Chinese pork fried rice is a classic dish enjoyed by many. It’s delicious, easy to make, and can be customized with various ingredients to suit individual tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, here’s a comprehensive guide to cooking perfect Chinese pork fried rice.
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list:
Rice: Ideally, use cold, leftover rice. Jasmine rice or short-grain Japanese rice works well. The key is to use rice that has already been cooked and cooled. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too sticky and can clump together.
Pork: Chinese barbecue pork (char siu) is traditional, but you can use any cooked pork you have on hand, such as shredded pork or pork shoulder.
Eggs: Typically, 2-4 eggs are used per serving, depending on how eggy you like your fried rice.
Vegetables: Common vegetables include peas, carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also use frozen vegetables for convenience.
Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and scallions add flavor.
Sauces and Seasonings: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper are essential. Optional additions include oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture.
Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil is best for stir-frying.
Preparation
Cook the Rice
If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly. Let it sit until it’s completely cold, then refrigerate for at least an hour. This step is crucial to prevent the rice from becoming too sticky when stir-fried.
Prepare the Pork
If you’re using homemade or store-bought Chinese barbecue pork, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using shredded pork or another type of cooked pork, ensure it’s ready to be reheated.
Prep the Vegetables
Dice the carrots, slice the mushrooms, and thaw any frozen vegetables if using. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready will make the stir-frying process smoother.
Beat the Eggs
In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork or whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
Cooking Steps
Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon or two of oil and let it heat up. A hot pan is essential for stir-frying, as it ensures the ingredients cook quickly and evenly.
Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Once the oil is hot, add minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn, as this will make the dish bitter.
Cook the Pork
Add the diced pork to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through. If you’re using shredded pork, you may need to cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s hot and slightly crispy.
Add the Vegetables
Stir in the vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. If you’re using frozen vegetables, they may need a bit longer to thaw and cook.
Scramble the Eggs
Push the pork and vegetables to the side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space. Scramble the eggs until they’re just set but still slightly runny. This will help them mix well with the rice.
Add the Rice
Now, it’s time to add the cold, cooked rice to the pan. Stir everything together, combining the pork, vegetables, and eggs with the rice. Continue to stir-fry over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
Season and Taste
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Pour this mixture over the rice and continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the rice is evenly coated and slightly caramelized. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if needed.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in chopped scallions. Serve the pork fried rice hot, garnished with additional scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Perfect Pork Fried Rice
Use Cold Rice: As mentioned, cold, leftover rice is key to prevent clumping. Freshly cooked rice will be too sticky and won’t stir-fry well.
High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly and lock in flavor. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the oil and ingredients.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your pan is too crowded, the ingredients will steam rather than stir-fry. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, soy sauce is the main seasoning in this dish, so don’t be afraid to add more if needed.
Conclusion
Chinese pork fried rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of day. By following the steps outlined above and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality version at home. Whether you’re feeding a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!
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