Yangzhou Fried Rice – a dish that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor. This classic Chinese dish, with its colorful medley of ingredients and savory flavors, is a favorite in many households, including mine. Let me guide you through the various aspects of this dish, from cooking tips to serving suggestions, FAQs, and more.
Chinese Yangzhou Fried Rice
Equipment
- 1 wok
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons cooking oil divided
- 3/4 ounces pork tenderloin finely diced
- 3/4 ounces cooked ham diced
- 3/4 ounces cooked chicken diced
- 3/4 ounces small peeled shrimp diced
- 1/2 fresh or frozen mixed frozen vegetables peas, carrots, corn, green beans
- 2 teaspoons Chinese rice wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 large egg lightly beaten with salt and pepper
- Salt to taste
- Ground white pepper to taste
- 1 stalk green onion chopped, green parts only
- 2 1/2 cups cold cooked rice, broken into small clumps
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over high heat. Add pork and stir-fry briefly until the pork changes color. Add ham, chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, peas, and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until everything is hot and sizzling. Add Chinese rice wine, then pour in chicken stock. Bring to the boil. Season with salt, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Rinse and dry the wok. Heat remaining oil over high heat. Add beaten egg and swirl it around the base of the wok to spread it thinly and cook until egg is no longer runny. Add green onions and rice and stir-fry with the egg, until rice is very hot.
- Return pork mixture to wok and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
Creating a flawless Yangzhou Fried Rice is akin to conducting a symphony. Each ingredient and technique contributes to the final harmony, and when they all come together, it’s a beautiful melody of flavors and textures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to my secrets for mastering this dish.
Choosing the Right Rice
The first secret lies in selecting the right rice. I always opt for day-old rice for my fried rice. It’s drier and less sticky than fresh rice, making it perfect for stir-frying. When cooking the rice, I ensure it’s not overcooked. The grains should be separate and not mushy.
If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and let it cool down. Then refrigerate it for a few hours to dry out. This can help achieve a similar texture to day-old rice.
Prepping the Ingredients
Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking is another crucial secret. This includes chopping the vegetables, dicing the ham, and beating the eggs.
Yangzhou Fried Rice comes together quickly once you start cooking, so having everything ready will ensure you’re not scrambling to chop vegetables or find ingredients while your rice is getting overcooked or burnt in the pan.
Crafting the Sauce
The sauce is what gives Yangzhou Fried Rice its signature flavor. It should be a balance of salty, sweet, and umami. I usually adjust the ingredients to suit my taste.
A good base for the sauce is a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar. Adding a bit of sesame oil can enhance the flavor and give the fried rice that authentic Asian touch. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like fish sauce or chili paste for a different twist.
The Art of Stir-frying
The final secret is in the stir-frying process. The key to great fried rice is high heat and quick cooking. This helps to prevent the rice from becoming mushy and keeps the vegetables crisp.
Start by stir-frying the beaten eggs until they’re just set, then remove them from the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables next, adding the harder ones like carrots first as they take longer to cook. Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, add the rice and sauce, and stir-fry everything together until well combined. Add the cooked eggs back in at the end, breaking them up and mixing them through the rice.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Yangzhou Fried Rice that is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Remember, the key to a great dish lies in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care you put into preparing it. Happy cooking!
Serving Yangzhou Fried Rice with Elegance
Serving Yangzhou Fried Rice is an art that goes beyond just dishing out the rice onto a plate. It’s about creating a visual spectacle that complements the rich and robust flavors of the dish. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you serve this luxurious delicacy with style and grandeur.
Plating the Rice
The first step in serving Yangzhou Fried Rice is plating. The choice of plate can significantly impact the overall presentation. Opt for a large, flat plate or a shallow bowl that provides ample space to showcase the colorful fried rice.
When arranging the rice on the plate, ensure the individual components are evenly distributed and visible. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the golden hue of the eggs, and the glistening grains of rice should be showcased, not hidden under a pile of food.
Choosing the Right Accompaniments
Yangzhou Fried Rice is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Steamed jasmine rice or noodles can provide a mild, comforting contrast to the robust flavors of the fried rice. Arrange the rice or noodles neatly on the side of the fried rice, creating a visually balanced plate.
A side of stir-fried vegetables or a refreshing salad can add a refreshing contrast to the meal. Serve them in a small bowl on the side, allowing your guests to enjoy them at their own pace.
Adding Garnishes
Garnishing is the final touch that can elevate your Yangzhou Fried Rice from a home-cooked meal to a restaurant-quality dish. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can add a burst of freshness and a vibrant green color that contrasts beautifully with the rich colors of the fried rice.
Consider adding a few slices of fresh red chili for an extra hint of heat and a pop of red color. If you want to add a touch of sophistication, garnish with a few sprigs of microgreens or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
The Final Presentation
Once your dish is plated, garnished, and ready to serve, consider the overall presentation. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe any spills or smudges off the rim of the plate. Ensure the table or serving area is clean and uncluttered, allowing your dish to be the star of the show.
Remember, serving Yangzhou Fried Rice is about creating a dining experience that delights all the senses. By following these detailed tips, you can serve a dish that looks as incredible as it tastes. Happy serving!
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for fried rice?
While you can, day-old rice usually works best as it’s drier and less sticky.
What vegetables can I add to my fried rice?
You can add any vegetables you like! Peas, carrots, bell peppers, and corn are some of my favorites.
Can I add other meats to my Yangzhou Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Pork, shrimp, or chicken would be delicious additions.
How can I make my fried rice more flavorful?
Feel free to experiment with different sauces or spices. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil can add a lot of flavors.
Can I store leftover Yangzhou Fried Rice?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yangzhou Fried Rice is a dish that’s close to my heart. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable. The fluffy grains of rice, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the savory sauce create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s truly satisfying. With the right techniques and a bit of practice, anyone can master this dish and make it their own. So, why wait? It’s time to start your Yangzhou Fried Rice journey!