Easy Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
Chicken fried rice is a well-known and delicious dish that is easy to make at home. This Chinese-style dish is made with a combination of fluffy rice, juicy chicken, and a variety of vegetables. It is a great way to use up leftover rice and can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
To make chicken fried rice, you will need essential ingredients such as rice, chicken, eggs, vegetables, and seasonings. You will also need cooking equipment such as a wok or a large frying pan. Preparing the rice is an important step in making chicken fried rice, as it needs to be cooked and cooled before it can be used in the recipe. The cooking process involves stir-frying the ingredients together in a wok or frying pan, and adding flavour enhancements and variations to suit your taste.
Seafood can also be used in this recipe as a suggestion. Prawns, shrimp, and crab meat are great options that can add a new dimension of flavour to your chicken fried rice. The seafood can be added to the wok or frying pan alongside the chicken and vegetables, and cooked until it is fully cooked through.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken fried rice is an easy and delicious Chinese-style dish that can be made in just 30 minutes.
- Essential ingredients and cooking equipment are needed to make chicken fried rice, and preparing the rice is an important step.
- Seafood such as prawns, shrimp, and crab meat can be added to the recipe to enhance the flavour.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making easy Chinese-style chicken fried rice, there are a few essential ingredients that you will need. These include:
Proteins and Vegetables
- Chicken: boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat is the most commonly used protein in chicken fried rice. However, you can also use other types of meat such as shrimp, pork, beef, ham, or even seafood like prawns or squid for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Eggs: scrambled eggs are an important part of the dish, adding both protein and texture to the rice.
- Onions: sliced onions are a great addition to the recipe, providing a sweet and savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Vegetables: peas, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and peas and carrots are all commonly used vegetables in chicken fried rice. You can use any combination of these veggies to suit your taste.
Rice and Seasonings
- Rice: long-grain white rice is the best type of rice to use for fried rice. It should be cooked and cooled before being added to the dish.
- Soy sauce: this is the main seasoning used in the recipe, providing a salty and umami flavor to the dish. You can use light or dark soy sauce depending on your preference.
- Oil: vegetable, canola, or sesame oil can be used for cooking the dish.
- Garlic: minced garlic is a great addition to the dish, adding a pungent and aromatic flavor.
- Green onions: sliced green onions are often used as a garnish for the dish, adding a fresh and bright flavor.
When selecting your ingredients, it's important to choose fresh and high-quality produce and meat. This will ensure that your dish turns out delicious and flavorful.
Cooking Equipment
When it comes to making Chinese-style chicken fried rice, having the right cooking equipment can make all the difference. In this section, we'll discuss the different types of cooking equipment you can use to make this delicious dish.
Choosing the Right Wok or Skillet
The most common cooking equipment used for making chicken fried rice is a wok or a large skillet. A wok is a traditional Chinese cooking vessel that is perfect for stir-frying due to its shape and size. A carbon steel wok is a great option as it heats up quickly and evenly, allowing you to cook your ingredients to perfection.
If you don't have a wok, a large skillet can also work well. Look for a skillet that is at least 12 inches in diameter to give you enough space to stir-fry your ingredients. A non-stick skillet is also a good option as it can prevent your ingredients from sticking to the pan.
When choosing your wok or skillet, make sure it is large enough to hold all of your ingredients without overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause your ingredients to steam rather than fry, resulting in mushy and flavourless rice.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to your chicken fried rice. Shrimp or prawns are a great option as they cook quickly and add a delicious flavour to the dish. Just make sure to cook them separately before adding them to the rice to prevent overcooking.
When making Chinese-style chicken fried rice, choose a wok or large skillet that is the right size for your ingredients and consider adding seafood for an extra burst of flavour.
Preparing the Rice
Preparing the rice is the most crucial step in making a delicious chicken fried rice. The rice should be cooked and cooled before adding it to the pan. Here are the steps to follow:
Cooking and Cooling the Rice
- Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Add the rice to a pot with the appropriate amount of water. For jasmine rice, the ratio is 1:1.5 (one cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water). For long-grain white rice and brown rice, the ratio is 1:2 (one cup of rice to two cups of water).
- Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb any excess water and become fluffy.
- To cool the rice, spread it out on a baking sheet or a large plate. Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before using it in the recipe.
If you don't have time to cook rice, you can use leftover rice or cold rice from the fridge. Day-old rice works best as it's drier and won't become mushy when stir-fried.
For a seafood twist, you can add shrimp or prawns to your chicken fried rice. Simply fry the shrimp or prawns in a pan until they turn pink and then add them to the pan with the chicken and vegetables.
The Cooking Process
Stir-Frying Techniques
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a wok or frying pan over high heat. The high heat helps to cook the food quickly and evenly, while the wok or frying pan ensures that the food doesn't stick to the surface. When stir-frying, it is important to use high heat to create what is known as "wok hei," a smoky, slightly charred flavour that is characteristic of Chinese cuisine.
To stir-fry the chicken for your Chinese-style chicken fried rice, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
Combining Ingredients
Once you have stir-fried the chicken, it's time to combine it with the other ingredients for your chicken fried rice. Start by heating another tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok over high heat. Add the cooked rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is heated through and slightly crispy.
