Seaweed Fried Rice

One time while camping, I had limited ingredients, so I made a fried rice dish using leftover rice and seaweed. I didn’t expect much, but to my surprise, the fresh flavor of the seaweed blended perfectly with the rice—it was amazing! Today, I’m sharing this seaweed fried rice recipe with you all. Give it a try!

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Ingredients for Seaweed Fried Rice:

Main Ingredients:

Luncheon Meat: Adds a meaty element and enhances flavor and texture.

Eggs: Contributes richness and serves as the primary source of protein.

Rice: The main carbohydrate source and the base of the dish.

Crushed Seaweed: Provides the unique flavor and texture of seaweed.

Seasonings:

Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Sugar: Used for seasoning to enhance aroma, saltiness, sweetness, and color.

Substitutes:

Luncheon Meat: Can be replaced with ham or bacon.

Eggs: Can be substituted with quail eggs or tofu.

Rice: Brown rice can be used instead of white rice.

Are fried seaweed healthy

From a texture perspective, frying seaweed makes it crispier. However, from a health standpoint, the frying process can increase the fat content and calorie count. If the oil temperature is too high or the frying time is too long, it may also destroy some of the nutritional benefits of the seaweed.

That said, enjoying fried seaweed occasionally is perfectly fine if you want to savor its flavor. In our seaweed fried rice recipe, we use crushed seaweed instead of fried seaweed, making it a healthier option!

Can I Make a Vegetarian Version

Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the luncheon meat. When seasoning, you can add a bit of salt to compensate for the lack of saltiness from the meat. Use the same amounts of soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar as in the original recipe, and stir them into the rice.

Here’s the key step: add the crushed seaweed—feel free to use a bit more for an extra burst of flavor. This way, you’ll have a delicious vegetarian seaweed fried rice that’s just as tasty!

Tips for Success

Choosing and Preparing Rice:

Using day-old rice is the key to successful fried rice because it has less moisture, making it easier to separate and preventing sticking. If day-old rice isn't available, you can use freshly cooked rice, but be sure to let it cool slightly and gently fluff it with chopsticks to ensure each grain is distinct.

Controlling the Heat:

Managing the heat is crucial when frying rice. Avoid using high heat, as it can burn the rice; too low heat will result in rice that isn't fragrant enough. Medium heat is recommended to maintain stable cooking, allowing the rice and luncheon meat to heat evenly.

Using Seasonings:

Adding soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar enhances the flavor of the fried rice. Be mindful of the quantities to prevent it from becoming too salty or sweet. After adding the seasonings, stir quickly to coat each grain of rice with the rich sauce.

Timing for Adding Crushed Seaweed:

Since crushed seaweed can burn easily, add it towards the end of cooking. Once added, stir quickly to ensure the seaweed's flavor integrates well into the fried rice while avoiding burning it.