Chinese pork fried rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of savory pork with the texture of fluffy, stir-fried rice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this recipe will guide you through making authentic Chinese pork fried rice step by step.
Ingredients
Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
Rice: 3-4 cups of leftover medium or long-grain rice (no freshly steamed rice). Cold, cooked rice is essential for achieving the perfect texture in fried rice.
Pork: 2-3 slices of bacon, ham, or sausage, diced. You can also use Chinese barbecue pork (char siu) for an extra layer of flavor.
Eggs: 3 eggs, well beaten.
Scallions: 2-3, sliced thinly.
Soy Sauce: 2 teaspoons of Chinese light soy sauce.
Oil: About 2 tablespoons for frying.
Salt: A pinch for seasoning.
Optional Ingredients: Peas, carrots, shrooms, or any other vegetables you like can be added for extra nutrition and color.
Preparation
Rice Preparation
Use leftover rice that’s been refrigerated overnight. This ensures the rice grains are firm and don’t stick together, which is ideal for stir-frying.
If you don’t have leftover rice, cook the rice as usual, then spread it out on a sheet pan and let it cool completely before refrigerating for at least half an hour.
Meat Preparation
- Dice the bacon, ham, or sausage into small pieces.
- If using Chinese barbecue pork, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Vegetable Preparation
- Slice the scallions thinly.
- If adding other vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or shrooms, chop them into small, even pieces.
Egg Preparation
Beat the eggs well in a bowl until the yolks and whites are fully combined.
Cooking Steps
Heat the Pan
- Place a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
Cook the Pork
- Add the diced pork to the hot pan.
- Stir-fry until the pork is crisp and golden brown.
- Remove the pork from the pan and leave about a tablespoon of oil in the pan.
Cook the Eggs
- Pour the beaten eggs into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
- Let the eggs cook until the edges start to ruffle and set.
Add the Rice
- Evenly distribute the rice over the eggs in the pan.
- Gently but quickly stir the rice and eggs together, breaking the eggs into small pieces.
- Avoid pressing down on the rice to maintain its fluffy texture.
Combine Ingredients
- Once the rice is heated through, add the cooked pork back into the pan and stir well.
- Add a small pinch of salt to taste.
Add Scallions
- Turn off the heat.
- Add the sliced scallions and stir through the rice mixture.
Serve
- Scoop the fried rice into bowls.
- Serve immediately while hot.
- Optional Enhancements
Vegetables
- For added nutrition and color, you can stir-fry vegetables such as peas, carrots, or shrooms along with the pork.
- Add them to the pan after cooking the pork and before adding the rice.
Sauces
- You can add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor.
- Soy sauce is already included, but you can adjust the amount to taste.
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top of the fried rice before serving.
Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
Rice Temperature
Always use cold, cooked rice. Freshly steamed rice will make the dish sticky and gluey.
Heat Control
Use medium-high heat to ensure the rice gets a nice sear without burning.
Stirring
- Stir constantly but gently to avoid breaking the rice grains too much.
- This also ensures that the rice doesn’t stick to the pan.
Seasoning
Season lightly with salt and soy sauce. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away.
Non-stick Pan
Using a non-stick pan makes it easier to stir-fry the rice without it sticking to the surface.
Conclusion
Authentic Chinese pork fried rice is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the best of savory pork and fluffy, stir-fried rice. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick and easy dinner, this recipe will deliver delicious results.
Don’t forget to customize the dish with your favorite vegetables, sauces, and garnishes. Cooking is an art, and your fried rice should reflect your personal taste and style. Enjoy your homemade Chinese pork fried rice!
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