Chinese Special Fried Rice Recipe: How to Make it at Home
If you're a fan of Chinese takeaway, then you're probably familiar with special fried rice. This popular dish is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and is loved for its savoury flavour and satisfying texture. But did you know that you can easily make this dish at home? In this article, we'll show you how to make Chinese special fried rice with step-by-step instructions and essential ingredients.
To make Chinese special fried rice, you'll need a few key ingredients such as rice, eggs, vegetables, meat, and flavour enhancers. The beauty of this dish is that you can customize it to your liking by adding your favourite ingredients. For example, you can add prawns or shrimp for a seafood twist, or use char siu pork for a more authentic flavour. We'll also share some cooking techniques and tips to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavour.
Whether you're looking to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills or simply want to enjoy your favourite Chinese dish at home, this recipe is perfect for you. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to please. So, let's get started and learn how to make Chinese special fried rice!
Key Takeaways
- Chinese special fried rice is a popular dish that can be easily made at home with essential ingredients such as rice, eggs, vegetables, meat, and flavour enhancers.
- You can customize the dish to your liking by adding your favourite ingredients, such as prawns or char siu pork.
- Our recipe includes step-by-step instructions and cooking techniques to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavour.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making Chinese Special Fried Rice, there are a few essential ingredients that you should always have on hand. These include protein choices, vegetable varieties, and rice selection.
Protein Choices
The protein in your special fried rice is an essential component that adds flavour and texture. You can use a variety of meats such as chicken, pork, beef, or seafood like prawn, crab meat, and shrimp. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding bacon or spam to your recipe.
When it comes to seafood, you can use crab meat, prawn, or shrimp. These seafood options add a unique flavour to the dish and make it even more delicious.
Vegetable Varieties
Vegetables are an important part of any fried rice recipe. You can use a variety of vegetables such as onions, peas, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also add spring onions to give the dish a fresh and crisp taste.
It is important to note that you should always use fresh vegetables to ensure that your dish is flavourful and nutritious.
Rice Selection
The type of rice you use is also crucial to the success of your special fried rice. You can use long-grain rice or basmati rice for best results.
It is recommended that you use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight, as this will ensure that the rice is dry and separate. This will prevent the rice from turning mushy during the cooking process.
To add more flavour to your special fried rice, you can use sesame oil and soy sauce. These ingredients will give your dish a unique taste that is sure to impress.
Overall, using the right ingredients is essential to making a delicious Chinese Special Fried Rice. With a little bit of experimentation, you can create a dish that is both flavourful and nutritious.
Cooking Techniques
Wok Handling
The wok is a crucial element in making Chinese special fried rice. A carbon steel wok is the best option for stir-frying as it heats up quickly and evenly. Before cooking, it is essential to season the wok with oil to prevent food from sticking to it. When cooking, ensure that the wok is hot enough before adding oil, which should be heated until it starts to smoke.
Stir Fry Mastery
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that requires constant stirring and tossing of ingredients to ensure even cooking. It is essential to have all ingredients prepared and ready to go before starting to cook. When stir-frying, it is best to use a spatula with a wide, flat surface to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed in the wok.
Egg Incorporation
Eggs are a crucial element in Chinese special fried rice. They are added towards the end of cooking and should be cooked until they are just set. To incorporate eggs into the dish, make a well in the centre of the wok and add the beaten eggs. Allow them to cook for a few seconds before stirring them into the rice.
When preparing seafood, it is essential to add it towards the end of cooking to prevent it from overcooking. Shrimp or prawns are a great addition to Chinese special fried rice. It is best to use raw, peeled and deveined shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
Remember to keep the cook time short to ensure that the vegetables retain their crunch and the rice does not become mushy. With these cooking techniques, you can make the perfect Chinese special fried rice in no time.
Flavour Enhancers
When it comes to making Chinese special fried rice, flavour enhancers are key to making the dish taste delicious. Here are some of the most commonly used flavour enhancers in Chinese cooking:
Seasoning and Spices
Seasoning and spices are essential ingredients for making Chinese special fried rice. Some of the most commonly used seasonings and spices include soy sauce, salt, sugar, garlic, white pepper, and vegetable oil. These ingredients help to add flavour and depth to the dish.
If you want to add some umami flavour to your fried rice, you can also consider adding some MSG (monosodium glutamate). However, this is an optional ingredient and not everyone likes to use it.
Sauce Combinations
Sauce combinations are another way to add flavour to your Chinese special fried rice. One of the most popular sauce combinations is light soy sauce and Shaoxing wine. This combination helps to add a rich, savory flavour to the dish.
You can also experiment with different sauce combinations to find the one that you like best. For example, you could try using oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to add a sweet and salty flavour to your fried rice.
