The 12 BEST Herbs & Spices for Fried Rice!
Easy to make, perfect for using up leftovers, and ideal for cramming some extra veggies and goodness into your meal plan, fried rice is a deliciously versatile dinner that’s enjoyed in my household at least once a week!
It’s so wonderfully customisable, so you needn’t ever get bored of serving it up.
If you love this fakeaway inspired dish too then you’re probably already used to changing up the protein and veggies you use, but what about herbs and spices?
Let’s get right to it and take a look at the very best herbs and spices for fried rice!
(By the way, you might also want to take a look at the best sauces for fried rice, best toppings for fried rice, and side dishes for fried rice!)
1. Fresh Chilli
If you love your food with a bit of a kick, adding some chopped red chilli to your fried rice will be right up your street.
I like to use one medium sized chopped chilli per 2-person serving, but of course you can customise this depending on your own preferences.
Add to the pan and sizzle for a minute just before you chuck in your rice.
Of course, you can substitute for dried chilli flakes if you prefer.
2. Lime Juice
I’m a huge fan of using a touch of acidity to bring dishes to life!
A squeeze of fresh lime can really make all the other flavours sing, and it can be the difference between a mediocre dish and one that you want to eat time and time again.
It brings a clean and fresh flavour to the party, and helps to balance all the other elements of the meal.
Just squeeze some over right before serving, or add wedges to the side of the plate so everyone can do it themselves at the table.
3. Salt
Salt is a magical ingredient that’s often under-utilised in the kitchen due to home cooks often believing that it should only be added when you’re looking for a salty taste.
It can play an important role in enhancing other flavours, and it can balance sweetness and bitterness.
Add a little at a time and taste as you go.
In my experience, you’ll likely need more salt than you initially imagine!
4. Chopped Scallions
Some chopped scallions are a fantastic contender when it comes to herbs and spices for fried rice as they add flavour, colour, and texture to your bowl.
Chop finely, or in restaurant-style diagonals if you prefer, and sprinkle over your dish right before serving.
5. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is one of those ingredients that many home cooks tend to shy away from, probably because they assume it’ll add an overly fish taste to their meals.
But what it actually brings to the table is salty, deep umami flavours that work so well with fried rice.
If you don’t have any of this wonder ingredient in your pantry, seriously consider investing in a bottle.
It’ll last for years, and it can enhance so many different dishes.
6. Fresh Garlic
I love bold and punchy flavours when it comes to my fried rice, and that’s exactly what some fresh garlic delivers!
Chop finely or grate, and sizzle in the pan before you throw in the rice, being careful to ensure that it doesn’t burn.
If you’d like a milder flavour, consider using garlic powder instead.
7. Gochujang
If you’re familiar with Korean cooking, you might already be a big fan of gochujang.
It’s also known as fermented red pepper paste, and it’s one of the most popular condiments in Korean cuisine.
This fried rice recipe is my go-to when I want to incorporate this ingredient, and it’s perfect for using up leftover rice when you’re feeling a little uninspired but want something bold, spicy, and flavoursome.
(Love Korean food? Take a look at the best side dishes for Korean fried chicken for more inspiration!)
8. Thai Basil
Thai basil has a distinctive flavour that’s often described as being spicy and liquorice like, and it’s most commonly used in Thai and Asian cuisine.
If the idea of using this ingredient in your fried rice floats your boat, I highly recommend trying this Thai basil fried rice recipe.
It includes chicken, fresh chilli, and a beautifully authentic sauce, and you can have it ready to serve in just 20 minutes.
9. Ginger
Ginger boasts an extraordinary taste, usually characterised as spicy, peppery, and warm or hot.
Younger ginger may even present sweet notes, given its juicy and mild nature.
To incorporate ginger into your fried rice, consider the desired dish and tastes.
For subtle and mellow flavours, start with 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger root (or ΒΌ teaspoon ground) and adjust according to preference.
This versatile herb pairs delightfully with ingredients like garlic, onion, chilli peppers, star anise, and lemongrass.
As you experiment, you’ll discover countless ways to enhance your dishes with ginger’s distinctive zest.
10. Black Pepper
Black pepper brings a unique woody, piney flavour combined with a sharp aroma to dishes.
When cooking, especially with something like fried rice, the heat intensity in your dish can be adjusted with one level teaspoon of pepper per four servings.
To garnish, a dash of freshly ground black pepper can be sprinkled on your meal just before serving, adding an extra kick of flavour.
11. Fresh Coriander
Fresh coriander is light, bright, and zesty, and it’s delicious when chopped over fried rice right before serving.
It pairs particularly well with garlic, chilli, and lime juice. Just add your favourite proteins and veggies, and you’ve got a super simple yet absolutely delicious dinner.
12. Sesame Seeds
To fully appreciate the rich taste of sesame seeds, toast them in a dry pan until they begin to pop.
Enhancing their nutty flavour, toasted sesame seeds can be added to fried rice in quantities ranging from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup, depending on your desired intensity of flavour and texture.
I personally like to sprinkle them over the rice just before serving, for extra presentation points!
As you can see, there’s no shortage of delicious choices when it comes to the best herbs and spices for fried rice.
Experiment with these flavours, and you’re sure to find a combination you love.
