Sheet Pan Fried Rice Recipe

A one-dish fried rice saves time with plenty of flavor. Tofu prepared in the oven is chewy and savory, bringing it all together with the tahini-based sauce. Look for extra-firm, water packed tofu as it won’t crumble when tossed with the tamari or soy sauce. You can swap out the broccoli and carrots for combinations of cauliflower, cabbage or asparagus.

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 35 mins
Total time: 55 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
• 1 cup mild kimchi, drained and chopped, plus 2 tablespoons juice
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 1/2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon gochujang paste
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 3 tablespoons avocado or canola oil, divided
• 1 block extra firm tofu, drained
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Directions

1. Cook the rice: Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a small pot, then add the rice. Return to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes or according to the package instructions. Take off the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool until ready to use.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
3. Prepare the kimchi: Use a fork to move the kimchi from the jar to a measuring cup, then place a small strainer over a small bowl and drain the kimchi, pressing it down. Measure the kimchi juice and add more from the jar, if needed, to make 2 tablespoons. Roughly chop the kimchi and set both aside.
4. Make the drizzle: In a cup or bowl, combine the tahini, 1 tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce, gochujang, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, and the reserved 2 tablespoons of kimchi juice. Stir with a fork or small whisk until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of water to make it pourable and set aside.
5. Roast the tofu: Spread 1 large rimmed sheet pan with 1 tablespoon of oil.
   Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and pile on the oiled pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce and toss gently to coat, then spread the cubes out on the pan in a single layer. Bake the tofu for 15 minutes, then toss and bake for 10 minutes longer, until browned and crisp.
6. Roast the vegetables: Meanwhile, combine the cooled, cooked rice, broccoli, carrot, and kimchi in a large bowl. Drizzle with sesame oil and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce and toss to mix.
   Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil on a second large rimmed sheet pan, then spread the rice and vegetable mixture evenly on the pan.
   Bake until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the rice is a little browned around the edges of the pan, about 20 minutes.
7. Drizzle and serve: Combine the hot rice mixture and baked tofu in a large serving bowl and stir to mix. Drizzle with the tahini and gochujang mixture. Serve hot.
   Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.
   To reheat, microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes. You can also put the leftover fried rice in a small, oven-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, cover, and place in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Source: Simply Recipes