Fried rice, or chahan (チャーハン) in Japan, is a beloved dish that reflects the country’s adaptation of Chinese cuisine. Found in ramen shops, casual eateries, and home kitchens, chahan is typically made with short-grain Japanese rice, which gives it a slightly sticky texture compared to the long-grain varieties used in traditional Chinese fried rice. Seasoned with soy sauce and pepper, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that complements other staples like ramen or gyoza.
Each region or cook might add unique twists, such as using seafood in coastal areas or incorporating local flavors. Chahan embodies the Japanese art of turning humble ingredients into a comforting, flavorful meal.
Making fried rice in a rice cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to create a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort and cleanup. This method is perfect for busy individuals or anyone looking for a convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. The rice cooker does most of the work, allowing you to focus on preparing your favorite mix-ins and seasonings. This method is not only convenient but also customizable, making it easy to adapt the dish to your personal preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who loves easy cooking methods, fried rice made in a rice cooker is a fantastic option to add to your culinary repertoire.
Recommended Rice Cookers
Do I need to have a fancy rice cooker to make this meal?
This is a question I am asked all the time. The answer is NO!
Just like anything, generally, the higher the quality, the better. But you can make my rice cooker meals in a cheap rice cooker!
Click on the photos of each of the respective the rice cookers to be taken to my rice cooker recommendations! I have the Tiger 5.5 cup rice cooker pictured. It can make over 10 servings of rice at a time.
While short-grain white rice is the most traditional, you can also experiment with other types of rice.
Key Features to Look For in a Rice Cooker:
Steaming Basket or Tray: Allows you to steam vegetables or cook other ingredients while the rice cooks.
Multiple Cooking Functions: Ensure it has settings for steaming, slow cooking, and possibly even baking.
Non-Stick Inner Pot: Makes cleaning easier and prevents sticking.
Timer and Keep Warm Function: Useful for planning meals ahead of time and keeping them warm until you’re ready to eat.
Rice Cooker Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice (I recommend Japanese short-grain or medium grain rice for the most authentic Japanese experience!)
- Water (reduce water by the amount of soy sauce you are using [for a 1x recipe, this will be 2 tbsp.] from usual rice cooker measurement; more on this in the recipe instructions)
- 1 lb. boneless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas & diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (optional; adjust to your desired spice level)
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Begin by washing your rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly and place it in the rice cooker. Add water as you normally would for the rice you are using, but reduce the total amount by the amount of soy sauce you are using.
- Directly into the rice cooker, add the chicken, peas & carrots, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and gochujang. Use your rice cooker paddle to mix everything thoroughly with the chicken and rice.
- Close the rice cooker lid and cook on the regular white rice setting until the rice is cooked.
- Once done, drizzle your sesame oil on top of the rice. Fluff the rice to combine all the ingredients and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2