How to Make Japanese Seafood Yakimeshi (Fried Rice)
Japanese seafood yakimeshi, or fried rice, is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of fresh seafood and the comforting taste of fried rice. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but is also an excellent way to utilize leftover rice. Follow this guide to make your very own Japanese seafood yakimeshi.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably chilled)
- 200 grams of mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, and scallops)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sake (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before starting to cook, ensure that all your ingredients are prepped. This includes thawing frozen seafood, chopping the vegetables, and having everything ready. Using cold, day-old rice helps in achieving the perfect texture, preventing mushiness.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the mixed seafood and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until cooked through. Once done, remove the seafood from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. Add in the green peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Rice
Once the vegetables are cooked, add the chilled rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and stir-fry the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs
Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, creating space to cook the eggs. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them until just set. Once cooked, mix them into the rice.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked seafood to the pan with the rice. Stir in the soy sauce and sake, mixing thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the yakimeshi from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Yakimeshi
- Using rice that is a day old ensures that it has dried out a bit, making it less sticky and perfect for frying.
- Feel free to customize your seafood selection based on what you have on hand or your personal preference.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating a splash of sesame oil when serving.
Japanese seafood yakimeshi is an easy yet flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests. With this guide, you can recreate a restaurant-quality fried rice dish right in your kitchen. Enjoy your delicious meal!