Delight Your Taste Buds: Easy and Authentic Chinese Fried Glutinous Rice Recipe

Glutinous rice is a type of rice that is high in starch, which makes it sticky when cooked. This type of rice is commonly used in Chinese cooking, and it's perfect for making dishes like Chinese fried glutinous rice. To make this dish, you'll need to soak the rice for several hours before cooking it. This will help to soften the rice and make it easier to cook.

Chinese fried glutinous rice is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Some popular ingredients include Chinese sausage, dried shiitake mushrooms, and dried scallops. You can also add seafood to the dish, such as shrimp or squid, to give it a unique flavour.

Understanding Glutinous Rice

Origins and Varieties

Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice, is a type of short-grain rice that is commonly used in many Asian cuisines. It is a staple food in China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The rice gets its sticky texture from its high starch content and is often used in desserts, rice cakes, and savoury dishes.

There are several varieties of glutinous rice, including black, white, and brown. Each variety has its own unique flavour and texture. Black glutinous rice has a nutty flavour and is often used in desserts, while white glutinous rice is the most commonly used variety in savoury dishes.

Nutritional Profile

Glutinous rice is a good source of carbohydrates and provides energy to the body. It is also low in fat and has a low glycemic index, making it a suitable food for people with diabetes. However, it is important to note that glutinous rice is not a good source of protein and lacks essential vitamins and minerals.

If you are looking to add more nutrients to your glutinous rice dish, consider adding seafood such as shrimp or scallops. Seafood is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. You can also add vegetables such as carrots, peas, and mushrooms to make the dish more nutritious.

Glutinous rice is a staple food in many Asian cuisines and is known for its sticky texture. It is a good source of carbohydrates but lacks essential vitamins and minerals. To make your dish more nutritious, consider adding seafood and vegetables.

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

When it comes to making Chinese fried glutinous rice, there are a few key ingredients you'll need to have on hand. These ingredients are essential to the dish's flavour and texture, and substituting them may result in a different end product. However, there are some substitutes that you can use if you're unable to find a specific ingredient.

Main Components

The main components of Chinese fried glutinous rice are glutinous rice, Chinese sausage (lap cheong), dried shrimps, and dried shiitake mushrooms. Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice, is the star of the dish, giving it its signature chewy texture. Chinese sausage, which is made from pork and seasoned with soy sauce and other spices, adds a savoury flavour to the dish. Dried shrimps and dried shiitake mushrooms provide an umami flavour that complements the other ingredients.

If you're unable to find Chinese sausage, you can substitute it with liver sausage or another type of sausage. Dried prawns can be used in place of dried shrimps, and dried mushrooms can be substituted with fresh mushrooms.

Flavour Enhancers

To enhance the flavour of the dish, you'll need to use a few flavour enhancers, such as oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper. Oyster sauce adds a sweet and salty flavour to the dish, while soy sauce provides a salty flavour. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavour and aroma, and pepper adds a bit of heat.

If you're allergic to seafood or don't have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar. You can also add a bit of fish sauce to the dish for an extra umami flavour.

Optional Add-Ins

While the main components and flavour enhancers are essential to the dish, there are a few optional add-ins that you can include to add more flavour and texture. Spring onions and shallots can be added for a bit of freshness and crunch, while eggs can be scrambled and added to the dish for a protein boost. Peanuts can also be added for a bit of crunch.

If you're a seafood lover, you can add some seafood to the dish, such as shrimp, squid, or scallops. Make sure to cook the seafood separately before adding it to the dish to prevent overcooking.

Cooking Techniques and Equipment

Preparation Methods

To prepare Chinese fried glutinous rice, you need to start by soaking the rice for at least two hours. Soaking the rice allows it to cook evenly and absorb water, making it fluffy and tender. You can use a rice cooker or a steamer to cook the rice. If you use a rice cooker, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of water to use. If you use a steamer, use a cheesecloth or a bamboo steamer to prevent the rice from sticking to the steamer.

Cooking Utensils

The most common cooking method for Chinese fried glutinous rice is stir-frying. To stir-fry the rice, you will need a wok or a frying pan. A wok is preferred because it has a larger surface area, allowing you to stir-fry the rice evenly. A spatula or a wooden spoon is used to stir-fry the rice.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese fried glutinous rice recipe, you can use dried shrimps or dried scallops. Soak them in water until they are soft before adding them to the rice. You can also use fresh seafood like shrimp or squid. Cook them separately and add them to the rice at the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Steaming is another cooking method that can be used for Chinese fried glutinous rice. To steam the rice, you will need a steamer basket or a bamboo steamer. Place the rice in a heatproof dish, add water to the steamer, and steam for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked. Steaming the rice gives it a soft and fluffy texture and preserves the aroma of the rice.

