Bihari Egg Fried Rice
A unique twist on classic egg fried rice, infused with the rustic flavors of Bihar. Punchy mustard oil, aromatic panch phoran, and a secret touch of sattu give this dish an unforgettable earthy taste. A quick and satisfying one-pot meal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Scramble the Eggs
- b.In a small bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them with 1/4 tsp of the salt and 1/4 tsp of the black pepper.
- c.Heat 1 tbsp of mustard oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- d.Pour in the whisked eggs. Let them set for a few seconds before gently scrambling until just cooked but still soft, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In the same wok, add the remaining 3 tbsp of mustard oil. Heat it over high heat until it's shimmering and slightly smoking.
- c.Carefully add the panch phoran and let the seeds splutter for about 30 seconds to release their aroma.
- d.Add the chopped onion and sauté for 1 minute until it starts to soften. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- e.Add the diced carrots, capsicum, and green peas. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast the Sattu and Spices
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the turmeric powder and sattu to the wok.
- c.Stir continuously for 45-60 seconds. The sattu will become fragrant and slightly toasted. Be careful not to let it burn.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry the Rice
- b.Increase the heat back to high. Add the cold, cooked rice to the wok. Use your spatula to gently break up any large clumps.
- c.Drizzle the soy sauce and vinegar around the edges of the wok. Add the remaining salt and black pepper.
- d.Toss and stir-fry everything vigorously for 3-4 minutes, ensuring each grain of rice is coated and heated through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Return the scrambled eggs to the wok and sprinkle the garam masala over the rice.
- c.Give it a final toss for about 1 minute to combine everything well.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish generously with chopped spring onion greens and coriander leaves. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use cold, day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in sticky fried rice.
- 2High heat is crucial for a good stir-fry. It cooks the vegetables quickly, keeping them crisp, and gives the rice a desirable smoky flavor ('wok hei').
- 3Don't skip the sattu; it's the star ingredient that imparts the unique nutty and earthy flavor characteristic of Bihari cuisine.
- 4Ensure the mustard oil is heated until it's almost smoking before adding spices. This mellows its pungent flavor.
- 5Do not overcrowd the pan. If you don't have a large wok, cook the fried rice in two batches to ensure it fries rather than steams.
- 6If you find pure mustard oil too strong, you can use a mix of half mustard oil and half neutral vegetable oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Addition
Add 200g of cubed paneer, boneless chicken, or shrimp. Sauté the protein separately until cooked and add it back in with the scrambled eggs at the end.
Vegetable BoostVegetable Boost
Incorporate other vegetables like finely shredded cabbage, French beans, mushrooms, or sweet corn. Add them along with the carrots and capsicum.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Omit the eggs and use 200g of crumbled firm tofu instead. Scramble the tofu first and set it aside, just like the eggs.
Grain SwapGrain Swap
For a healthier alternative, use cooked and cooled brown rice or quinoa instead of white basmati rice.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein Powerhouse
Eggs are a complete protein source, and sattu (roasted gram flour) adds a plant-based protein boost, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
The inclusion of various vegetables like carrots, capsicum, and peas provides significant dietary fiber, which aids in healthy digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Sustained Energy Release
Basmati rice provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source. This dish offers sustained energy, making it a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
Flavorful Traditional Spices
Panch phoran and mustard oil are not just for flavor. In traditional medicine, these ingredients are valued for their digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of approximately 1.5 cups contains around 450-500 calories, depending on the exact amount of oil and ingredients used.