Baby Friendly Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
• 2 Carrots
• 1 Head of Broccoli
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 500g Chicken Mince
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup cooked basmati rice

Directions

• Dice the vegetables finely. I use a blender or pull chopper to get them nice and fine.
• Cook rice as per packet instructions (I use a microwave rice cooker for quick and easy cooking)
• Heat a large frypan over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp sesame oil.
• Add diced carrot, minced garlic and broccoli to pan and cook until tender.
• Push veggies to the side and add the chicken mince to the pan, cook whilst breaking up with a spatula until cooked through.
• Mix the chicken and vegetables together, add the frozen peas and corn. Continue cooking until they are soft.
• Add the cooked rice to the pan and increase heat to medium - high. Add extra sesame oil if desired and cook until rice is slightly crispy.
• Remove bubs portion before adding soy sauce to flavour if desired to the remaining mixture.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To freeze, spread cooled rice into portions and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat thoroughly until piping hot all the way through, then stir well and allow to cool to a safe serving temperature before offering to bub. As a general food safety rule, cooked rice is best refrigerated promptly and not left at room temperature.

Nutrition Notes

This veggie-packed rice offers iron and protein from the chicken mince, fibre from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the sesame oil. Using chicken mince and homemade flavours keeps the sodium far lower than takeaway-style fried rice, which makes it a more everyday-friendly option for little ones.

Parent Tip

Make a big batch and portion it into the freezer so you always have a balanced meal on hand for busy nights. Keep bub's serve plain and add soy sauce, salt or chilli to the adult portions at the very end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can babies eat this fried rice?

As pictured it suits babies from around 9 months. For younger bubs from 6 months, simply mash or blend it to a softer, smoother texture and be guided by your baby's own abilities.

Is this fried rice safe for baby-led weaning?

Yes. Soft cooked rice and finely diced, tender vegetables work well for baby-led weaning. Offer it on a preloaded spoon or let bub scoop with their hands.

Can I leave out the sesame oil?

You can swap sesame oil for olive or avocado oil if you prefer. Sesame is a common allergen, so if it is new for your bub, introduce it on its own first and watch for any reaction.

How do I keep the sodium low?

Skip the soy sauce in bub's portion and rely on the garlic and sesame for flavour. Add any soy sauce or salt only to the adult serves at the end.