Craving a zesty twist on traditional fried rice? This lemon fried rice with peas offers a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthiness of thyme and the subtle sweetness of peas. It’s a quick and easy dish that can elevate any meal.
Photos of Lemon Fried Rice with Peas Recipe
If you don’t typically keep thyme or Realemon® lemon juice on hand, you may need to pick these up at the supermarket. Thyme is often found in the spice aisle, and Realemon® lemon juice can usually be located with the other bottled juices or near the produce section. Make sure to get chicken broth as well, if it’s not something you have stocked in your pantry.
Ingredients for Lemon Fried Rice with Peas
long grain rice: The base of the dish, providing a fluffy texture.
thyme: Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
margarine: Used to toast the rice, giving it a rich taste.
chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth.
water: Helps cook the rice perfectly.
Realemon® lemon juice: Provides a refreshing citrusy note.
pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness.
frozen peas: Provides sweet and tender bursts of flavor.
almonds: Adds a crunchy texture to the final dish.
One reader, Gan Israel says:
This lemon fried rice with peas is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, and the peas and almonds provide great texture. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick, flavorful meal. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Lemon Fried Rice with Peas
How to cook rice: Explanation on how to cook rice in a saucepan with margarine until lightly golden. How to stir: Explanation on how to properly stir ingredients in a saucepan. How to bring to a boil: Explanation on how to bring the mixture to a boil. How to simmer: Explanation on how to reduce heat and simmer the mixture until rice is tender. How to remove from heat: Explanation on how to safely remove the saucepan from heat. How to stir in peas: Explanation on how to properly stir in frozen peas after cooking. How to let stand: Explanation on how to cover and let the rice stand for 5 minutes. How to sprinkle almonds: Explanation on how to sprinkle almonds over the rice before serving.
How To Make Lemon Fried Rice with Peas
Add a tangy and fresh taste to the traditional fried rice by putting a drizzle of lemon juice and generous amounts of thyme. Try this lemon fried rice now.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupslong grain rice,uncooked
- ¼tspthyme,dried
- 2tbspmargarine
- 14½ozchicken broth,(1 can)
- 1¼cupswater
- ¼cupReaLemon® lemon juice,from concentrate
- ¼tsppepper
- ¾cupfrozen peas
- 2tbspalmonds,sliced, toasted
Instructions
-
Cook and stir rice and thyme in hot margarine in a medium-sized saucepan for 5 minutes or until rice is lightly golden. Carefully stir in broth, water, ReaLemon®, and pepper.
-
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 to 18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquids are absorbed.
-
Remove from heat. Stir in peas. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Sprinkle with almonds.
Recipe Notes
Optional: Top with garnish for added color.
Nutrition
- Calories: 259.66kcal
- Fat: 6.48g
- Saturated Fat: 1.14g
- Trans Fat: 0.70g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.76g
- Carbohydrates: 43.14g
- Fiber: 1.79g
- Sugar: 2.36g
- Protein: 6.59g
- Cholesterol: 2.06mg
- Sodium: 151.03mg
- Calcium: 29.61mg
- Potassium: 185.71mg
- Iron: 0.91mg
- Vitamin A: 18.05µg
- Vitamin C: 7.14mg
Expert Advice for Mastering Lemon Fried Rice with Peas
To enhance the flavor of your rice, toast it in the margarine until it reaches a light golden color. This step not only adds a nutty aroma but also helps to keep the grains separate and fluffy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the rice: Cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can skip the initial cooking step and go straight to frying.
Use pre-chopped ingredients: Buy pre-chopped almonds and pre-measured lemon juice to save prep time.
Frozen peas: Use frozen peas directly without thawing. They will cook quickly when added to the hot rice.
One-pot method: Cook everything in one pot to reduce cleanup time. This includes frying the rice, adding the broth, and mixing in the peas and almonds.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Fried Rice with Peas Recipe
long grain rice - Substitute with basmati rice: Basmati rice has a similar texture and cooking time, making it a suitable replacement.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano provides a similar earthy flavor that complements the dish well.
margarine - Substitute with butter: Butter offers a rich flavor and similar consistency, making it an ideal substitute.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar depth of flavor and is a good option for vegetarians.
water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water adds a subtle sweetness and extra nutrients to the dish.
realemon® lemon juice - Substitute with fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice offers a more vibrant and natural lemon flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor profile but with a slightly different aroma.
frozen peas - Substitute with fresh peas: Fresh peas offer a more vibrant color and a slightly sweeter taste.
almonds - Substitute with cashews: Cashews provide a similar crunch and mild flavor, making them a good alternative.
Plating Ideas for a Delightful Presentation
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the lemon fried rice in a compact, elegant mound using a ring mold. This creates a refined and controlled presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with thin slices of lemon and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. This adds a pop of color and highlights the key ingredients.
Highlight texture: Toast the almonds until they are golden brown and scatter them artfully around the rice. This adds a crunchy texture and a visual contrast.
Incorporate height: Place a small, delicate pea shoot or microgreen salad on top of the rice mound. This adds height and a fresh, vibrant element to the dish.
