Side Street Inn Famous Fried Rice
Craving a taste of authentic Hawaiian comfort food? When locals in Hawaii seek out a satisfying and flavorful meal, Side Street Inn is often at the top of their list. While L&L Drive-Inn and Loco Moco are beloved staples, Side Street Inn, particularly its Kapahulu Avenue location near Waikiki, offers a slightly more elevated, yet equally comforting, dining experience. This popular restaurant is always buzzing, and for good reason – the food is incredibly delicious (‘ono!). Sharing dishes is the way to go at Side Street Inn, and while everything on the menu is tempting, their fried rice is an absolute must-order, often requiring a double serving for groups!
Fried rice holds a special place in Hawaiian cuisine, reflecting the islands’ diverse Asian and Pacific Rim influences. Much like Hawaii’s culinary landscape itself, fried rice is a delightful fusion of cultures. Side Street Inn’s rendition stands out with its unique combination of Portuguese sausage, Chinese barbecued pork (char siu), and subtle Japanese seasoning.
While rice is commonly served as a side dish, when transformed into fried rice with a medley of savory ingredients, it becomes a hearty and complete main course. In honor of celebrating rice, we bring you a recipe to create the iconic Side Street Inn fried rice in your own kitchen, allowing you to savor a piece of Hawaiian comfort food wherever you are.
The Story Behind Side Street Inn Fried Rice
Side Street Inn has become synonymous with delicious, unpretentious Hawaiian food, and their fried rice is a star dish that perfectly encapsulates this reputation. This recipe is not just your average fried rice; it’s a flavorful journey that tells a story of culinary fusion. The inclusion of Portuguese sausage speaks to the historical Portuguese influence in Hawaii, while the char siu nods to the significant Chinese population and their culinary contributions. The hon dashi introduces a Japanese umami depth, creating a truly unique and unforgettable flavor profile that keeps patrons coming back to Side Street Inn for more. This fried rice is more than just a dish; it’s a taste of Hawaii’s multicultural heritage.
Recreate Side Street Inn Style Fried Rice at Home
Ready to bring the flavors of Side Street Inn to your home? This recipe, adapted from The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, provides a straightforward guide to making this beloved dish. Remember, using day-old rice is key to achieving that perfect fried rice texture!
Recipe
(Adapted from The Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, day-old rice, refrigerated
- ½ cup Portuguese sausage, diced
- 2 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup char siu (Chinese barbecued pork), chopped
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 tablespoons oyster sauce (not oyster-flavored sauce)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons hon dashi (ramen/saimin noodle soup flavoring)
Directions
- Ensure the cooked rice is refrigerated overnight and loosened up before frying. Dice the Portuguese sausage.
Preparing ingredients for Side Street Inn Fried Rice
- Chop the bacon, green onions, and char siu. In a large pot, pan, or skillet, sauté the Portuguese sausage and bacon until cooked thoroughly and slightly crisp. Add the chilled rice and mix well, breaking up any clumps.
Stir-frying rice for Side Street Inn Fried Rice
- Stir in the chopped green onions, char siu, and frozen peas and carrots. Season generously with oyster sauce, salt, and hon dashi. Mix everything together until well combined and heated through.
Side Street Inn Fried Rice ready to serve
- Transfer the Side Street Inn style fried rice to a serving platter. Garnish with extra chopped green onions for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy the taste of Hawaii!
Tips for Perfect Side Street Inn Fried Rice
To truly master this Side Street Inn inspired fried rice, keep these tips in mind:
- Day-Old Rice is Non-Negotiable: Using day-old, refrigerated rice is crucial. This removes excess moisture, preventing the fried rice from becoming mushy and ensuring perfectly separated grains.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and can steam the rice instead of frying it.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Side Street Inn’s recipe uses hon dashi for a unique flavor. Start with the recommended amounts of oyster sauce and salt, then taste and adjust to your preference. Remember that hon dashi is quite flavorful, so balance is key.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy in fried rice, such as diced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or mushrooms.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Side Street Inn fried rice as a main course, or serve it as a side dish to other Hawaiian favorites like kalbi ribs or grilled teriyaki chicken.
With this recipe, you can easily recreate the magic of Side Street Inn fried rice in your own kitchen. It’s a flavorful, comforting, and versatile dish perfect for any meal. Aloha and happy cooking!
