Chinese Savoury Rice Recipe: Quick and Easy to Make at Home

If you're looking for a delicious and savoury rice recipe, then look no further than Chinese cuisine. Chinese savoury rice is a flavour-packed dish that is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making the perfect Chinese savoury rice. Glutinous rice is the star of the show, and it is important to choose a high-quality brand that will cook evenly and absorb the flavours of the other ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms, Chinese sausages, dried shrimp skin, fried shallots, and pork mince are some of the key ingredients that give this dish its unique flavour. You can also add seafood to the recipe, such as prawns or squid, for a delicious twist.

Preparation techniques are important for ensuring that your Chinese savoury rice turns out perfectly. Steaming the rice beforehand is essential to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs all of the flavours of the other ingredients. Stir-frying the other ingredients before adding them to the rice is also important to bring out their unique flavours and aromas. Finally, adding the right amount of water or broth is key to achieving the perfect texture and consistency.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese savoury rice is a delicious and flavour-packed dish that is perfect for any meal of the day.
• Choosing high-quality ingredients and using the right preparation techniques are key to making the perfect Chinese savoury rice.
• Seafood can also be added to the recipe for a delicious twist, such as prawns or squid.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese savoury rice, selecting the right ingredients is key. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ingredients for your recipe.

Selecting Rice

The most important ingredient in Chinese savoury rice is the rice itself. You should use glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice. This type of rice is stickier and more chewy than regular rice, which makes it perfect for this dish.

Savoury Additions

There are many savoury additions you can add to your Chinese savoury rice. Shiitake mushrooms and Chinese sausage, also known as lap cheong, are popular choices. Dried shrimp is another great addition that adds a salty flavour to the dish. If you are a seafood lover, you can also add some seafood to the dish, such as prawns or scallops.

Flavour Enhancers

To enhance the flavour of your Chinese savoury rice, you can add some flavour enhancers. Oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil and soy sauce are all great options. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish, making it more delicious.

When selecting your ingredients, it's important to choose high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that your Chinese savoury rice is full of flavour and has the right texture. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Chinese savoury rice dish that your family and friends will love.

Preparation Techniques

Rinsing and Soaking Rice

Before cooking the Chinese savoury sticky rice, it is important to rinse and soak the rice to remove any excess starch and to ensure that the rice is cooked evenly. Rinse the rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

You can also add a tablespoon of oil to the water to prevent the rice from sticking together. After soaking, drain the water and let the rice rest for about 10 minutes before cooking.

Rehydrating Dried Ingredients

If you are using dried ingredients such as mushrooms or shrimp, they need to be rehydrated before cooking. Soak the dried ingredients in warm water for about 30 minutes to an hour until they are soft and plump.

You can also use the soaking water to add flavour to the dish. Simply strain the soaking water to remove any grit and use it to cook the rice.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese savoury sticky rice, you can use shrimp, scallops, or squid. Simply add them to the rice cooker or bamboo steamer along with the other ingredients. Make sure to clean and devein the shrimp before adding them to the dish.

By following these simple preparation techniques, you can ensure that your Chinese savoury sticky rice turns out perfectly cooked and full of flavour.

Cooking the Perfect Savoury Rice

Cooking savoury rice is a simple process that involves stir-frying aromatics and steaming the rice. Follow these steps to cook the perfect savoury rice:

Stir-Frying Aromatics

To add flavour to the rice, start by stir-frying aromatics such as ginger, garlic, onions, and scallions. Heat oil in a wok or a pan and add the aromatics. Stir-fry until fragrant and slightly browned. You can also add seafood such as prawns or scallops at this stage to give the rice a seafood flavour.

Steaming Process

Next, add the rice to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add water or chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Steam the rice until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.

You can also add vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn to the rice to make it more nutritious. Seafood such as shrimp, crab, or lobster can also be added to the rice to make a seafood savoury rice.

Follow these simple steps to cook the perfect savoury rice. With the addition of seafood and vegetables, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Finishing Touches

Seasoning and Garnishing

Now that your Chinese savoury sticky rice is cooked to perfection, it's time to add the finishing touches to make it even more delicious. The seasoning and garnishing of the dish is what will take it from good to great.

Start by seasoning the dish with salt and white pepper to taste. Be careful not to overdo it with the salt, as the soy sauce used in the recipe already contains a lot of sodium. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro will add a fresh and herby flavour to the dish.

To add some umami flavour, you can also add some seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops would pair perfectly with the savoury sticky rice. Simply sauté them in a pan with some garlic and ginger until they are cooked through, then add them to the rice before serving.

For garnishing, you can sprinkle some sliced green onions on top of the dish for a pop of colour and added flavour. A drizzle of sesame oil will add a nutty aroma to the dish.

And there you have it, a delicious and flavourful Chinese savoury sticky rice dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy your meal!

Serving and Storage

Presentation Tips

Chinese savoury rice is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is served as part of a dim sum spread or as a main course. When serving as a main course, you can pair it with steamed vegetables or a salad to balance out the meal.

To add an extra touch of flavour and texture, you can top the rice with chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or sliced chillies. If you are looking to add seafood to the dish, you can add prawns or diced squid to the rice mixture before steaming.

If you are serving the rice as part of a dim sum spread, you can shape the rice into small balls or triangles and wrap them in lotus leaves to make lo mai gai. This is a popular Cantonese dish that is often served as part of a dim sum brunch.

Storing Leftovers

Chinese savoury rice is a great dish for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. To store leftovers, let the rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

If you have leftover rice that you do not plan on eating within four days, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, let the rice cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you are ready to eat, thaw the rice in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy Chinese savoury rice as a delicious and convenient meal or snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to that authentic flavour in Chinese savoury rice?

The secret to the authentic flavour in Chinese savoury rice is the combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients give the rice a savoury and slightly sweet taste. You can also add some Chinese five-spice powder for a more authentic flavour.

How can I make my homemade rice taste as good as the ones in Chinese restaurants?

To make your homemade rice taste as good as the ones in Chinese restaurants, use jasmine rice or glutinous rice, which are commonly used in Chinese cooking. Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch. You can also add some chicken or vegetable stock instead of water to give the rice more flavour.

Any tips for jazzing up plain rice to make it more exciting?

You can jazz up plain rice by adding some chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn. You can also add some seafood like shrimp or scallops to give it a more luxurious taste. Additionally, you can add some chopped garlic and ginger to the rice for extra flavour.

Could you guide me through preparing a simple Chinese savoury rice dish?

To prepare a simple Chinese savoury rice dish, first cook the rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, heat up some oil and sauté some chopped garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add some diced chicken or beef and cook until browned. Add some vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry until everything is well combined. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to taste.

What's the best way to cook Chinese savoury rice in a rice cooker?

To cook Chinese savoury rice in a rice cooker, use the same ratio of water to rice as you would for regular rice. Add some chopped vegetables and seafood like shrimp or scallops to the rice before cooking. You can also add some soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to the rice for extra flavour.

How do I incorporate chicken into a savoury Chinese rice recipe?

To incorporate chicken into a savoury Chinese rice recipe, first cook the chicken in a separate pan until browned. Add some chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn and stir-fry for a few minutes. Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir-fry until everything is well combined. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil to taste. You can also use chicken stock instead of water to cook the rice for extra flavour. If you prefer seafood, you can use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken.