Looking for a healthier twist on the traditional fried rice? Look no further. This spicy kale and coconut fried rice recipe is a fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Loaded with nutrient-rich kale and flavored with spicy chili garlic sauce, this dish is a healthy and satisfying meal. Topped with crunchy coconut flakes, it's a dish that's guaranteed to impress.
This recipe calls for some ingredients like tamari and chili garlic sauce which might not be readily available in your pantry. Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is usually gluten-free and has a richer, less salty flavor than traditional soy sauce. It can be found in the international or health food section of most supermarkets. Chili garlic sauce is a spicy condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. It is commonly used in Asian cuisines and can also be found in the international aisle of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
Coconut oil: This oil is used for sautéing and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
Eggs: They add protein to the dish and give the fried rice its classic texture.
Garlic cloves: Garlic provides a savory base flavor.
Green onions: These add a crisp, mild onion flavor.
Vegetables: Any mix of your favorite veggies will work.
Kale: This superfood adds a ton of nutrients and a nice texture.
Coconut flakes: They add a delightful crunch and coconut flavor.
Brown rice: Brown rice is used for its fuller, nuttier flavor and higher fiber content compared to white rice.
Tamari: This is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and has a richer, less salty flavor.
Chili garlic sauce: This adds a robust, spicy kick.
Lime: Lime adds a punch of acidity to balance out the flavors.
Cilantro: This herb adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.
One reader, Annie Flores says:
This spicy kale and coconut fried rice recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The coconut adds a delightful sweetness, while the chili garlic sauce gives it a nice kick. It's a perfect blend of healthy and delicious. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
How to scramble eggs: In a heated pan, pour in the beaten eggs and cook, stirring frequently, until the eggs are scrambled and lightly set. Transfer the eggs to an empty bowl.
How to wilt kale: Add the kale and salt to the pan. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
How to toast coconut flakes: Add the remaining oil to the pan, then pour in the coconut flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds until the flakes are lightly golden.
How To Make Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
Grab a bite of this sweet and spicy fried rice, packed with earthy kale and creamy coconut, for a delectably filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspcoconut oil,divided
- 2eggs,whisked together with a dash of salt
- 2large garlic cloves,pressed or minced
- ¾cupgreen onions,chopped
- 1cupvegetables,chopped, like bell pepper, carrot or Brussels sprouts, optional
- 1bunchmedium kale,chopped
- ¼tspfine sea salt
- ¾cupunsweetened coconut flakes,large
- 2cupsbrown rice,cooked and chilled
- 2tsptamari,reduced-sodium, or soy sauce
- 2tspchili garlic sauce,or sriracha
- 1lime,halved
- handfulfresh cilantro,for garnish
Instructions
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Heat a large wok over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact, add 1 teaspoon of oil and swirl the pan to coat the bottom.
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Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring frequently, until the eggs are scrambled and lightly set. Transfer the eggs to an empty bowl. Wipe out the pan, if necessary, with a paper towel.
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Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, then add the garlic, green onions, and vegetables. Cook for 30 seconds or longer, stirring frequently, until fragrant or until the vegetables are tender.
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Add the kale and salt. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender. Transfer the contents of the pan to your bowl of eggs.
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Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan. Pour in the coconut flakes and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds until the flakes are lightly golden.
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Add the rice to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes until the rice is hot.
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Pour the contents of the bowl back into the pan, breaking up the scrambled egg with a spatula or spoon. Once warmed, remove the pan from the heat.
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Add the tamari, chili garlic sauce, and juice of ½ of lime. Stir to combine. Taste, and add another teaspoon of tamari or a pinch of salt, as needed.
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Slice the remaining ½ of lime into wedges, then divide the fried rice into individual bowls.
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Garnish with wedges of lime and a sprinkling of torn cilantro leaves, with jars of tamari, chili garlic sauce, and red pepper flakes. Serve, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
- Calories: 1197.35kcal
- Fat: 44.73g
- Saturated Fat: 32.53g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.18g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.63g
- Carbohydrates: 176.88g
- Fiber: 19.36g
- Sugar: 6.44g
- Protein: 29.82g
- Cholesterol: 159.96mg
- Sodium: 776.22mg
- Calcium: 314.16mg
- Potassium: 1539.84mg
- Iron: 8.27mg
- Vitamin A: 723.48µg
- Vitamin C: 146.42mg
Technique Tip for Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
When cooking the kale, ensure not to overcook it. Overcooking can lead to a loss of nutrients and a mushy texture. Aim for a vibrant green color and a slightly tender texture to maintain the nutritional value and enjoy the best taste. Also, when adding the tamari and chili garlic sauce, start with a small amount and gradually add more according to your taste preference. This way, you can control the level of spiciness and saltiness in your fried rice.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Spicy Kale Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and kale in advance to save time during the cooking process.
Use leftover rice: Utilize leftover rice from a previous meal to cut down on cooking time.
One-pot wonder: Consider using a large skillet or wok to minimize the number of dishes to clean up afterward.
Efficient multitasking: While one component is cooking, prepare the next ingredient to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Customize and simplify: Tailor the recipe to your preferences and simplify by using pre-cut vegetables or pre-cooked rice.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the post-cooking cleanup time.
Flavor shortcuts: Utilize pre-made sauces or spice blends to add flavor without the need for extensive ingredient preparation.
Streamline equipment: Opt for versatile kitchen tools to streamline the cooking process and reduce the number of items to wash.
Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice Recipe
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish, while also offering its own unique taste.
