Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy? Is Boiled Better? (2024)

  • Fried Rice Nutrition
    • Calories and nutrients in fried rice
  • Boiled Rice Nutrition
    • Boiled rice calories and nutrition
  • Fried vs Boiled Rice
    • Difference between fried and boiled rice
  • Quick Healthy Recipe
    • Quick and healthy fried rice recipe
  • Cooking and Serving
    • Cooking and serving boiled rice
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Calories and nutrients in fried rice

Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy? Is Boiled Better? (1)

Rice dishes come in two forms: fried rice and boiled rice. Fried rice is not a nutritionally balanced meal on its own, and you should enjoy it in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Rice dishes come in two forms: fried rice and boiled rice.While both can be delicious and satisfying, there are some key differences between fried rice calories and boiled rice calories, as well as their effects on health.

Read on to learn more about fried rice calories and whether boiled rice is healthier.

One cup of plain fried rice prepared with white rice, vegetable oil, and no additional ingredients contains about:

  • 242 calories
  • 8 grams of fat
  • 41 grams of carbohydrates
  • 706 milligrams of sodium, nearly a third of the recommended daily intake for adults

The nutritional value of fried rice varies further depending on the type of ingredients and the way they are prepared. For example, the nutritional profile of fried rice made from brown rice, chicken, and vegetables will be different from fried rice made from white rice, shrimp, and eggs.

Fried rice is not a nutritionally balanced meal on its own, and you should enjoy it in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet. Adding a variety of vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains can help to improve the nutritional value of fried rice.

Boiled rice calories and nutrition

Boiled rice is a staple food for many people and is a good source of energy and nutrients. One cup of cooked white rice contains about 242 calories, while brown rice contains about 218 calories per cup. Rice is primarily composed of carbohydrates, with a small amount of protein and almost no fat.

The main type of carbohydrate in rice is starch, which is a complex carbohydrate that provides a slow and steady supply of energy. White rice is a relatively good source of thiamin, niacin, and vitamin B6, but it is not a significant source of other vitamins or minerals.In terms of nutrients, brown rice is slightly higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white rice.

While rice is a good source of energy, it is not a particularly rich source of other nutrients on its own. It is often eaten with other foods, such as vegetables or meat, which can help to provide a more balanced and nutritious meal. Rice can also be enriched with additional nutrients, such as iron and folic acid, to make it more nutritious.

In general, eating a variety of foods is essential to ensuring that you get all of the nutrients your body needs. While boiled rice can be a part of a healthy diet, it should not be your only source of nutrition. It is important to eat a variety of grains, as well as fruits, vegetables, and other sources of protein and nutrients.

Difference between fried and boiled rice

Fried rice and boiled rice are both popular types of rice dishes that are enjoyed by people all around the world. While both can be delicious and satisfying, there are some critical differences between them in terms of their preparation, ingredients, and nutritional value.

Fried rice is a dish made by frying cooked rice with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, seafood, and eggs. It is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines and is often served as a side dish or main course. The frying process and additional ingredients used in fried rice contribute to its higher calorie, fat, and sodium content than boiled rice.

Boiled rice, on the other hand, is rice that is cooked in hot water, usually separately from other ingredients. It is a staple food in many cultures and is often served as a side dish or used as a base for other dishes, such as stews and soups. Boiled rice is generally lower in calories, fat, and sodium than fried rice.

In terms of taste and texture, fried rice and boiled rice can also differ.The frying process gives fried rice a crisp, chewy texture, while boiled rice tends to be fluffy and softer. Fried rice may also have a stronger flavor due to the additional ingredients used in the frying process, such as soy sauce and other condiments.

In terms of nutrition and preference, fried or boiled rice is a matter of personal preference. You can enjoy both as part of a varied and balanced diet, but it is essential to be mindful of portion sizes and to choose healthier ingredients whenever possible.

Quick and healthy fried rice recipe

You can make a healthier bowl of fried rice by using brown rice instead of white rice, as brown rice is a whole grain that is higher in nutrients and fiber than white rice. To make a healthier fried rice:

  1. Cook the brown rice as directed on the package.
  2. Heat your vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers, in a pan with vegetable oil.
  3. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender.
  4. Add the cooked brown rice and a protein such as scrambled tofu or cooked shrimp.
  5. Stir-fry everything together until it is heated through.
  6. To make the fried rice taste richer, you can season it with soy sauce, sesame oil, or any other spices you like.

Enjoy your healthy fried rice as a side dish or a main course.

SLIDESHOW Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See Slideshow

Cooking and serving boiled rice

Boiled rice is a simple and versatile staple that can be enjoyed as a side dish or used as a base for a variety of dishes. To make boiled rice:

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer under cold water to remove any excess starch.
  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice. If you use white rice, the cooking time will be about 12-15 minutes; for brown rice, the cooking time will be about 45 minutes.
  3. Once the rice is cooked, drain off any excess water and fluff the rice with a fork.
  4. Serve the boiled rice as is, or use it in a stir-fry, curry, or grain bowl.

