Quick & Easy Chinese Fried Rice Recipe | Authentic Flavor

Summary

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’S Tips

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small chopped onion

Seasoning and Finishing

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
• Chopped scallions to taste for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the eggs: Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a small skillet with a drizzle of oil and cook a thin omelet. Remove from heat and cut into thin strips. Set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the carrots and peas. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
3. Add the ham: Stir in the diced ham with the vegetables and sauté for another 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate the rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables and ham. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5. Season: Drizzle the rice with soy sauce and sesame oil (if using). Mix well so the rice is evenly seasoned. Adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Finish: Add the omelet strips to the Chinese Fried Rice and mix gently. Serve immediately, sprinkled with chopped scallions.

Tips and Variations

• Protein substitutions: Try substituting ham with shredded chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Additional vegetables: Add other vegetables of your choice, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Rice: It’s best to use leftover rice, as it will be more separated when stir-fried.
• Oyster Sauce: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of oyster sauce along with the soy sauce.
• Spiciness: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of chili oil for a spicy kick.
• For authentic Chinese Fried Rice, be sure to use good quality soy sauce.

CHEF’S Tips

For perfect Chinese Fried Rice, the key is in the rice preparation. Use long-grain rice and cook it a day in advance, refrigerating it. This allows the grains to dry out slightly, resulting in a looser texture when fried. Using a wok is ideal as it distributes heat evenly, ensuring all ingredients cook uniformly. When adding soy sauce, do so gradually, tasting and adjusting to avoid over-salting the dish. Adding sesame oil at the end enhances the flavor and adds a characteristic aromatic touch of Chinese Fried Rice. Serve this delicious Chinese Fried Rice with spring rolls for a complete meal.