Recipe from Bon Appetite
Fried rice is the perfect way to turn last night’s leftovers into a glammed-up brunch dish. Cold cooked rice straight from the fridge results in optimal browning and a crispy texture. The sweetness from the dates and coconut gives this dish sunny daytime vibes.
Serves 4
6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 Medjool dates, pitted, coarsely chopped
3 scallions, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 fresh bay leaves
1 Tbsp finely grated unpeeled ginger
1 tsp freshly grated turmeric or 1 Tbsp. ground turmeric
Kosher salt
4 cups cooled cooked long-grain white rice
½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 cup cilantro leaves with tender stems
Handful of mint leaves, torn if large
2 limes
Heat 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add 4 Medjool dates, pitted, coarsely chopped, 3 scallions, thinly sliced, 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped, 2 fresh bay leaves, 1 Tbsp. finely grated unpeeled ginger, 1 tsp. freshly grated turmeric or 1 Tbsp. ground turmeric; season with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and garlic is starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a small bowl and set aside; discard bay leaves.
Heat remaining 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in same skillet (no need to wipe out) over medium-high. Add 4 cups cooled cooked long-grain white rice and press into a flat even layer. Cook, undisturbed, until crisp underneath, about 5 minutes. Shake pan to loosen rice, then break up rice into large pieces with a spatula and turn over. Scatter ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes over and cook, undisturbed, until coconut is warmed through, about 2 minutes.
Mix in reserved date mixture and 2 Tbsp. soy sauce; toss to break up rice clumps. Taste and add more salt if needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Just before serving, stir in 1 cup cilantro leaves with tender stems and a handful of mint leaves, torn if large. Cut 2 limes into quarters; squeeze juice from a few quarters over. Serve remaining lime quarters alongside.