You can also add flavor to the boiled rice by cooking it in broth or coconut milk instead of water. Experiment with different types of rice, such as basmati, jasmine, or wild, to find your favorite.

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Medically Reviewed on 2/13/2023

References

SOURCES:

American Heart Association: "How much sodium should I eat per day?"

Geneva: World Health Organization: "Guideline: Fortification of Rice with Vitamins and Minerals as a Public Health Strategy."

Help Guide: "Healthy Fast Food."

My Plate: "What is MyPlate."

University of New Hampshire: "Vegetable Fried Rice:Ingredients and Nutritional Information."

University of Pittsburgh Medicine: "Quinoa vs. Rice: Which Food Has More Nutritional Value?"

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Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy? Is Boiled Better? (2024)

FAQs

Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy? Is Boiled Better? ›

Difference between fried and boiled rice

Is fried rice or boiled rice healthier? ›

In terms of pure health benefits, steamed rice takes the crown. It's lower in calories and fat and often more nutritionally dense, especially if you opt for brown or whole-grain varieties. It's a foodie's best friend for a balanced diet.

Is fried rice high in calories? ›

Fried rice without meat from a Chinese restaurant has about 238 calories per 1-cup serving, and adding meat such as chicken, shrimp or beef can add anywhere between 15 to 120 additional calories, per the USDA.

Does boiling rice reduce calories? ›

Simply by boiling it with coconut oil and chilling it for 12 hours before reheating and consuming it. The article claims that by doing so, this changes the molecular structure of the starch in rice. The change results in a more “resistant starch” which is less digestible and therefore, fewer calories.

Does rice gain calories when boiled? ›

The calories don't change, assuming that you add just water and don't pour away a significant amount of starch. So you still have 150 kcal for 1/4 cup of dry or 3/4 cups of cooked rice. If 3/4 cup cooked white rice has 150 kcal, one cup of cooked white rice is roughly 200 kcals - which is exactly what you found out.

What is the healthiest rice to eat everyday? ›

"Black rice has been shown to have the highest level of antioxidants of all rice varieties, due in large part to the anthocyanin content—a powerful anti-inflammatory that gives the grains their dark purplish hue—as well as flavonoids and carotenoids," explains Megan Roosevelt, RDN, LA-based registered dietitian, ...

What is the best rice for a diet? ›

Brown rice deserves the top spot because of its fiber and protein content. Fiber plays a role in regulating hunger levels and reducing cholesterol, and protein is crucial for muscle building and controlling appetite.

What is the healthiest way to cook rice? ›

By testing out 38 different kinds of rice and simulating human digestion in a test tube, they devised a recipe for the least caloric way to cook rice: drop a teaspoon of coconut oil into boiling water, then add half a cup of non-fortified white rice and cook it for about 40 minutes.

What happens if I eat boiled rice everyday? ›

In a review of studies in over 350,000 people, researchers found that those who ate the most white rice had a higher risk of type 2 diabetes than those who ate the least ( 10 ). What's more, each serving of rice eaten per day raised the risk of type 2 diabetes by 11%.

How to reduce the calories of rice? ›

The research found that adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to boiling water with a half-cup of non-fortified white rice, letting it simmer for 20 to 40 minutes, and then refrigerating it for 12 hours MAY reduce the number of calories your body takes in by 50 to 60%.

Does 1 cup of rice equal 200 calories? ›

White rice is refined grain with about 205 calories per one-cup serving.

Can I eat boiled rice for weight loss? ›

Boiled white rice has a low glycemic index, due to which it helps in weight loss. Its consumption helps in controlling blood sugar levels and promotes increased satiety. The fibre content present in this rice helps in digestion.

What happens if you boil rice too much? ›

The Grains Are Mushy

The resulting product is sticky and extra-soft, and the rice might be clumping together. If the rice is only a little sticky, it can be saved. Turn it out into a colander and rinse it under cool water, separating the grains with your fingers.

Is fried rice healthy to lose weight? ›

Generally, fried white rice will not help you lose weight, especially the calorie-filled, soy sauce covered take-out varieties! However, if you're eating a dish similar to our recipe, it's much lower in calories and fat with a decent amount of filling fiber, helping you eat less food during the day.

Is boiled rice better than normal rice? ›

Parboiled rice is also a source of iron and calcium. Compared to white rice, parboiled rice has fewer calories, fewer carbohydrates, more fiber, and more protein. This makes it a healthier alternative to traditional white rice.

Is fried rice healthy Chinese? ›

Typical side dishes like fried rice, lo mein noodles, crab rangoon, and egg rolls are high in calories — and fat. Healthier choices include steamed brown rice, sautéed or steamed vegetables, spring rolls, or soups like egg drop soup or hot and sour soup.

Does rice lose nutrients when boiled? ›

Excess water cooking reduces average inorganic As by 40% from long grain polished, 60% from parboiled and 50% from brown rice. Iron, folate, niacin and thiamin are reduced by 50-70% for enriched polished and parboiled rice, but significantly less so for brown rice, which is not enriched.

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