Fried Rice with Lavender

Fried rice with lavender is a unique savoury rice dish made with ham, vegetables, cashews, and a subtle touch of culinary lavender. This lavender fried rice delivers a balanced, aromatic result where the lavender reads as a gentle herbal note rather than a dominant floral flavour.

Hey folks, today I’m sharing one of those recipes that might sound unusual at first but makes perfect sense once you try it. It’s a simple, comforting dish with a small twist that adds depth without changing the character of the classic. So, let’s dive into this Fried Rice with Lavender.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Rice with Lavender

• Subtle herbal twist: Lavender adds complexity without overpowering the dish.
• Balanced flavours: Savoury, slightly nutty, and aromatic.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry-friendly and easy to prepare.
• Unique but approachable: A creative variation on classic fried rice.
• Versatile: Works with different proteins and vegetables.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This fried rice is savoury and well-rounded with layers of flavour. The ham brings saltiness and depth, while the vegetables add sweetness and freshness. Cashews contribute a pleasant crunch and richness.

Lavender, when used sparingly, blends into the dish as a soft herbal note rather than a pronounced floral flavour. Combined with soy sauce and ginger, it enhances the aroma and creates a more complex and refined profile.

Cooking with Lavender

I’ve already mentioned on a few occasions the book “Cooking with Lavender” by Nancy Baggett. This this the only book I have tried multiple recipes from and shared the results on the Havoc In The Kitchen. Previously, I posted Lavender Kir Royale, Corn Lavender Chowder, Pasta Salad with Creamy Lavender Sauce, Lavender Barbeque Sauce Meatballs, Lavender Roasted Potatoes adapted from this book. And I am not going to stop!

Does Lavender Work in Savoury Dishes?

Although lavender is often associated with desserts, it can be an excellent addition to savoury dishes. In small amounts, it behaves more like a delicate herb, adding a subtle, slightly herbal aroma that complements other ingredients.

The key is moderation-too much lavender can be overpowering, but a small pinch enhances the overall flavour without standing out. That said, lavender goes particularly well with

• Chickpeas: Lavender Tomato Chickpea Spread
• Tomatoes: Tomato Gazpacho with Lavender and Sun-Dried Tomato Lavender Spread.
• Butter: Lavender Chive Thyme Butter – Elegant Floral Herb Butter and Lavender Lemon Honey Butter – Sweet Floral Compound Butter.
• Pasta and other carbs: Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella and Couscous Salad with Almonds, Cherries, and Lavender.
• Cheeses: Lavender Feta Dip

This fried rice combines several of these elements – meat, vegetables, and rice – which helps create a well-balanced and harmonious dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Fried Rice with Lavender

It’s easy to make this fried rice with lavender using simple ingredients that work together to create a balanced and flavourful dish:

• Cooked rice: Day-old rice works best for a fluffy texture. You can also mix in wild rice for added depth.
• Ham: Adds savoury, slightly smoky flavour.
• Sweet peppers and celery: Bring freshness and a subtle sweetness.
• Cashews: Provide crunch and a mild nutty flavour.
• Garlic and ginger: Build the aromatic base.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami and seasoning.
• Culinary lavender: The key ingredient—use sparingly for a subtle herbal note.
• Green onions or chives: Add freshness and colour at the end.

Possible Additions and Variations

Although this recipe is already delicious, you can easily customize it:

• Add protein: Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of ham.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add more vegetables or chickpeas.
• Extra vegetables: Carrots, peas, or corn work well.
• Nuts variation: Substitute cashews with almonds or peanuts.
• Optional sweetness: Add raisins if you enjoy a sweet-savoury contrast.

How to Use Lavender in Cooking

• Use culinary lavender only.
• Start with a small amount and adjust carefully.
• Crush lightly to release aroma.
• Combine with other herbs and aromatics for balance.

Can You Use Fresh Lavender?

You can use fresh lavender in this fried rice, but be sure it is culinary-grade and pesticide-free. Fresh lavender has a softer, slightly greener aroma compared to dried, so you may need a bit more to achieve the same flavour. Use only the buds (not the stems), and add them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish. When used carefully, fresh lavender can bring a delicate, natural herbal note and a subtle visual appeal.

How to Make Fried Rice with Lavender

Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, then cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in vegetables and cook until tender-crisp, then add the ham and cashews. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and a small pinch of lavender, tossing everything together until heated through and evenly combined. Finish with green onions or chives and serve immediately.

I’d love for you to try this Fried Rice with Lavender. If you give it a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!

Print

Fried Rice with Lavender

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Mains and Comfort DishesDifficulty: Easy

Fried rice with lavender, ham, peppers, and cashews. A savoury dish with a subtle herbal twist that’s aromatic, unique, and balanced.
Recipe adapted from the book The Art of Cooking with Lavender” by Nancy Bagget.

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 and 1/2 cups (450 – 500 gr.) cooled cooked long-grain rice (you can use white, brown, or the combination)

• 1 and 1/2 cups (200 – 225 gr.) coarsely cubed baked ham or lean ham

• 1/2 cup (50 gr.) sliced green onions or scallions, plus more for garnish

• 2/3 cup celery (75 gr.), sliced (1-2 stalks)

• 1 sweet bell pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced

• 2 tbsp. (30 ml.) olive or vegetable oil

• 2-3 tbsp. (30-45 ml.) reduced sodium soy sauce

• 1 to 1 and 1/2 tsp. peeled and finely minced ginger

• 1 to 1 and 1/2 tsp. dried culinary lavender, finely minced

• black pepper, to taste

• 1/3 cup (about 40 gr.) toasted cashews, roughly chopped, for serving

Directions

• In a large and dip skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Stir in the green onions or chives, celery, bell pepper, lavender, ginger, and ham. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soften slightly, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the rice along with the soy sauce; season with some black pepper to taste. While I did not use them, at this point, you can add some (about 1/2 cup) of golden or dark seedless raisins. Continue cooking, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes, until the ingredients are well blended and the rice is heated though.
• Off the heat and serve right away, sprinkled with some extra green onions or chives and cashews. Enjoy!