Yangzhou Fried Rice, also known as Yang Chow Fried Rice, is a popular Chinese dish known for its savory and flavorful combination of rice, eggs, and various ingredients. A step-by-step guide to making Chinese Yangzhou Fried Rice:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked long-grain white rice (preferably cold and day-old)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup of cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup of cooked chicken, diced
- 1/4 cup of cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup of diced carrots, parboiled until slightly tender
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
1.1. Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready. The key to fried rice is having everything ready to go because it cooks quickly.
2. Heat Oil:
2.1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Scramble Eggs:
3.1. When the oil is hot, pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Let them cook for a moment until they start to set around the edges.
3.2. Gently stir and scramble the eggs until they are mostly cooked but still slightly runny. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Vegetables:
4.1. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4.2. Add diced carrots and frozen peas. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.
5. Add Meats:
5.1. Add diced cooked chicken, shrimp, and ham to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the meats are heated through.
6. Add Rice:
6.1. Add the cold, day-old cooked rice to the pan. Use a spatula or wok spatula to break up any clumps of rice and evenly distribute it with the other ingredients.
6.2. Stir-fry the rice and meat mixture for 3-5 minutes. This helps to combine the flavors and allows the rice to absorb them.
7. Season with Soy Sauce:
7.1. Drizzle the light soy sauce and dark soy sauce (if using) over the rice. Continue to stir-fry, ensuring the sauces are evenly distributed and the rice is well-coated.
8. Add Scrambled Eggs:
8.1. Return the scrambled eggs to the pan with the rice and mix them in.
9. Season and Finish:
9.1. Season the fried rice with salt and white pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
9.2. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
10. Serve:
10.1. Transfer the Yangzhou Fried Rice to a serving platter or individual plates.
10.2. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Serve your Chinese Yangzhou Fried Rice hot and enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish!