• Chicken Fried Rice: Use only chicken as the protein source.
• Pork Fried Rice: Use only pork as the protein source.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat fried rice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it may not be as crispy. Add a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Blackstone Fried Rice recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen right on your griddle. I truly believe this is a must-try because it delivers that authentic restaurant-quality fried rice taste, but with the fun and interactive experience of cooking outdoors. The high heat of the Blackstone sears the ingredients perfectly, creating those craveable crispy bits and smoky undertones that you just can’t replicate in a regular pan. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and customizable to your liking.

Think of it: perfectly cooked rice, tender vegetables, savory protein, all tossed together in a delicious sauce, kissed by the flames of your Blackstone. What’s not to love?

But the best part? It’s so easy to adapt!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Don’t feel limited by the ingredients I’ve listed. This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation.

* Protein Power: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders too!
* Veggie Variety: Add your favorite vegetables! Broccoli florets, snow peas, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or even edamame would be delicious additions.
* Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
* Egg-cellent Addition: For an extra layer of richness, scramble an egg or two directly on the griddle and mix it into the fried rice.
* Garnish Galore: Top your finished fried rice with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.
* Sauce Sensations: Experiment with different sauces! Teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a homemade sweet and sour sauce would be fantastic alternatives.
* Make it a Meal: Serve your Blackstone Fried Rice as a complete meal, or pair it with egg rolls, spring rolls, or a side of steamed vegetables for a more substantial feast.

I’ve even tried adding pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist – it was surprisingly delicious! The possibilities are truly endless.

I’m confident that once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The interactive cooking experience on the Blackstone also makes it a fun activity for the whole family.

So, fire up your Blackstone, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some amazing fried rice! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself.

I truly believe that mastering this Blackstone Fried Rice recipe will elevate your outdoor cooking game.

And now, the most important part: I want to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family think? Share your experiences, photos, and tips in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what culinary creations you come up with! Happy griddling!