If you're looking to add some seafood to your Chinese special fried rice, you can consider using prawns or crab meat. These seafood options work well with the other ingredients in the dish and can help to add a delicious flavour to your fried rice.
Overall, there are many different flavour enhancers that you can use when making Chinese special fried rice. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavour combinations, you can create a dish that is truly unique and delicious.
Nutritional Information
Caloric Content
Chinese special fried rice is a delicious and filling dish that is loaded with carbohydrates, protein, and healthy vegetables. Depending on the recipe and ingredients used, the calorie count can vary widely. However, on average, a serving of special fried rice contains around 350-400 calories. This makes it a great option for a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling guilty.
Protein and Vegetables
One of the key components of special fried rice is the protein. Most recipes call for a combination of meat, seafood, and eggs. This provides a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Additionally, the dish is packed with healthy vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions. These vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they add a delicious crunch to the dish.
If you're looking to boost the protein content of your special fried rice, you can add seafood to the recipe. Shrimp and prawns are a great option, as they are low in fat and high in protein. You can also use crab meat or chopped up pieces of white fish like cod or haddock. These seafood options will not only add a delicious flavour to the dish, but also provide a healthy source of protein.
Overall, Chinese special fried rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With the right ingredients and preparation, you can create a healthy and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Serving and Storage
Dishing Out
Once your Chinese special fried rice is cooked, it's time to dish it out. You can serve it as a main course or side dish, depending on your preference. To make it look more appetising, you can garnish it with some chopped spring onions or coriander leaves. If you love seafood, you can add some prawns or crab meat to give it an extra flavourful twist.
When serving, you can portion the rice into bowls or plates. You can also serve it family-style in a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves.
Leftover Tips
If you have any leftover Chinese special fried rice, don't worry, it's still good to eat. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or heat it up in a pan with a little oil.
If you have a lot of leftover rice, you can also freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, portion the rice into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw the rice overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
One tip to keep in mind is to use day-old rice when making fried rice. This is because freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and can make the dish mushy. Day-old rice is drier and has a better texture for frying.
Overall, Chinese special fried rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side dish. You can also customise it with your favourite ingredients, such as seafood or extra vegetables. When storing leftovers, make sure to follow proper food safety guidelines to ensure that the rice stays fresh and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make special fried rice with egg?
Making special fried rice with egg is easy. Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Then, heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan and add chopped onions, garlic, and any other vegetables you like. Fry them for a few minutes until they're soft.
Next, add some cooked meat, such as chicken, pork, or prawns, and stir-fry for a few more minutes. Then, push everything to one side of the wok and pour in some beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to set for a few seconds before scrambling them with a spatula.
Finally, add the cooked rice to the wok and stir everything together. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add some chopped spring onions or coriander for extra flavour.
What's the secret to restaurant-style special fried rice?
The secret to restaurant-style special fried rice is using cold, leftover rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will turn mushy when stir-fried. Cold rice holds its shape better and results in a better texture.
Another secret is to use a hot wok or frying pan and cook the ingredients quickly over high heat. This helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan and ensures that everything is evenly cooked.
Finally, don't be afraid to use lots of seasoning, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients add depth of flavour to the dish and make it taste more authentic.
Can you share an easy recipe for special fried rice?
Sure! Here's a simple recipe for special fried rice that you can make at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, cold
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, sweetcorn)
- 1/2 cup cooked meat (e.g. chicken, pork, prawns)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Heat some oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes until soft.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cooked meat and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Push everything to one side of the wok and pour in the beaten eggs. Allow to set for a few seconds before scrambling with a spatula.
- Add the cold rice to the wok and stir everything together.
- Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
What are the best ingredients to use for authentic special fried rice?
The best ingredients to use for authentic special fried rice are Char Siu meat, seafood, eggs, peas, carrots, and sweetcorn. You can also add other ingredients such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts for extra texture and flavour.
If you're using seafood, try using prawns or crab meat. These types of seafood work well in special fried rice and add a delicious taste to the dish.
What distinguishes special fried rice from regular fried rice?
Special fried rice is different from regular fried rice because it contains more ingredients. Regular fried rice usually only contains rice, eggs, and vegetables, whereas special fried rice contains meat, seafood, and a variety of vegetables.
Special fried rice is also seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, which gives it a distinctive flavour.
What ingredients give special fried rice its distinctive flavour?
The ingredients that give special fried rice its distinctive flavour are soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients are commonly used in Chinese cooking and add a depth of flavour to the dish.
The Char Siu meat and seafood also add a unique taste to the dish, as do the vegetables such as peas, carrots, and sweetcorn. The combination of all these ingredients creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.