Next, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through. Push the rice and vegetables to the side of the wok and crack two eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through, and then mix them in with the rice and vegetables.
Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the wok and stir-fry everything together for another minute or two. Season the chicken fried rice with soy sauce and toasted sesame oil, and garnish with sliced scallions if desired.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try adding seafood to your chicken fried rice. Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat are all great options that pair well with the other ingredients in this recipe. Simply stir-fry the seafood in the wok before adding the other ingredients, and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that everything is cooked through.
Flavour Enhancements and Variations
Adjusting Seasonings and Sauces
The beauty of chicken fried rice is that it's a versatile dish that can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. You can add or reduce the amount of salt and pepper depending on your preference. If you want a sweeter flavour, you can add a pinch of sugar to the dish.
Light soy sauce is a key ingredient in the recipe, but you can also use dark soy sauce for a richer flavour. Add a dash of white pepper to enhance the aroma of the dish. Oyster sauce is another great addition that can give the fried rice a savoury taste.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute for soy sauce. Teriyaki sauce can also be used to add a sweet and tangy flavour to the dish.
Adding International Twists
If you're feeling adventurous, you can add international twists to the classic chicken fried rice recipe. For a Korean twist, you can make kimchi fried rice by adding kimchi and gochujang sauce to the dish.
Pineapple fried rice is a popular Thai dish that adds a sweet and sour flavour to the rice. You can add diced pineapple and cashews to the dish to give it a tropical twist. Thai fried rice is another popular variant that uses Thai basil and fish sauce to add a unique flavour to the dish.
Seafood is also a great addition to the dish. Shrimp and crab are popular choices that can add a seafood flavour to the dish. You can also use scallops or squid for a more adventurous twist. Just make sure to cook the seafood thoroughly before adding it to the dish.
Experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect combination that suits your taste. With a few adjustments, you can make a delicious chicken fried rice that's uniquely yours.
Serving and Presentation
Once you've cooked your delicious chicken fried rice, it's time to serve it up and make it look as appetizing as possible. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Garnishing and Serving Suggestions
To make your chicken fried rice look even more appealing, consider adding some garnish on top. Some popular options include chopped green onions or scallions, which not only add a pop of colour but also some additional flavour. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame oil on top for an extra burst of nutty flavour.
When serving your chicken fried rice, consider pairing it with a side dish to make a more complete meal. Some good options include steamed vegetables or a simple salad. You could also serve it alongside some seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to add some variety to the meal.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some seafood directly to the fried rice. Shrimp or prawns are a popular choice, and can be added to the pan along with the chicken. Alternatively, you could try using crab meat or lobster for a more luxurious twist on the classic recipe.
Overall, serving and presenting your chicken fried rice is all about making it look as good as it tastes. With a few simple garnishes and side dishes, you can turn a simple meal into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to getting that authentic Chinese flavour in chicken fried rice?
The secret to getting that authentic Chinese flavour in chicken fried rice is to use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice can become too soft and sticky, which will not give you the desired texture of fried rice. Moreover, using soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil will give a more authentic taste to the dish. You can also add some Chinese five-spice powder to enhance the flavour.
Can you make a simple Chinese-style chicken fried rice without soy sauce?
Yes, you can make a simple Chinese-style chicken fried rice without soy sauce. Instead of soy sauce, you can use salt and black pepper to season the dish. You can also use fish sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavour. If you don't want to use any sauce, you can still make a delicious chicken fried rice by using a good quality chicken stock and seasoning with salt and pepper.
What are the must-have ingredients for a proper Chinese chicken fried rice?
The must-have ingredients for a proper Chinese chicken fried rice are: day-old rice, chicken, eggs, mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. You can also add some scallions and cilantro for garnish. If you want to add seafood to your chicken fried rice, you can use shrimp or prawns.
How do you recreate takeaway chicken fried rice at home?
To recreate takeaway chicken fried rice at home, you need to use a wok or a large frying pan and high heat. Start by cooking the chicken until it's golden brown, then remove it from the pan. Next, add the vegetables, garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for a couple of minutes. Add the rice and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add the chicken back to the pan, along with the eggs, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry for another minute or two, and your takeaway-style chicken fried rice is ready!
What's the best way to achieve restaurant-style Chinese chicken fried rice?
The best way to achieve restaurant-style Chinese chicken fried rice is to use a high heat and cook the ingredients quickly. Make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Use a wok or a large frying pan and add the ingredients in batches, starting with the chicken, then the vegetables, and finally the rice and eggs. Don't overcrowd the pan, and keep stirring constantly to prevent the rice from sticking. Also, make sure to season the dish well with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
Are there any quick tips for making a delicious chicken fried rice like in Asian eateries?
Yes, here are some quick tips for making a delicious chicken fried rice like in Asian eateries:
- Use day-old rice for the best texture
- Cook the chicken separately to get a nice golden crust
- Use a high heat and cook the ingredients quickly
- Don't overcrowd the pan
- Season the dish well with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil
- Use a wok or a large frying pan for the best results
- Garnish with scallions and cilantro for extra flavour
If you want to add seafood to your chicken fried rice, you can use shrimp or prawns. Make sure to cook the seafood separately and add it to the dish at the end.