What Sauces Go With Fried Rice? A Tasty Guide!
When it comes to a quick, easy, and nutritious meal, fried rice is a fantastic go-to choice.
Add your favourite protein and plenty of veggies, and you’ve got a deliciously balanced dinner on the table in hardly any time at all.
But what sauces go with fried rice?
The right sauce can add flavour and moisture, and turn a mediocre rice bowl into something that you’ll want to eat time and time again.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the tastiest sauces that you need to try!
(Be sure to also check out the best sides for fried rice, herbs and spices for fried rice, and the best toppings for fried rice!)
What Sauces Go With Fried Rice?
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Some of the best sauces for fried rice include classic choices like soy, oyster, hoisin, and teriyaki.
Alternatively, you can get a little experimental and try Szechuan, kimchi, barbecue, tahini, or orange sauce.
Keep reading to discover more about why these sauces are the perfect pairings for your fried rice dish, as well as easy to follow recipes for making your own sauces at home!
Classic Sauces for Fried Rice
Soy Sauce
When it comes to fried rice, you simply can’t go wrong with soy sauce.
This staple Chinese condiment adds depth, saltiness, and a rich umami flavour to your dish.
Be sure to use a good-quality soy sauce, as it will elevate the taste of your fried rice.
You can start by adding a tablespoon or two of soy sauce while stir-frying your rice, making sure to give it a thorough mix so that the sauce evenly coats each grain.
You can always add more to taste, but remember that a little goes a long way.
If you’re unsure about whether to use light or dark, I highly recommend checking out this soy sauce guide.
Oyster Sauce
Another popular choice for fried rice is oyster sauce.
Made from oyster extracts and seasonings, this thick, dark sauce imparts a savoury, slightly sweet flavour to your dish.
It pairs particularly well with vegetable or seafood-based fried rice.
To use oyster sauce, simply mix in a tablespoon or two during the stir-frying process.
Since oyster sauce is typically less salty than soy sauce, you may want to combine the two for a more balanced flavour.
Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a fragrant and sweet sauce often used in Chinese cuisine.
Its sweet, tangy flavour works wonderfully with fried rice, especially when combined with other bold-tasting ingredients such as garlic, ginger, or sriracha.
When incorporating hoisin sauce into your fried rice, start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
An ideal way to use hoisin sauce is by adding it to the pan along with your protein choice, such as chicken or tofu, and allowing it to caramelise slightly before mixing in the rice.
Want to make your own? Try this hoisin sauce recipe.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce, originating from Japanese cuisine, is a delicious addition to any fried rice dish.
This sweet and savoury sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake.
The combination of salty, sweet, and umami flavours lends itself perfectly to enhancing the taste of your fried rice.
You can opt for a store-bought teriyaki sauce or make one yourself by combining equal parts soy sauce and mirin with a pinch of sugar.
Simply stir in the teriyaki sauce during the cooking process, adding a touch of extra flavour to your fried rice meal.
Flavour Combination Ideas
Sweet and Tangy
For a delightful sweet and tangy combination, try adding a sauce made of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce to your fried rice.
This will create a delicious contrast between the sweetness of the pineapple and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Don’t forget to include some fresh herbs, like coriander or mint, to elevate the flavours even further. Your taste buds will thank you for this exciting culinary experience.
Spicy and Savoury
If you’re craving a spicy and savoury kick, combine Szechuan sauce or Schezwan sauce with your fried rice.
These sauces will provide an intense and bold flavour to your dish, thanks to its combination of fiery chilli peppers, garlic, and other spices.
To complement the heat, add some fragrant ginger and aromatic umami flavours with ingredients like soy sauce or oyster sauce.
Your fried rice will be bursting with deliciously bold flavours!
Garlicky and Nutty
For a more aromatic and nutty profile, consider adding a pesto cream sauce to your fried rice.
This sauce combines fresh herbs, garlic, and nuts, creating a delightful balance between earthy and garlicky flavours.
You may also want to include a touch of sesame oil to enhance the nuttiness and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
The combination of these ingredients will provide a unique and satisfying twist to your ordinary fried rice recipe.
International Twists
Szechuan Sauce
To add some spice to your fried rice, try using Szechuan sauce.
This sauce originates from China’s Szechuan region and is known for its bold flavours and spiciness.
With a blend of chilli peppers, garlic, and spices, it will bring your fried rice dish to life.
You can drizzle the sauce on top or mix it into the rice during cooking for an extra kick.
Kimchi Sauce
For a tangy, fermented twist, you can’t go wrong with kimchi sauce.
This Korean staple is perfect for bringing a new dimension to your fried rice.
Made from fermented cabbage, chilli paste, and various seasonings, the sauce imparts a rich flavour that pairs excellently with rice dishes.
You can stir in a spoonful of kimchi sauce while cooking your fried rice or use it as a topping to garnish.
BBQ Sauce
If you’re craving something sweet and smoky, why not try incorporating BBQ sauce into your fried rice?
This popular condiment is versatile and can enhance the flavour profile of your fried rice, giving it a distinct American twist.
Add a few tablespoons of your favourite BBQ sauce to the rice while it’s cooking, allowing it to caramelise slightly, creating a delicious, savoury-sweet combination.
Tahini Sauce
For a Middle Eastern flair, consider adding tahini sauce to your fried rice.
This sauce, made from ground sesame seeds, has a creamy, nutty flavour that works well with the diverse ingredients found in fried rice.
You can drizzle it over the dish after cooking or mix it in during the cooking process to create a rich, creamy texture.
Orange Sauce
Looking for a sweet and tangy addition?
Orange sauce can provide a delightful citrus burst to your fried rice, combining the sweet taste of oranges with savoury Asian flavours like soy sauce and sometimes, a subtle hint of chilli.
This sauce can be either homemade or store-bought, and you can stir it into your rice during the cooking process.
The result is a zesty, refreshing twist on a classic fried rice dish.
