If you enjoy fried rice but want a wholesome, hearty variation, this Farro Fried Rice is a delicious option. Chewy, slightly nutty farro takes the place of rice and pairs beautifully with classic fried rice vegetables like corn, carrots, and peas. It is a flavorful dish for Lunar New Year, and it also makes an easy, satisfying dinner any time of year.
Lunar New Year, also known by many as Chinese New Year, is a wonderful time to gather around food that feels festive, comforting, and full of flavor. If you are looking for a Chinese-inspired recipe with a nourishing twist, this Farro Fried Rice is a great dish to try. It has the familiar savory flavors of fried rice, but the farro gives it a heartier bite and a rich, nutty taste.
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal and flexible enough to adapt with the vegetables or protein you already have on hand. Shrimp, chicken, or pork all work well, and you can also leave out the meat for a vegetarian version.
Have you cooked with farro?
Farro is one of those ingredients that often appears on restaurant menus, especially in salads, grain bowls, soups, and seasonal side dishes. It has a wonderfully chewy texture that makes a dish feel filling without being heavy. Once you start cooking with farro at home, it is easy to see how versatile it can be.
In this recipe, farro replaces the rice in a fried rice-style dish. The result is warm, savory, and satisfying, with plenty of vegetables and a flavorful combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
What is farro?
Farro is an ancient grain with a soft, chewy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. It looks somewhat similar to wheat berries and has a sturdier bite than many other grains. Because of its hearty texture, farro holds up well in recipes where you want the grain to stay distinct rather than become mushy.
Compared with rice, farro offers more fiber and a deeper flavor. It is also known for containing nutrients such as vitamin B, zinc, and iron. Its satisfying texture makes it a great ingredient for anyone who enjoys whole grains and wants to add variety to everyday meals.
How do you cook with farro?
Farro is especially delicious in salads, where its chewiness adds texture and substance. It can also be used in soups, risotto-style dishes, grain bowls, and side dishes. In this Farro Fried Rice recipe, it works as a flavorful substitute for rice while still absorbing the savory seasonings in the skillet.
Farro has been cooked and enjoyed for centuries, especially in Italian cuisine. It is a simple grain with a long history, and it brings a rustic, comforting quality to modern home cooking.
Tips for buying farro
When shopping for farro, check the package to see whether it is whole grain, semi-pearled, or pearled. Pearled farro is often the easiest and fastest option because it usually does not require soaking before cooking. Whole grain farro may need to be soaked overnight, depending on the package directions.
For this recipe, pearled farro is a convenient choice because it cooks separately while the vegetables are sautéing. Always follow the instructions on your package, since cooking times can vary by brand and type.
How to make farro fried rice
This recipe is inspired by classic fried rice flavors, with a nod to the many comforting variations of fried rice made in home kitchens. The base begins with garlic, ginger, and onions, which create a fragrant foundation for the vegetables. Carrots, peas, and corn add color, sweetness, and texture.
While the vegetables cook in a large skillet, the farro cooks in a separate pot according to the package directions. Once the farro is tender, it is stirred into the skillet with soy sauce and sesame oil. The final dish is warm, savory, and packed with texture.
You can customize this Farro Fried Rice with shrimp, chicken, or pork, or keep it meatless. If using meat, make sure it is cooked through before adding the farro. If using cooked shrimp, the recipe comes together even faster.
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 makes about 3 cups cooked farro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 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 cut into very small pieces
Instructions
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Cook the farro according to the package directions.
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While the farro cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Add the carrots, peas, and corn. Stir well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
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Add the shrimp, chicken, or pork to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 8 minutes, or until the protein is fully cooked. Thawed cooked shrimp will usually need about 5 minutes, while small pieces of raw chicken or pork may need 5 to 8 minutes.
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Add the cooked farro to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the farro absorbs the flavors.
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Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Do you enjoy farro dishes? Have you cooked with farro at home, or have you tried it in a restaurant dish?
