Rachael Ray Italian Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice gets an Italian twist in this dish, packed with smoky pancetta, herbs, and plenty of cheese!

Using leftover rice straight from the fridge is the best way to keep it from clumping or turning gummy.

A splash of chicken broth while stirring brings just enough moisture to help everything come together without getting soggy.

I like finishing it with a squeeze of lemon juice—it brightens up all the richness and balances the dish beautifully.

Serve it straight from the skillet while the cheese is still gooey and stretchy!

How to Make Rachael Ray Italian Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 cup Onion (diced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 4 cups Rice (cooked and cold)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 pound Italian Sausage (crumbled)
• 1 cup Mushrooms (dried)
• 1 cup Broth or Stock
• 1 cup Cheese (grated, your choice)
• 1 tablespoon Oregano

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cover the dried mushrooms with broth or stock in a small pot, and bring to a boil.

Remove from heat, cover, and let it steep for 15 minutes.

Step 2:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high, add olive oil, then sauté the onions for 2 minutes.

Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 3:

Add the crumbled sausage to the skillet and cook until browned.

Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4:

Introduce the cooked rice to the skillet, seasoning with salt and black pepper.

Allow it to crisp for 7 to 8 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5:

Mix in the mushrooms, sausage, cheese, and oregano, combining everything thoroughly.

Serve hot!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Prep Your Ingredients First

Chop, measure, and prepare all your ingredients before beginning the cooking process so you can move swiftly through each step.

Use Cold Rice for Best Results

Cold rice works best for fried rice because it crisps nicely instead of becoming mushy.

This dish is great for using up any leftover rice you may have.

Adjust the Flavors to Your Taste

Feel free to add extra herbs like basil or more cheese to suit your taste preferences, making it truly your own creation.

Don’t Rush the Crispy Rice Step

Allowing your rice to get crispy adds an excellent texture contrast to the dish.

Be patient and let it cook undisturbed as necessary.

Explore Cheese Varieties

Consider swapping out cheeses like mozzarella or parmesan for different flavor profiles in the dish.

This can add a unique twist and introduce new dimensions to the flavor.

What to Serve with Rachael Ray Italian Fried Rice Recipe

Classic Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with serving some warm, crusty garlic bread alongside your Italian fried rice.

The buttery garlic flavors are just perfect for soaking up any leftover bits of sauce or juices.

Plus, the crunchy contrast pairs beautifully with the textures in the fried rice.

Fresh Caprese Salad

A fresh Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil can bring brightness and freshness to your meal.

The acidity of the tomatoes and creaminess of the mozzarella complement the savory notes of the fried rice perfectly.

Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top for an extra kick!

Roasted Vegetables

If you’re in the mood for something healthy, go for a medley of roasted vegetables.

Carrots, zucchinis, and bell peppers roasted in olive oil and Italian herbs can add depth and a different texture to your meal.

Season them well and roast until they’re caramelized and tender!

Lemon Arugula Salad

A zesty lemon arugula salad can be a refreshing contrast to your meal.

The peppery arugula and tangy lemon vinaigrette balance the richness of the fried rice.

You can even toss in some shaved Parmesan for a little bit of savory twist that lifts the flavor.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus with a hint of lemon is another wonderful addition to your table.

This side dish adds a layer of earthy flavors that goes really well with the Italian spices.

The subtle char from grilling further enhances its taste and adds an appealing aesthetic to your plate.

Enjoy serving your Italian fried rice with these tasty sides!

Variations and Substitutions

Feeling adventurous with your Italian Fried Rice?

You can swap out sausage for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.

For a meatless twist, use diced tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.

Veggie Variations

You can replace the traditional peppers and tomatoes with zucchini or mushrooms.

Broccoli and spinach also work wonderfully to add more greens to the mix.

Cheese Choices

If Parmesan isn’t your thing, try grated Pecorino Romano or even some fresh mozzarella to switch the flavor profile.

Rice Essentials

Stuck without leftover rice?

You can use freshly cooked rice, but spread it on a cookie sheet to cool it down quickly before using it for frying.

Herb and Spice Play

Adding a bit of basil or red pepper flakes can bring a lil’ bit of heat.

Experiment with these suggestions and make the recipe your own.

Feel free to mix and match based on what’s in your pantry!

How to Store Leftover Rachael Ray Italian Fried Rice

Cool It Down

First, you need to cool the fried rice completely before storing it.

This prevents moisture from creating a soggy texture in your leftover dish.

You can spread it out on a tray for speedy cooling.

Use Airtight Containers

Place the cooled rice into airtight containers to keep it fresh for days!

This way, you’ll lock in the flavors without any unwanted odors from your fridge.

Make sure you fill the containers just enough to avoid extra air inside.

Refrigerate Promptly

Store your leftover Italian fried rice in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

It will keep well for about three to four days.

If you won’t eat it within that time, consider freezing it instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Fresh Rice

I know it might be tempting, but avoid using freshly cooked rice for this recipe.

Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and less likely to clump together!

Overcrowding the Pan

When cooking, don’t crowd the pan with too many ingredients at once.

This can make it hard for the rice to get that light and crisp texture.

Cook in batches if needed to give your rice the space it needs.

Neglecting Heat Levels

Keep an eye on the heat level while making this dish!

Cooking on low heat will make your rice soggy, while too much heat might burn it.

A medium-high setting usually works best to achieve that perfect golden brown.