Leeann Chin fried rice is a popular dish at the Leeann Chin restaurant chain. Fried rice is a stir fried rice dish, often made with leftovers or other ingredients. Leeann Chin’s fried rice likely contains a mix of rice, vegetables, eggs, and meat or seafood, flavored with soy sauce and other seasonings. The exact recipe may vary by location. Here is a quick overview of some of the main ingredients typically found in Leeann Chin fried rice:
Rice
The base of any fried rice is rice. Leeann Chin likely uses a long grain white rice. The rice is pre-cooked and then cooled before being stir fried to create the fried rice. Using cooled, pre-cooked rice helps achieve the distinct texture of fried rice.
Vegetables
Some common vegetables found in fried rice include carrots, peas, onions, garlic, scallions/green onions, and bean sprouts. Leeann Chin fried rice likely contains a mix of several vegetables to add flavor, texture, color, and nutrients. The vegetables are typically diced or shredded and stir fried along with the rice.
Eggs
Eggs are also common in fried rice. Scrambled eggs are often cooked with the rice to add protein. The scrambled egg pieces add richness to the fried rice.
Meat/Seafood
Some popular proteins paired with fried rice are chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef. The meat or seafood is usually diced or shredded into bite-sized pieces and stir fried with the rice and vegetables. This adds flavor and bulk to the dish. Leeann Chin’s fried rice may contain one or more of these protein options.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the most common seasoning used to flavor fried rice. It adds a savory, salty flavor. Leeann Chin likely uses soy sauce seasoned with extra garlic, ginger, sesame oil, or other aromatic ingredients tailored to their recipe.
Other Seasonings
In addition to soy sauce, fried rice might contain other seasonings for flavor. Oyster sauce, fish sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper are some examples. Leeann Chin may use a custom blend of seasonings.
Ingredients in Leeann Chin Fried Rice
While the exact recipe for Leeann Chin fried rice is proprietary, we can make some educated guesses about the most likely ingredients based on typical fried rice recipes and reviews from customers.
Here is a list of the probable ingredients in Leeann Chin fried rice:
Rice
– Long grain white rice, pre-cooked and cooled
Vegetables
– Carrots, diced or shredded
– Green onions/scallions, sliced
– Onion, diced
– Peas
– Garlic
– Bean sprouts
Protein
– Chicken, diced or shredded
– Shrimp
– Pork, diced
Eggs
– Scrambled eggs
Seasonings
– Soy sauce
– Sesame oil
– Rice wine vinegar
– Garlic
– Ginger
– Five-spice powder
– Salt and pepper
The vegetables provide color and texture. Onion and garlic add aromatic flavor. The eggs add richness while the protein options add hearty, savory flavor. Soy sauce is the primary seasoning, with sesame oil, vinegar, garlic, ginger and five-spice powder rounding out the flavor profile.
Of course, ingredients may vary somewhat across locations. But this covers the major components found in most Leeann Chin fried rice dishes. The magic is in the proportions and exact cooking technique used to create the signature Leeann Chin fried rice flavor.
How is Leeann Chin Fried Rice Prepared?
While the full recipe is a trade secret, we can outline the general process used to make restaurant-quality fried rice like Leeann Chin’s version:
1. Cook and cool the rice
– For best texture, long grain rice is used. The rice is rinsed and then cooked per package directions.
– After cooking, the rice is spread out on a sheet pan and cooled in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This helps prevent mushiness.
2. Prep the vegetables and other ingredients
– Vegetable like carrots, onions, garlic, etc are diced or shredded.
– Proteins like chicken, pork, or shrimp are chopped into bite-size pieces.
– Eggs are whisked together and lightly scrambled.
3. Sear the protein
– If using meat or seafood, the protein is seared in a bit of oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
– This adds flavor and ensures it is cooked through.
– The cooked protein is removed from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir fry the vegetables
– More oil is added to the pan along with the garlic, ginger, onions and other aromatic vegetables. They are stir fried for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the eggs
– The lightly scrambled eggs are added to the pan and stirred frequently for even cooking.
6. Add the rice
– Once the eggs are nearly set, the cooled rice added to the wok or pan.
– The rice is tossed and stir fried for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the oil and flavors.
7. Add protein and seasonings
– The cooked protein is returned to the pan along with soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and other desired seasonings.
– Everything is stirred together for another 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
– More soy sauce can be added to taste.
8. Finish with green onions
– Right at the end, sliced green onions are stirred in to provide a pop of color and fresh flavor. They are stir fried for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
9. Plate and serve
– The fried rice is taken off the heat and plated while hot. Often garnished with more green onions. Enjoy!
Executing each step properly results in the characteristic textures and flavors of restaurant-quality fried rice like Leeann Chin’s. The keys are cooled rice, very hot wok, a bit of oil, and tossing/stirring frequently.
Nutrition Information in Leeann Chin Fried Rice
Like most fried rice dishes, Leeann Chin’s likely delivers a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables. Here is some approximate nutritional information in a typical serving:
Calories
A 1 cup serving of Leeann Chin fried rice likely provides around 300-400 calories. This estimate is based on typical fried rice recipes made with white rice, eggs, meat and vegetables. The oils and seasonings add additional calories.
