If you're looking for a simple and delicious home-cooked meal, salted fish fried rice is a great option. This dish is a staple in many Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Indonesian, and Thai. It's a great way to use up leftover rice and add some protein to your meal.
To make salted fish fried rice, you'll need a few key ingredients: rice, salted fish, chicken or another protein, eggs, and vegetables like scallions or lettuce. The salted fish adds a unique and nutty flavour to the dish, while the chicken provides some protein. You can also use other proteins like shrimp or tofu if you prefer.
To prepare the dish, you'll need to cook the rice and then fry it with the other ingredients in a wok or large frying pan. This dish is a great way to use up leftovers and can be customized to your taste preferences. It's also a great option for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Key Takeaways
- Salted fish fried rice is a simple and delicious home-cooked meal that is popular in many Asian cuisines.
- The dish is made with rice, salted fish, chicken or another protein, eggs, and vegetables.
- To prepare the dish, cook the rice and then fry it with the other ingredients in a wok or large frying pan.
Ingredients and Preparation
Essential Ingredients
To make salted fish fried rice, you will need a few essential ingredients. Firstly, you will need salted fish, which is the main flavouring agent in the dish. You can find salted fish at your local Asian grocery store or online. Other essential ingredients include cooked rice, eggs, garlic, onion, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Additional Flavours
To add more flavour to your salted fish fried rice, you can use additional ingredients such as ginger, spring onions, pepper, fish sauce, sugar, white pepper, lime, and oyster sauce. These ingredients are optional, but they can enhance the taste of the dish.
Rice Preparation
For the best results, use leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight. This will ensure that the rice is dry and won't become mushy when fried. If you don't have leftover rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool down before using it in the recipe.
To prepare the rice, heat up your wok or frying pan on high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and onion and stir-fry for a few seconds. Then, add the salted fish and stir-fry for a minute or two until it becomes fragrant. Add the rice and stir-fry for a few minutes until it is heated through.
Push the rice to one side of the wok and add some beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked, then mix them with the rice. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and any additional flavours you like and stir-fry for another minute or two.
Cooking Technique
Stir-Frying Basics
To make the perfect salted fish fried rice, you need to master the art of stir-frying. This Cantonese dish is cooked quickly in a hot wok over high heat. The wok should be heated until it is smoking hot before you add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the aromatics such as chopped garlic, ginger, and green onions. Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant, then add the marinated chicken and salted fish. Keep stirring the ingredients until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
The secret to achieving the perfect texture for your salted fish fried rice is to use day-old brown rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and sticky, which can result in clumpy fried rice. If you don't have day-old rice, you can also use freshly cooked rice that has been cooled in the fridge for a few hours. Once you add the rice to the wok, stir-fry it quickly until it is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Keep stirring until the rice is crispy and has a slightly charred flavour.
Plating and Serving
To plate your salted fish fried rice, you can use a large serving dish or individual plates. Arrange a bed of lettuce leaves on the bottom of the plate, then spoon the fried rice on top. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal. It's also a popular street food in Southeast Asia, where it's often sold by vendors during war times due to its affordability and filling nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prepare salted fish before cooking it in fried rice?
The best way to prepare salted fish for fried rice is to soak it in water for at least 30 minutes to remove some of the saltiness. After soaking, rinse the fish thoroughly and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, chop it into small pieces and set it aside until you're ready to use it in your fried rice.
Can you recommend a traditional salted fish fried rice recipe?
Here's a traditional Cantonese-style salted fish fried rice recipe:
- Heat up some oil in a wok or frying pan.
- Add chopped garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add chopped salted fish and stir-fry for a few minutes until it starts to crisp up.
- Add diced chicken or lap cheong (Chinese sausage) and stir-fry until cooked.
- Push the ingredients to the side of the wok and add beaten eggs to the centre. Scramble the eggs until they're cooked and then mix everything together.
- Add cooked rice and stir-fry until everything is well combined.
- Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper to taste.
How many calories are typically in a portion of salted fish fried rice?
The number of calories in a portion of salted fish fried rice can vary depending on the recipe and portion size. However, on average, a serving of salted fish fried rice can contain around 500-600 calories.
Where's a good spot to get salted fish fried rice in Singapore?
One popular spot to try salted fish fried rice in Singapore is at the Maxwell Food Centre. The Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall is famous for its chicken rice, but also serves a delicious salted fish fried rice.
What are the essential ingredients for making authentic salted fish fried rice?
The essential ingredients for making authentic salted fish fried rice include salted fish, cooked rice, garlic, ginger, eggs, and soy sauce. Other ingredients like diced chicken, lap cheong, and vegetables can be added for extra flavour and texture.
What distinguishes Thai salted fish fried rice from the Chinese style?
Thai salted fish fried rice typically includes additional ingredients like pineapple, cashews, and raisins for a sweet and savoury flavour profile. It may also be spicier than the Chinese version, with the addition of chilli peppers.