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can provide a similar texture and protein content, making it a suitable alternative for those following a plant-based diet.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor profile to the dish.
green onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder and sweeter flavor compared to green onions, adding a unique twist to the dish.
vegetables - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can provide a crunchy texture and vibrant color to the dish, while adding a slightly sweet flavor.
kale - Substitute with spinach: Spinach can be used as a milder alternative to kale, offering a similar texture and nutritional benefits.
coconut flakes - Substitute with sliced almonds: Sliced almonds can provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, complementing the dish in a different way.
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a nutritious alternative to brown rice, offering a complete protein and a slightly nutty flavor.
tamari - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a similar umami flavor to the dish, while also offering a slightly different depth of taste.
chili garlic sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can offer a similar level of spiciness and garlic flavor, adding a kick to the dish.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar level of acidity and freshness to the dish, while offering its own distinct citrus flavor.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can offer a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor, providing a different twist to the dish.
Presenting Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: As culinary professionals with discerning palates, the visual appeal of the dish is just as important as its taste. Present the spicy kale and coconut fried rice in a visually striking manner, using edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and elegance to the plate.
Incorporate texture contrast: Create an enticing textural experience by garnishing the dish with crispy shallots and toasted coconut flakes. The crispy elements will provide a delightful contrast to the tender rice and vegetables, adding depth to each bite.
Utilize precision and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with precision and symmetry. This attention to detail demonstrates a high level of culinary expertise and elevates the overall dining experience.
Highlight the freshness of ingredients: Showcase the freshness of the ingredients by incorporating vibrant green kale leaves and brightly colored vegetables as a focal point of the dish. This not only adds visual appeal but also emphasizes the use of high-quality, fresh produce.
Incorporate elegant serving vessels: Consider serving the fried rice in elegant ceramic bowls or bamboo serving dishes to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation. The choice of serving vessels can enhance the overall dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.
Essential Tools for Making Spicy Kale Fried Rice
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel used in many Asian cuisines for stir-frying, steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking, and roasting nuts.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a long handle and a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or flipping food.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which food is cut and prepared.
- Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting or slicing food.
- Grater: A kitchen utensil with sharp-edged perforations for shredding or grating food.
- Bowl: A round, deep dish or basin used for food.
- Lime squeezer: A tool used to extract juice from limes.
- Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry, when cooking.
- Cooking spoon: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving and cooking food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used to facilitate repetitive tasks in the preparation of food.
- Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.
- Citrus zester: A kitchen utensil for removing fine shreds of zest from citrus fruit.
Storing and Freezing Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
- Let the fried rice cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
- To freeze the fried rice, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen fried rice can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat, transfer the thawed fried rice to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the rice in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
- If the reheated fried rice seems dry, add a splash of water or coconut milk to help moisten it and restore its texture.
- For best results, avoid reheating the fried rice more than once, as the quality and texture may deteriorate with each reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
- To reheat leftover spicy kale and coconut fried rice, start by placing the desired amount of rice in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
- Microwave the fried rice on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. The exact time will depend on the amount of rice and the power of your microwave. Stop the microwave halfway through the reheating process to stir the rice, ensuring even heating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the spicy kale and coconut fried rice in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of coconut oil or water to the skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the leftover rice to the skillet and stir frequently, breaking up any clumps, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- If you find that the reheated fried rice is a bit dry, you can add a splash of water, coconut milk, or vegetable broth to help rehydrate the rice and bring back some moisture.
- To add some freshness and brightness to the reheated dish, consider squeezing some fresh lime juice over the top and garnishing with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
- If you want to add some extra protein to your reheated fried rice, feel free to stir in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Make sure these additions are also heated through before serving.
- Lastly, if you have any leftover vegetables or eggs from the original recipe, you can stir them into the reheated rice for added texture and flavor. This is a great way to use up any remaining ingredients and create a satisfying meal.
Random Fact About Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
The spicy kale and coconut fried rice recipe is a great source of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Is Making Spicy Kale Fried Rice Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this spicy kale and coconut fried rice recipe is quite high. The ingredients, including kale, coconut oil, and brown rice, are affordable and widely available. This dish offers a balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and economical option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Spicy Kale Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This spicy kale and coconut fried rice recipe is a nutritious and flavorful dish that offers several health benefits:
- Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber
- Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and selenium
- Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that may boost metabolism and support weight management
- Eggs are a high-quality protein source, providing essential amino acids and nutrients like choline and vitamin D
- Garlic and green onions offer prebiotics, supporting gut health and immune function
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of coconut oil used in cooking to lower the overall calorie and saturated fat content
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables to boost the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content of the dish
- Opt for low-sodium tamari or soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content
- Use a variety of herbs and spices, such as turmeric or ginger, to enhance flavor and provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits
- Consider adding a lean protein source, such as tofu or shrimp, to increase the protein content and make the dish more satiating
Editor's Thoughts on This Spicy Kale and Coconut Dish
The spicy kale and coconut fried rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of coconut oil, tamari, and chili garlic sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish, while the fresh lime and cilantro provide a burst of brightness. The use of kale and vegetables adds a healthy and vibrant element, making this dish both delicious and nutritious. The recipe's clear instructions and simple techniques make it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Overall, this dish is a wonderful balance of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors that will surely impress anyone who tries it.
Enhance Your Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the wholesome goodness of kale and coconut with the satisfying heartiness of brown rice. The use of coconut oil and unsweetened coconut flakes infuses the dish with a rich, tropical aroma, while the addition of chili garlic sauce and lime juice provides a zesty kick. With the inclusion of fresh cilantro and tamari, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of savory and fresh elements. Trust in the expertise of this culinary creation to elevate your dining experience.
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