Side Street Inn Honolulu Fried Rice Dish – A flavorful and popular local favorite in Hawaii
For those who have wandered the vibrant streets of Honolulu and sought out authentic local flavors, Side Street Inn is a name that resonates deeply. This beloved Honolulu establishment, particularly its Kapahulu Avenue location near Waikiki, is renowned for its unpretentious atmosphere and, most importantly, its incredibly delicious food. While they offer a diverse menu of mouthwatering dishes, one item consistently steals the show and keeps locals and visitors coming back for more: their signature fried rice.
Discovering Side Street Inn: A Honolulu Culinary Gem
Side Street Inn isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a Honolulu institution. Known for its lively, convivial atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where you can relax, share plates with friends, and truly experience the spirit of Aloha. Stepping inside Side Street Inn is like entering a local family gathering, where the food is abundant, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. While tourists flock to Waikiki, savvy travelers and Honolulu residents know that venturing just a little further to Kapahulu Avenue leads to this culinary treasure.
The Magic of Side Street Inn Fried Rice
What makes Side Street Inn’s fried rice so exceptional? It’s a testament to Hawaii’s unique culinary heritage, a melting pot of Asian and Pacific Rim influences. Fried rice itself is a dish with global roots, but Side Street Inn elevates it with distinctly Hawaiian touches. Their recipe incorporates Portuguese sausage, a nod to the islands’ Portuguese heritage, alongside Chinese char siu (barbecued pork) and Japanese hon dashi, a flavorful soup stock base. This combination creates a symphony of savory, smoky, and umami flavors that dance on your palate. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a hearty entrée that embodies the comforting and diverse tastes of Honolulu.
Recreate the Taste of Honolulu: Side Street Inn Fried Rice Recipe
Now, you can bring the taste of Side Street Inn Honolulu into your own kitchen. This recipe, adapted from The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, allows you to recreate this iconic dish and experience a slice of Hawaiian comfort food wherever you are.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked and chilled day-old rice (crucial for the right texture)
- ½ cup diced Portuguese sausage
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped char siu (Chinese barbecued pork)
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce (use good quality oyster sauce for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons hon dashi (ramen/saimin noodle soup flavoring – available at Asian markets)
Directions:
- Prepare the Rice and Ingredients: Ensure your cooked rice is thoroughly chilled overnight in the refrigerator. This step is key to achieving the perfect fried rice texture, preventing it from becoming mushy. Dice the Portuguese sausage, chop the bacon, green onions, and char siu.
Preparing Portuguese Sausage and Bacon for Honolulu Side Street Inn Fried Rice Recipe
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Sauté Meats: In a large pot, pan, or skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced Portuguese sausage and chopped bacon until they are cooked through and slightly crispy. This will release their flavorful fats into the pan.
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Add Rice and Stir-fry: Add the chilled cooked rice to the pan with the meats. Break up any clumps of rice and mix well, ensuring the rice is coated with the rendered fat and flavors from the sausage and bacon.
Mixing Rice and Char Siu in a Pan for Authentic Side Street Inn Honolulu Fried Rice
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Incorporate Vegetables and Char Siu: Stir in the chopped green onions, char siu, and frozen peas and carrots. Continue to stir-fry until the vegetables are heated through and the char siu is well distributed.
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Season and Finish: Season the fried rice with oyster sauce, salt, and hon dashi. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and every grain of rice is coated in flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Side Street Inn-style fried rice to a serving platter. Garnish generously with extra chopped green onions for a fresh finish and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy a taste of Honolulu!
Garnishing Completed Side Street Inn Honolulu Fried Rice with Green Onions – Ready to serve
Recipe Notes:
- Day-old Rice is Key: Using day-old, refrigerated rice is absolutely essential for achieving the right texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice will be too moist and lead to a soggy result.
- Hon Dashi – The Flavor Booster: Hon dashi is the secret ingredient that truly elevates this fried rice to Side Street Inn levels of deliciousness. It provides a unique umami depth that is characteristic of their recipe. You can find hon dashi at most Asian grocery stores or online. If you can’t find hon dashi, you can try substituting with a small amount of MSG or a different Japanese soup stock, but hon dashi is highly recommended for authenticity.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: This recipe provides a guideline for seasoning, but feel free to adjust the amount of salt and oyster sauce to your personal preference. Start with the recommended amounts and add more to taste.
Bring the vibrant flavors of Honolulu home with this Side Street Inn fried rice recipe. It’s a taste of the islands that you can enjoy anytime!
