The 10 Best Types of Rice for Chinese Fried Rice

I’ve discovered the secret to perfect Chinese fried rice, and it starts with choosing the right rice.

But not just any rice will do. Oh no, my friends. The key lies in selecting the best types of rice for that iconic dish.

After extensive research and countless taste tests, I’ve narrowed it down to the top 10 contenders.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying rice varieties that will take your fried rice to the next level.

Jasmine Rice

Jasmine rice is a popular choice for Chinese fried rice because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. When I cook Chinese fried rice, I always reach for a bag of jasmine rice.

The aroma that fills my kitchen when the rice is cooking is simply divine. The grains are long and slender, and they cook up to be light and fluffy, making each bite a delight.

The natural sweetness of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the fried rice, creating a harmonious balance of taste. Whether I’m using vegetables or meat in my fried rice, jasmine rice never fails to enhance the overall dish.

It’s no wonder that jasmine rice is a favorite among Chinese cuisine lovers.

Basmati Rice

Basmati rice, known for its long grains and aromatic flavor, is a popular choice for making delicious Chinese fried rice. I love using Basmati rice when I make this dish because it adds a wonderful texture and fragrance to the final product.

The long grains of Basmati rice stay separate and fluffy when cooked, which is perfect for fried rice. Its subtle nutty flavor also enhances the taste of the dish, allowing the other ingredients to shine.

To make the best Chinese fried rice with Basmati rice, I like to cook it the day before and refrigerate it overnight. This helps to dry out the rice slightly, resulting in a crispier and more flavorful fried rice.

Sticky Rice

When you’re craving a sticky and glutinous rice dish, there are several traditional Asian recipes that you can try.

One of my personal favorites is sticky rice. It’s a staple in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese. Sticky rice, also known as glutinous rice or sweet rice, has a unique texture that is chewy and sticky when cooked.

It’s perfect for making dishes like sticky rice dumplings, sticky rice with mango, or sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves.

To prepare sticky rice, it’s important to soak it overnight to soften the grains before steaming it. The result is a deliciously sticky and fragrant rice that pairs perfectly with various savory or sweet ingredients.

Brown Rice

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to white rice, brown rice is a great option. I love using brown rice in my cooking because it’s packed with nutrients and has a nutty flavor that adds a delicious twist to any dish.

Plus, it’s high in fiber, which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. When it comes to Chinese fried rice, brown rice is a fantastic choice because it holds up well to the stir-frying process and doesn’t get mushy. It also adds a nice chewy texture to the dish.

Not only is brown rice better for your health, but it also adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your fried rice that you won’t get with white rice. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Glutinous Rice

You should consider trying glutinous rice in your cooking because of its sticky texture and ability to hold together well in dishes like sushi or sticky rice desserts.

I first discovered glutinous rice when I tried making sushi at home. The regular rice I had didn’t hold together as well as I wanted it to, so I decided to give glutinous rice a try. The results were amazing! The rice stuck together perfectly, making it easier to roll the sushi and ensuring that it didn’t fall apart when I sliced it.

Since then, I’ve also used glutinous rice in sticky rice desserts like mango sticky rice, and it adds a wonderful chewy texture that regular rice just can’t match. Trust me, once you try glutinous rice, you won’t want to go back to regular rice for certain dishes!

Arborio Rice

To enhance the creaminess of your risotto, try using Arborio rice instead of regular rice.

Arborio rice, with its high starch content, is perfect for creating that velvety texture we all love in a good risotto. When cooked, the grains become plump and tender while maintaining a slight bite in the center, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.

The ample starch also helps to bind the flavors together, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

Arborio rice is widely available and easy to find in most grocery stores. So next time you’re craving a creamy risotto, reach for Arborio rice and take your dish to the next level of deliciousness.

Sushi Rice

I just talked about Arborio rice, and now let’s move on to another great option for Chinese fried rice: sushi rice.

Sushi rice, also known as Japanese short-grain rice, has a sticky texture that works wonderfully in fried rice dishes. Its ability to hold together makes each bite satisfyingly cohesive. The grains are slightly sweet and have a subtle taste that pairs well with various ingredients.

When cooked, sushi rice becomes soft on the inside while retaining a slight chewiness. Its high starch content also helps to create that desirable fried rice texture.

Whether you’re making traditional fried rice or adding a modern twist, sushi rice is a fantastic choice that will bring your dish to the next level of deliciousness.

Black Rice

If you’re looking to try something unique and flavorful, black rice is a great option.

I absolutely love the rich, nutty taste of black rice. It has a slightly chewy texture that adds a wonderful dimension to any dish.

Not only is black rice delicious, but it also comes with numerous health benefits. Packed with antioxidants and fiber, black rice is known to promote heart health and aid in digestion.

It’s also a great source of iron and protein, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Whether you use it in a stir-fry, salad, or even as a side dish, black rice is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Red Rice

Red rice is a nutritious whole grain that offers a nutty flavor and a pleasant chewy texture. It’s one of my favorite types of rice to use in my cooking.

Not only does it add a beautiful red color to dishes, but it also provides a variety of health benefits. Red rice is packed with antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals. It is also a good source of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can aid in weight management.

Additionally, red rice contains essential minerals like iron and zinc, which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. With its unique taste and nutritional value, red rice is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.

Wild Rice

Try incorporating wild rice into your meals for a nutty flavor and a satisfying chewy texture.

I love using wild rice in my dishes because it adds a unique taste and texture that is hard to replicate with other types of rice. It has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile option for both savory and sweet dishes.

The chewy texture of wild rice also adds a satisfying element to any meal. Whether I’m making a hearty salad, a flavorful stir-fry, or a creamy risotto, wild rice always brings an extra level of depth and complexity to the dish.

Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any diet.