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There is nothing quite as comforting and packed with flavor as this Baked Chorizo Fried Rice Recipe. Taking the classic fried rice to a whole new level, it combines the rich, smoky notes of chorizo with vibrant vegetables and fluffy rice, all baked to perfection for a fuss-free yet irresistible meal. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests with minimal effort, this baked rendition elevates fried rice with its crispy edges and deeply savory layers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that each bring a unique touch to the dish, creating a wonderful balance of textures, colors, and flavors. From the boldness of chorizo to the subtle sweetness of corn and the aromatic freshness of spring onions, every item plays an essential role.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for cooking the chorizo and adding a hint of fruitiness to the flavor base.
- 2 chorizo, sliced: The star of the dish, its spicy, smoky qualities infuse the entire rice.
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic: Adds fragrant depth and a savory kick.
- 1 cup (155 g) frozen peas: Bursts of sweetness and a lovely green pop of color.
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn kernels: Provides a gentle crunch and natural sweetness to contrast the spice.
- 450 g (1 lb) packet microwave long-grain rice: The perfect base that absorbs flavors while staying fluffy and separate.
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten: Adds richness and silkiness once baked into the rice.
- 2 tsp tamari: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that brings umami and saltiness without overpowering.
- 3 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced: Offers a fresh, mild onion crunch and a lovely green garnish.
- Crispy chilli oil (optional): For those who love extra heat and a bit of texture on top.
- ¼ cup (20 g) fried shallots: Adds a satisfyingly crunchy texture and caramelized onion flavor.
- Lemon wedges: A fresh citrus zing to brighten every bite.
How to Make Baked Chorizo Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by warming your oven to 220°C (425°F), or 200°C (400°F) if using a fan-forced oven. This high heat is key to crisping the chorizo and lightly toasting the rice, giving everything that delightful baked finish. If you prefer stovetop cooking you can adjust, but don’t skip this step for baking.
Step 2: Cook the chorizo
Drizzle the olive oil over a large oven-safe non-stick baking tray and add the sliced chorizo. Toss to coat so the oil evenly covers the spicy sausage. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, turning the chorizo halfway through. This process allows the chorizo to render its flavorful fat and start crisping up, releasing aromas that will fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Add the garlic
Carefully remove the hot tray from the oven and quickly stir in the minced garlic. Let the heat of the tray gently cook the garlic for at least 30 seconds, infusing the chorizo oil with its fragrant savory goodness without burning.
Step 4: Add the vegetables and rice
Now stir in the frozen peas, corn kernels, and the long-grain microwave rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps of rice and mix everything thoroughly. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. This step heats the veggies through while allowing the rice to soak up the bold chorizo flavors.
Step 5: Add the egg
Remove the tray again with care, then push the rice mixture to one side of the tray. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty space, creating a section for the eggs to set. Pop the tray back in the oven for about 2 minutes, or until the eggs are just firm but still tender. This technique adds a lovely creaminess and rich texture contrast.
Step 6: Seasoning and spring onion
Stir through the tamari and two-thirds of the thinly sliced spring onions, saving the rest for garnish. The tamari deeply enhances the savory complexity, balancing the spicy chorizo and mild sweetness of the corn and peas.
Step 7: Finish and serve
Serve this warm, golden baked chorizo fried rice straight from the tray topped with the reserved spring onions, crispy chilli oil if you like a bit of heat, fried shallots for crunch, and a wedge or two of lemon to squeeze over just before eating. The contrast of textures and flavors make this a dish you’ll want on repeat.
How to Serve Baked Chorizo Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes here. The fried shallots add a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softly baked rice. Fresh spring onion slices bring a mild bite and vibrant color, while a drizzle of crispy chilli oil can dramatically elevate the flavor for heat lovers. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens every mouthful with zesty freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile on its own but pairs especially well with light sides such as a crisp green salad, pickled vegetables, or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli. These side dishes balance the richness of the chorizo and give you a complete, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked chorizo fried rice in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for personal portions that retain heat and look utterly charming. Alternatively, use colorful bowls to make your dinner table pop, or scoop it into crispy lettuce cups as a handheld party snack with a burst of citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover baked chorizo fried rice into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick lunches. The flavors marry even more after resting, so leftovers can easily taste just as good as freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy it even later, you can freeze the baked chorizo fried rice in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 1 month. Be sure to cool completely before freezing and portion it out first to make defrosting easier and more convenient.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave the rice on medium power, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out. Alternatively, reheat it in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or oil to bring back some moisture and crisp up the bottom slightly. Add fresh spring onion or a squeeze of lemon after reheating to revive the freshness.
FAQs
Can I use another type of sausage instead of chorizo?
Absolutely! While chorizo gives the dish its signature smoky, spicy vibe, you can substitute with other flavorful sausages like Andouille or a smoked paprika sausage. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari and check your chorizo brand for any gluten-containing additives, this Baked Chorizo Fried Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I add other vegetables?
Sure thing! Feel free to add bell peppers, diced carrots, or chopped spinach depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly so everything cooks evenly.
Can this recipe be made on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook this in a large skillet by rendering the chorizo first and then stir-frying the garlic, vegetables, rice, and eggs. Just keep the heat medium-high to get that slightly crispy texture similar to baking.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain microwave rice is recommended for convenience and texture, as it stays fluffy without clumping. However, if you prefer, precooked jasmine or basmati rice can also be used for a fragrant, tender result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious one-dish meal that’s both comforting and bursting with bold flavors, this Baked Chorizo Fried Rice Recipe should be your next go-to. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
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Print
Baked Chorizo Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Chorizo Fried Rice recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on traditional fried rice by utilizing the oven to cook crispy chorizo, vegetables, and fluffy rice topped with perfectly set eggs. The dish is enhanced with tamari, spring onions, and optional crispy chili oil, making it both delicious and easy to prepare in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chorizo sausages, sliced (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 cup (155 g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn kernels
- 450 g (1 lb) packet microwave long-grain rice
- 4 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tsp tamari
- 3 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
For Garnishing
- Crispy chilli oil (optional)
- ¼ cup (20 g) fried shallots
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chorizo and rice mixture evenly.
- Cook the chorizo: In a large oven-safe, non-stick baking tray, add the olive oil and sliced chorizo. Toss to coat the chorizo with the oil, then place it in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chorizo is rendered and starts to crisp up.
- Add the garlic: Carefully remove the hot tray from the oven and stir in the freshly minced garlic. Keep stirring the garlic for at least 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Add the vegetables and rice: Add the frozen peas, corn, and microwave rice to the baking tray. Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula and stir everything to combine well. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Add the egg: Remove the tray from the oven again and push the rice mixture to one side with your spatula, creating space on the tray. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty side, then bake for a further 2 minutes or until the eggs have set completely.
- Seasoning and spring onion: Stir through the tamari sauce and most of the sliced spring onions into the rice and egg mixture. Reserve about one-third of the spring onions for garnish at the end.
- Finish and serve: Serve the baked chorizo fried rice with a sprinkling of the reserved spring onions, optional crispy chilli oil, fried shallots, and lemon wedges on the side for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute microwave rice by cooking your own long-grain rice in advance, ensuring it is cooled before using.
- If you prefer stovetop cooking, you can cook the chorizo and rice mixture in a skillet, following similar steps.
- Ensure the chorizo brand you choose is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
- The crispy chili oil adds a spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