Carbohydrates
There is around 45-55g of carbohydrate in a 1 cup serving coming primarily from the white rice. Rice is the main source of carbs.
Protein
Protein levels are around 12-18g per serving. The eggs and protein ingredients like chicken or shrimp contribute protein.
Fat
Total fat per serving ranges from 10-15g. Oil is used for stir frying. Meat and egg ingredients also provide some fat.
Fiber
Fiber is around 2-3g per cup serving. The vegetables contain fiber, while white rice has little.
Sodium
Sodium levels can range from 500-800mg per serving. Soy sauce is high in sodium and is the primary seasoning.
Vitamins and Minerals
The vegetables in the fried rice provide vitamins A, C, K and minerals like potassium, magnesium and folate. White rice does not offer much by way of vitamins and minerals.
In moderation, Leeann Chin’s fried rice can be part of a balanced diet, providing energy from carbohydrates and protein, plus some vitamins from vegetables. Sodium and saturated fat from oils are the main nutritional cons to consider.
Health Benefits of Ingredients in Leeann Chin Fried Rice
While fried rice is high in refined carbs and oil, the ingredients may offer some potential health benefits:
Rice
– Rice provides energy from carbohydrates. It’s also gluten free for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Vegetables
– Onions, carrots, peas and other veggies supply vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants to aid health.
Eggs
– Eggs provide high quality protein and nutrients like selenium, vitamin A, riboflavin and choline.
Chicken
– Chicken offers lean protein, B vitamins like niacin and minerals like selenium.
Shrimp
– Shrimp is high in protein, low in calories, rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Soy Sauce
– Soy sauce contains antioxidants that may promote heart health according to some studies.
So while deep fried and high in sodium, some of the core ingredients like eggs, chicken, shrimp, vegetables and soy sauce have proven health benefits. Fried rice in moderation can have a place in an otherwise balanced diet.
Tips for Making Healthier Leeann Chin Fried Rice at Home
To lighten up Leeann Chin style fried rice at home, you can:
Use brown or cauliflower rice
– Swap white rice for brown rice or riced cauliflower to increase fiber and nutrients.
Increase veggies
– Double up on healthier vegetables and limit white rice.
Use less oil
– Use nonstick pans and skillet sprays to cut down on the amount of oil needed.
Cut back on soy sauce
– Flavor with mixtures of reduced sodium soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, etc.
Load up on protein
– Maximize satiating proteins like shrimp, chicken or pork.
Cook at home
– You control how much oil, salt and how many calories go into homemade fried rice.
With some easy substitutions and technique adjustments, it’s possible to enjoy healthier versions of Leeann Chin fried rice at home. You still get great flavor and satisfaction.
Variations of Leeann Chin Fried Rice
There are endless possibilities when it comes to fried rice recipes. Here are some fun variations on standard Leeann Chin fried rice:
Pineapple Fried Rice
– Add diced pineapple for tropical flair. Often paired with shrimp or chicken.
Kimchi Fried Rice
– Stir in kimchi for spicy kick and probiotic benefits. Pork pairs well with kimchi.
Vegetable Fried Rice
– Use your favorite mixed vegetables instead of meat. Great meatless option.
Shrimp and Avocado Fried Rice
– Top fried rice with fresh diced avocado and shrimp for creaminess.
Egg Foo Young Fried Rice
– Scramble an egg into rice like egg foo young. No tossing needed.
Crab Fried Rice
– Use lump crab meat instead of typical proteins. Coastal flair.
There are all kinds of ways to customize fried rice with different ingredients. Fried rice is perfect for using up leftovers too. Get creative with your own Leeann Chin inspired fried rice dishes!
Where to Find Leeann Chin Fried Rice
Craving some authentic Leeann Chin fried rice? Here’s where you can find it:
Leeann Chin Restaurant Locations
– Leeann Chin has over 40 locations, mostly in the Midwest region. Check their website locator to find a restaurant near you.
Grocery Store Freezer Section
– Leeann Chin sells their popular fried rice in the frozen food aisle of grocery stores like Hy-Vee, Lunds & Byerlys, Coborn’s and others.
Online Ordering
– Order Leeann Chin fried rice and other favorites online through delivery apps like DoorDash, GrubHub or Uber Eats depending on your location.
Frozen Meals
– Leeann Chin frozen meals featuring their famous fried rice can be ordered online for delivery from websites like Vitacost, Walmart, Amazon and more.
So seek out the nearest Leeann Chin restaurant for the real deal or grab a bag of their frozen fried rice at your grocery store if you long for that trademark flavor.
Conclusion
Leeann Chin’s fried rice is the perfect combo of fluffy rice, savory protein, crisp vegetables and signature seasoning. While the exact recipe is secret, it likely contains ingredients like cooled white rice, chicken or shrimp, scrambled eggs, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and green onions. Skills like properly cooling the rice, using very high heat, andconstant tossing and stirring result in the restaurant-worthy flavor, textures, and appearance. With some easy healthy tweaks, you can recreate lighter versions at home too. So next time you’re craving Leeann Chin fried rice, look for their restaurants, frozen products, or make your own healthier copycat recipe. Your taste buds will thank you!
