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.

QUESTION According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

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?"

Top Is Fried Rice High in Calories and Unhealthy Related Articles

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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? ›

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.

Does boiling rice increase calories? ›

Should the calories increase or decrease? Calories Will Stay The same if cooked in water. if cooked in a broth And/or oil - calories will increase by whatever the amount in the oil and broth is absorbed by the rice.

Which rice is healthier steamed or fried? ›

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 bad for weight loss? ›

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.

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.

Is boiled or fried rice healthier? ›

Steamed or boiled rice is healthier for many reasons, not least because noodles tend to be cooked in sauce. Fried rice will also often contain soy sauce or other flavour enhancers, so treat with caution.

What makes fried rice unhealthy? ›

Traditional fried rice, as commonly prepared, may not be considered the healthiest option due to its high calorie and sodium content. This is primarily because it is often cooked with a generous amount of oil and can include high-sodium sauces like soy sauce or oyster sauce.

What is the best rice for a diet? ›

Brown rice is the most recommended variety for those hoping to lose weight. Loaded with dietary fibre, brown rice boosts metabolism and has 111 calories for every 100 grams.

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, ...

How many calories are in 1 cup of boiled rice? ›

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

What foods help burn belly fat? ›

Following a low-carb diet also means consuming more protein. Studies indicate that a diet rich in high-protein foods, such as eggs, fish, seafood, legumes, nuts, meat, and dairy results in overall less abdominal fat, more satiety, and an increased metabolic function.

Will I gain weight if I eat fried rice? ›

Rice in its form can be healthy. But when you turn it into fried rice or add butter, heavy cream or ghee, it will cause excess fat, sugar and calories to increase your weight when consumed regularly.

Why is fried rice so high in calories? ›

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.

What happens if I eat boiled rice everyday? ›

You'll Get an Energy Boost

"Rice is a healthy, nutrient-dense grain that's an excellent source of carbohydrates, which is one of the three major macronutrients we need to consume daily," Ehsani says, pointing to fat and protein as the other parts of the powerful trio. That's right: Your body needs carbs to survive.

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.

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 eating boiled rice increase weight? ›

Rice dishes like biryani, pulao, mixed rice and masala rice can cause weight gain because they are normally high in fat and calories. But plain steamed rice is innocent and by itself cannot increase weight.

Are boiled rice good 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.

Does boiling increase calories? ›

On the other hand, when the food is boiled or baked, the water and fats from the food decreases, making it more healthy. When the food is cooked in water, the calorie count does not change, but it has a significant impact on the nutrient content.

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