Fried Rice - Traditional Chinese Recipe | 196 Flavors

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Fried rice (called chǎofàn or 炒饭 in simplified Chinese) is the name given to a number of traditional Chinese dishes where rice is the main ingredient that is stir-fried in a wok along with various proteins and vegetables. At famous Chinese banquets, where there are a large number of dishes present, fried rice is usually served second to last, just before dessert.

What is the origin of fried rice?

Fried rice has been present in the region of China for many, many years, with the oldest record belonging to the Sui Dynasty period, between 589 and 618 AD. However, the stir-frying technique typical of Chinese dishes is more ancient, although it really became popular much later.

The main ingredients of Chinese fried rice are meat (of any kind), vegetables, soy sauce, garlic and, of course, rice. There are different versions throughout China (such as Sichuan, for example), but they all share the same main ingredient types. Although the use of the wok is typical of this country, over time it has spread throughout Asia and has been incorporated in the cuisines of a large number of countries.

The theory is that fried rice was actually a way of transforming leftovers so that they would not spoil. The southern Chinese used to eat white rice only as a base for other dishes that included meat and vegetables. When these different ingredients were left over and still edible, the idea came up to sauté them with soy sauce to add flavor and combine them in a wok to eat them the next day.

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How to prepare it

This fried rice recipe is usually very easy to prepare, which is why it is a simple food to eat during the weekdays. The rice is mixed with leftovers from the previous day (pork, beef, chicken or even seafood and vegetables), an omelet cut into small pieces, soy sauce and sesame oil. Everything is then sautéed in a wok until everything is integrated and absorbs the flavor of the other ingredients.

In addition to garlic, some ginger and green onion are often added to add layers of flavor. Everything is integrated with a spatula and served hot as soon as it is ready.

What are the variants?

In China as well as in the rest of the world, there are many variations of this simple and delicious fried rice dish. Within China, the most popular regional variations are Yangzhou fried rice, Fujian hokkien fried rice, and Sichuan spicy fried rice.

The latter has a particular flavor due to the combination of chili peppers, garlic and red onion in its preparation. It is undoubtedly one of the favorite versions in the country.

Even McDonald’s sells the McChao, their version of the chǎofàn.

In Japan, people eat chāhan. This dish, a clear descendant of Chinese fried rice, is a very similar version that originated on the island following the wave of Chinese immigrants who arrived there during the 19th century.

Similarly, Indonesian nasi goreng has the same roots although today, the preparation of the dish and its taste are totally different.

In Korea, since there is also a typical Korean fried rice, people need to specify “Chinese fried rice” in order to get the original chǎofàn.

There is also a strong Chinese influence throughout the American continent. Fried rice is similarly served in restaurants across the United States, generally being considered a type of fast food due to its ease of cooking and eating. Sometimes, it is presented together with chop suey, a preparation of meat and vegetables typical of this fusion food.

In Peru, which features an extensive Chinese fusion cuisine, there is a sautéed rice called chaufa, which is prepared in a very similar way, using practically the same ingredients. Cuban fried rice is also very similar in concept.

Finally, fried rice is also a very popular fast food dish in the United Kingdom and in some African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Togo.

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Fried rice

Fried rice is a dish of stir-fried rice mixed with other ingredients in a wok. It is a staple recipe of East and Southeast Asian cuisines Prep Time10 minutes minsCook Time30 minutes minsTotal Time40 minutes mins Course: Main CourseCuisine: Chinese Servings: 4 people Calories: 854kcal Author: Hands Doing Things

Ingredients

• 1 large onion , finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons soybean oil (or peanut oil)
• 2 eggs
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 8 oz. lean boneless pork , chopped
• 1 carrot , finely shredded
• 3 tablespoons fresh peas (or frozen peas)
• 4 cups jasmine (or basmati rice, steamed, cold)
• 4 scallions , cut into small pieces
• 5 oz. bean sprouts
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or more to taste)

Equipment

• Wok

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Heat a wok over medium to high heat and pour in 1 tablespoon of soybean or peanut oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let the wok cool slightly.
• Lightly beat the eggs and add ½ teaspoon of soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
• Add ½ tablespoon of oil to the wok. Stir.
• Add the egg mixture and, working quickly, swirl the egg until it sets against the bottom of the wok.
• When the eggs puff, turn the omelet over and cook the other side briefly; remove from the wok and cut into small pieces. Mash the eggs with a fork and set aside.
• Heat another wok over medium to high heat then pour in the soybean (or peanut) oil.
• Add the meat, as well as the carrots, peas and previously sautéed onion.
• Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring very often.
• Add the steamed rice, half of the scallions and bean sprouts, stirring to combine well, then sauté for 3 minutes.
• Add 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce (or more), Shaoxing wine, and chopped egg to the rice mixture and stir in.
• Add the other half of the scallion and sauté over high heat for 1 minute. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts Fried rice Amount Per Serving Calories 854 Calories from Fat 144 % Daily Value* Fat 16g25%Saturated Fat 3g19%Trans Fat 1gPolyunsaturated Fat 8gMonounsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 82mg27%Sodium 600mg26%Potassium 427mg12%Carbohydrates 155g52%Fiber 4g17%Sugar 4g4%Protein 19g38% Vitamin A 2880IU58%Vitamin C 12mg15%Calcium 87mg9%Iron 3mg17% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Sources

Wikipedia (EN) – Fried Rice I Food TV

Hands Doing Things

Hands Doing Things is the brainchild of Sabri and Bian, who combined their passion for food with their professional careers of writing & photography, and filmmaking.

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