If you love fried rice, but are looking for a healthier twist, try this Farro Fried Rice dish. The slightly nutty flavor of farro combines with classic veggies of corn, carrots, and peas, for a hearty, delicious Lunar New Year dish...or it's perfect for any dinner as well!
The Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year as some people call it, is coming up! Looking for a great Chinese food recipe that has a bit of a twist? My Farro Fried Rice recipe is just the thing!
Have you cooked with farro?
I've been obsessed with farro for a couple of years now. I am always so excited when it's served at a restaurant. But for some reason, I haven't really cooked with it at home...until now. I've cooked a few different dishes with farro now and can't believe I waited so long to cook with it at home!
What is farro?
Farro is an ancient grain that is soft, chewy, and satisfying. It looks a little like wheat berries.
It's heartier than quinoa and packed with more cholesterol-lowering fiber than rice. Farro has an absolutely delicious texture and slightly nutty flavor. It's also packed with vitamin B, zinc, iron, and more heart-healthy nutrients.
How do you cook with farro?
I think farro is especially delicious in salads, but you can also use it for risotto dishes, soups, or, as I used it here, as a substitute for rice in recipes!
Italians have been cooking with farro for centuries. It is said to have been found in the tombs of Egyptian Kings! So, when you make this recipe, you can say you've made a dish fit for a king! ;)
Tips for buying farro
My favorite farro to cook with is Village Harvest Italian Pearl Farro. It's about $5 per package at my local grocery store, and lasts a long time. The Italian Perlato (or Italian Pearl) farro is the easiest, in my opinion, to cook with because it doesn't need to soak overnight; if you buy whole grain farro, you'll need to soak those puppies overnight. I also just ADORE the taste of the Village Harvest Italian Pearl Farro.
How to make farro fried rice
Growing up, my Filipino great-grandmother and my mother would cook different variations of Filipino fried rice. This recipe is akin to the more traditional, Americanized version of Chinese Fried Rice, but you can certainly adapt the ingredients to include your own favorite vegetables and meat. It can also easily be made as a vegetarian dish!
I start with a base of garlic, ginger, onions, corn, peas, and carrots in one large skillet, while I have the farro cooking in a separate pot. Once the farro is done cooking according to the package directions, you simply add it to the vegetable mixture and you're done!
More easy recipes
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo- Pork and Shrimp Wonton Recipe
Easy Homemade Ramen- Thai Peanut Curry
- Authentic Filipino Lumpia Recipe (Filipino Egg Rolls)
Farro "Fried Rice"
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked farro which turns into 3 cups of cooked farro; Village Harvest Italian Pearled is my favorite variety
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloved minced
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger or ¼ teasoon ground ginger, but it's not going to be the same, folks!
- 1 cup peeled cubed carrots
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup corn
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1½ cups shrimp or chicken breast or pork loin that is cut into very small pieces
Instructions
- Cook farro according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir with a wooden spoon and sauté for one minute.
- Add the carrots, peas, and corn to the skillet, and stir well. Sauté all of the pretty veggies, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Add your meat (shrimp, chicken, or pork) to the skillet and cook for 4-8 minutes, until the meat is fully cooked. I usually use cooked frozen shrimp that has been thawed, which takes about 5 minutes in the skillet. If you are using uncooked small pieces of of chicken breast or pork loin, you'll probably need to cook them for about 5-8 minutes.
- Once the meat is cooked, add the cooked farro. Stir and cook for another minute or two, so that the farro soaks up all of the delicious flavors in the skillet.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Do you like farro dishes? Have you cooked with it at home or enjoyed a farro dish at a restaurant? If so, what was the dish?
Aida@TheCraftingFoodie says
My kids (and I) love farro, and I've never thought of using it as a substitute for rice in fried rice. What a brilliant idea! It makes for such a balanced meal packed with fiber. Love it :)
Chrystie says
I love farro but don't have many recipes for it...thank you for sharing! Pinning this for future reference :)
Mary @ Vindulge says
Ohh I love the idea of subbing farro for rice. I make my kids some variation on fried rice at least once a week, but love to get them to experiment with new foods. I'll be putting farro on my radar this weekend during my grocery store run!
Renée ♥ The Good Hearted Woman says
One of my goals this year is to expand my use of grains, so I appreciate anything that leans me more toward that, and this is perfect because we eat fried "rice" at least once or twice a week for breakfast using what ever grain we have leftover. This looks great, except the peas of course. (I will never understand why everyone must ruin perfectly good fried rice with peas.) Thanks, Marlynn.
Chris Huston says
I've never put corn in my fried rice but it looks like it would be really good. Can't wait to try it!
Create/Enjoy (@SuzannahStanley) says
That looks delicious! I don't think I've ever had farro, wonder if I could handle it!
Now I want shrimp! =)
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
I'm totally into farro right now and this looks like a great way to make it! Thanks for sharing.
Pech says
I admit the main reason I make fried rice is because I have old rice, but I love the idea of making it healthier with farro!
Nicole says
I saw this picture when I put my blog up on Facebook today and I was really excited about reading the recipe. It didn't disappoint. I am very excited to try it. Delicious and quick are things I look for!
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
love the recipe. and the color of dish so appetizing... YUM!
linda spiker says
Really colorful and beautiful dish!
Candy says
I have nerver used farro. Love fried rice.
Kristina says
I love any kind of fried rice, AND I don't use farro enough - this looks great!
Marye says
Fried rice is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. This looks so good!
Adriana Martin says
Farro is one of my favorite grains great idea for a replacement for rice nice pics too =)