Use a sauce: Drizzle a light lemon butter sauce around the base of the rice. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a glossy finish to the presentation.
Plate choice: Use a sleek, white plate to make the colors of the lemon fried rice and peas stand out. The simplicity of the plate will allow the dish to be the star.
Add a protein: For a more substantial dish, consider adding a perfectly seared scallop or a slice of grilled chicken breast on the side. This adds an element of luxury and makes the dish more complete.
Finish with a flourish: Just before serving, zest a bit of fresh lemon over the top of the dish. This adds a burst of citrus aroma and a final touch of elegance.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Fried Rice
Medium-sized saucepan: This is used to cook the rice and thyme in margarine, and later to simmer the rice with broth, water, lemon juice, and pepper.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the rice and thyme in the hot margarine to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the rice, water, lemon juice, and frozen peas.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the thyme, margarine, and pepper precisely.
Lid: Necessary for covering the saucepan while the rice simmers, ensuring that the steam cooks the rice evenly.
Stove: Provides the heat source for cooking the rice and simmering the ingredients.
Knife: Useful for chopping the almonds if they are not pre-sliced.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the almonds.
Measuring jug: Handy for measuring the chicken broth and water.
Mixing bowl: Can be used to combine the frozen peas with the hot rice mixture before letting it stand.
Serving spoon: Used to serve the finished lemon fried rice with peas.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Fried Rice
Let the lemon fried rice cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent the rice from becoming soggy and mushy.
Store the cooled fried rice in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from entering and drying out the rice.
If you want to freeze the lemon fried rice, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date of freezing, so you can keep track of how long it has been in the freezer. Fried rice can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen fried rice, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish and microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is hot and steaming.
If the reheated fried rice seems dry, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to moisten it up. Stir well to combine and heat through.
For best results, consume the reheated lemon fried rice immediately. Refreezing previously frozen fried rice is not recommended, as it can affect the texture and quality of the dish.
How To Reheat Leftover Fried Rice
Stovetop method: heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan. Once hot, add the leftover lemon fried rice and peas. Stir-fry the rice, breaking up any clumps, until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the rice seems too dry. Season with additional lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Microwave method: place the leftover lemon fried rice and peas in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten the rice. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated through. If needed, add more time in 30-second intervals. Stir in a little extra lemon juice, butter, or olive oil to refresh the flavors.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover lemon fried rice and peas in an oven-safe dish. Drizzle a small amount of water, chicken broth, or lemon juice over the rice to help keep it moist. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. Remove the foil and stir the rice. If desired, sprinkle some additional almonds on top and return the dish to the oven for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the nuts.
Steamer method: place the leftover lemon fried rice and peas in a heat-proof bowl that fits inside your steamer basket. Add a small amount of water, chicken broth, or lemon juice to the rice. Place the bowl in the steamer basket and set it over a pot of simmering water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. Stir the rice and season with additional lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
Interesting Trivia About Fried Rice
A unique aspect of this lemon fried rice recipe is the use of Realemon® lemon juice which adds a tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken broth and the sweetness of the peas.
Budget-Friendly Cooking: Is This Recipe Economical?
The lemon fried rice with peas recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like long grain rice, frozen peas, and chicken broth are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The addition of lemon juice and almonds adds a refreshing and crunchy twist without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 in cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD, making it a budget-friendly yet flavorful option.
Is Lemon Fried Rice with Peas a Healthy Choice?
The lemon fried rice with peas recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. Let's break it down:
Pros:
- Rice provides carbohydrates for energy
- Peas offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Almonds add healthy fats and protein
- Lemon juice provides vitamin C and flavor without added calories
Cons:
- White rice is less nutritious than brown rice or other whole grains
- Margarine contains trans fats, which are unhealthy
- The recipe lacks vegetables beyond peas
- Chicken broth may be high in sodium
To make this recipe healthier, I suggest:
- Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Use olive oil instead of margarine to avoid trans fats
- Add more vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers for extra vitamins and minerals
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth or use water instead to reduce salt intake
- Consider adding lean protein sources like chicken or tofu for a more balanced meal
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can transform this dish into a more nutritious and well-rounded meal that still delivers on taste and satisfaction.
Editor's Take on This Zesty Fried Rice Dish
This lemon fried rice with peas recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional fried rice. The use of Realemon® lemon juice adds a refreshing citrus note that pairs well with the subtle earthiness of thyme. Cooking the rice in chicken broth enhances its flavor, while the margarine provides a rich, buttery base. The addition of frozen peas introduces a pop of color and sweetness, and the almonds contribute a satisfying crunch. Overall, this dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a vibrant and tasty side or main dish.
Enhance Your Lemon Fried Rice with Peas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Meal
Why trust this Lemon Fried Rice with Peas Recipe:
This recipe for lemon fried rice with peas is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of long grain rice, chicken broth, and Realemon® lemon juice creates a flavorful base, while the addition of thyme and pepper adds depth. The frozen peas provide a pop of color and sweetness, and the almonds add a satisfying crunch. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers a unique and refreshing taste that will impress your family and friends. Trust this recipe for a delicious and reliable meal.
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