Preparing Chinese fried glutinous rice requires soaking the rice, choosing the appropriate cooking method, and using the right utensils. Adding seafood to the recipe can enhance the flavour and nutrition of the dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preparation Stage

To prepare the Chinese fried glutinous rice recipe, you need to soak 250g of glutinous rice for at least 2 hours. You can also add seafood like dried shrimps or scallops for extra flavor. Soak the seafood for at least 30 minutes and save the soaking water.

Next, wash and soak 30g of dried mushrooms for an hour and slice them into small pieces. Roughly chop 30g of dried shrimps and slice 140g of pork belly into 1cm width and thickness. You will also need 1 tablespoon of garlic, 2 tablespoons of oil or shallot oil, and some spring onions.

Cooking Process

In a wok or frying pan, heat up 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pork belly and stir-fry until it turns golden brown. Then add the garlic, mushrooms, and dried shrimps and continue stir-frying for a minute or two.

Add the soaked glutinous rice and stir-fry for another minute. Add the reserved soaking water from the seafood and enough water to cover the rice. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon of chicken powder. Mix well and bring it to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and cover the wok or frying pan. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Once the rice is cooked, add some salt, sugar, and dark soy sauce to taste. You can also add some white pepper or black pepper for extra flavor. Garnish with some chopped spring onions and serve hot.

This recipe serves about 4-6 adult servings and takes about 30 minutes of preparation time and 20 minutes of cook time. It has approximately 300-400 calories per serving.

To add seafood into the recipe, you can use dried shrimps or scallops. Soak them for at least 30 minutes and save the soaking water. Add them together with the mushrooms and pork belly during the cooking process. You can also add some prawns or squid for a seafood twist.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chinese fried glutinous rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a fragrant and chewy dish that is full of umami and flavourful ingredients. For a complete meal, you can serve it with a side of vegetables such as stir-fried bok choy or broccoli.

If you are serving it as a dim sum dish, you can pair it with other traditional dim sum dishes such as siu mai or har gow. Alternatively, you can serve it as a snack or appetizer on its own.

Wine Pairings

When it comes to wine pairings for Chinese fried glutinous rice, a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc can complement the dish well. The wine should have enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish and enhance the aromatic flavours.

If you prefer beer, a light lager or pilsner can be a good option. The crispness of the beer can balance out the chewy texture of the glutinous rice.

Seafood Suggestions

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese fried glutinous rice recipe, you can use dried shrimp or scallops. These can be soaked in water before cooking to rehydrate them. Alternatively, you can use fresh shrimp or diced squid. These can be added to the dish towards the end of the cooking process and cooked until they are just tender.

Adding seafood to the dish can enhance the umami flavours and give it an extra dimension of flavour. However, it is important to ensure that the seafood is fresh and cooked properly to avoid any food safety issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to prepare fried glutinous rice at home?

The simplest way to prepare fried glutinous rice is to use leftover cooked glutinous rice. Heat up a pan with oil, sauté some garlic and onions, add in the cooked glutinous rice, and stir-fry with your choice of protein and vegetables. Add seasoning to taste, and you're done!

How do you make a traditional Hokkien-style glutinous rice dish?

To make a traditional Hokkien-style glutinous rice dish, you'll need dried shrimps, pork belly, dried mushrooms, garlic, fried shallots, and glutinous rice. Soak the glutinous rice for at least 2 to 3 hours before cooking. Sauté the dried shrimps, pork belly, and garlic until fragrant. Add the soaked glutinous rice and stir-fry until the rice is evenly coated with oil. Add water and seasoning, then let it cook until the rice is tender. Top with fried shallots.

What are the top tips for making the best fried glutinous rice?

The top tips for making the best fried glutinous rice are to use leftover cooked glutinous rice, ensure that the rice is not too wet or too dry, use high heat when stir-frying, and add seasoning to taste. You can also add your choice of protein and vegetables, such as prawns, chicken, and Chinese sausage, to enhance the flavour.

Can you substitute glutinous rice flour in a fried rice recipe?

No, glutinous rice flour cannot be substituted for glutinous rice in a fried rice recipe. Glutinous rice flour is a different ingredient that is used to make desserts and snacks, while glutinous rice is a type of rice that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine.

Is there a difference between sticky rice and glutinous rice in these recipes?

No, sticky rice and glutinous rice are the same thing. They are both short-grain rice varieties that become sticky and chewy when cooked.

What's the secret to getting that authentic Chinese fried rice flavour?

The secret to getting that authentic Chinese fried rice flavour is to use high heat when stir-frying, and to use a wok if possible. You should also use leftover cooked rice that has been chilled overnight, as this helps to dry out the rice and prevent it from becoming too sticky. Additionally, using Chinese seasonings such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil can help to enhance the flavour. You can also add seafood such as prawns or squid to give the dish an extra dimension of flavour.