Sri Lanka Spicy Fried Rice

Sri Lanka Spicy Fried Rice

Sri Lankan Fried Rice is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Celebrated for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and incredible versatility, this dish holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. Whether it is a quick lunch on a busy working day or a cozy dinner on a weekend, fried rice is comfort food.

This recipe is a single-portion, but there's no need to go solo with dinner; feel free to scale it up if you want. Let's get into how you can bring Sri Lanka onto your plate, one spoonful at a time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

• Bursting with authentic Sri Lankan flavors.

• Perfect for experimenting with your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices.

Preparation Time:

30 min

Difficulty:

Easy to prepare

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of cooked Basmati rice
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 clove of ginger
• 2-3 pieces of cinnamon
• 2-3 pieces of cardamom
• 2-3 pieces of clove
• 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup of leeks, diced 
• 1/2 cup of green peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon of fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of pandan leaves

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Spoon
• wok
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Motor and pestle

Instructions:

• Put ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves in a motor and grind, then make a paste.
• Heat the vegetable oil or coconut oil in a wok over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and prepared paste, and sauté until golden brown and feeling a pleasant fragrance.
• Stir in the carrots, leeks and green peas, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened.
• Add the cooked basmati rice to the wok, breaking up any clumps and mixing well with the vegetables.
• Sprinkle the soy sauce, turmeric powder, chilli powder and black pepper over the rice, stirring constantly to combine.
• Push the rice to one side of the wok and pour the beaten egg into the empty space, scrambling until fully cooked.
• Mix the scrambled egg into the rice thoroughly.
• Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Macros:

• Total Calories: 455kcal
• Carbs: 60g
• Proteins: 12g
• Fats: 15g

Fun Facts about Sri Lankan Fried Rice

• Fried Rice: A Legacy of the Colonial Era Fried rice originated in Sri Lanka due to the influx of Chinese and Southeast Asian people during the colonial era. To this, Sri Lankans added their own variety of spices.
• Coconut Oil Magic: Replacing vegetable oil with coconut oil enriches it and gives it a tropical taste.
• Pandan Leaves: Sometimes referred to as "the vanilla of the East," this is because of its delicate, aromatic quality. They make all the difference in authentic Sri Lankan fried rice.

"Trivia Time"

Do you know why Sri Lankans use pandan leaves in cooking?

                                                         A) To enhance flavor 
                                                         B) As a natural preservative 
                                                         C) Both A and B

Let us know your answer in the comments! Don't  worry if you don't know the answer. Keep reading you will dig it!

Why Sri Lankan Fried Rice Is So Special ?

Unlike other fried rice varieties, Sri Lankan Fried Rice stands out for its bold use of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. These ingredients not only make it flavorful but also infuse the dish with warmth and depth.
Plus, it’s super versatile. You can swap the veggies for whatever you have on hand or add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Feeling adventurous? Add a spoonful of spicy Sri Lankan sambal on the side for an extra kick! The answer for the trivia is "C". Big heart to those who got it correct.

Follow this easy-to-make recipe in your own kitchen and enjoy a warm, homemade meal. Don’t forget to share your experience, tweaks, or serving ideas in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

Cook at Home and Share Your Experience

Enjoy the comforting taste of Sri Lankan fried rice, made just the way you like it. 🌟

Mangia, Enjoy, and Bon Appétit! 🧑‍🍳