Sweet & Savoury Chinese Fried Rice

Fried rice is one of those dishes that’s comforting yet versatile, making it a staple in many homes around the world. Sweet & Savoury Chinese Fried Rice brings together a unique combination of flavours, incorporating both sweet and savoury ingredients in perfect harmony. Rice, a cornerstone of many Asian cuisines, has been cultivated for thousands of years. In China, fried rice is often a dish to use up leftover rice, giving it new life with vegetables, meats, or in this case, a sweet-savoury combination of ingredients.

Traditionally, fried rice is made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, meat, or egg, and seasoned with soy sauce or oyster sauce. This recipe takes a fun twist by introducing sweet components like pineapple and a hint of honey, making it both savoury and subtly sweet—a combination that’s sure to surprise and satisfy.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp organic sesame oil
• 300g cooked organic white short grain rice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp organic agave syrup
• 1/2 tsp organic Chinese 5 Spice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 50g cooked organic split green peas
• 2 tbsp organic sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and swirl to coat the base of the pan evenly.
   
2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the diced carrot and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the carrot is tender yet still slightly crisp.
   
3. Add the cooked and cooled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir in the cooked split green peas, ensuring they are well distributed with the rice.
   
4. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, agave syrup, and Chinese 5 Spice. Pour the sauce over the rice mixture, stirring well to ensure that the rice is evenly coated.
   
5. Stir in the sesame seeds, allowing them to lightly toast in the heat of the pan for 1–2 minutes.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the fried rice hot, either on its own or as a side dish to your favourite Asian-inspired meals.

Fried rice is not just a filling meal but a great way to get in some vegetables, fibre, and antioxidants. Pineapple adds a sweet and tangy touch, and the combination of soy sauce and sesame oil gives a comforting, savoury depth. This is a perfect dish to enjoy for lunch or dinner, satisfying your cravings while offering nutrients.