Chinese pork fried rice is a classic dish that combines savory flavors, tender pork, and fluffy rice. It’s a staple in many households and restaurants, loved for its simplicity and delicious taste. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this dish at home, using easy-to-follow instructions and tips to ensure your fried rice turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Having everything ready beforehand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Main Ingredients
Cooked Rice: 3 cups (preferably day-old rice)
Pork: 200 grams (thinly sliced)
Eggs: 2 large
Vegetables: 1 cup mixed (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
Green Onions: 3-4 stalks (chopped)
Garlic: 2 cloves (minced)
Ginger: 1 teaspoon (minced)
Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt: To taste
Pepper: To taste
Optional Ingredients
Chili Flakes: For a bit of heat
Sesame Seeds: For garnish
Bean Sprouts: For added crunch
Preparing the Ingredients
Cook the Rice
If you don’t have day-old rice, cook your rice at least an hour before you plan to make the fried rice. Spread it out on a tray to cool and dry out slightly. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy when fried.
Prepare the Pork
Thinly slice the pork into bite-sized pieces. You can use pork loin, shoulder, or even leftover roasted pork. Marinate the pork with a teaspoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Chop the Vegetables
Dice the carrots, bell peppers, and any other vegetables you’re using into small, uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Chop the green onions, separating the white and green parts.
Beat the Eggs
In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cooking the Fried Rice
Now that all the ingredients are prepped, let’s move on to the cooking process.
Heat the Wok
Place a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the surface.
Cook the Eggs
Pour the beaten eggs into the wok. Let them set slightly, then scramble them gently. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the wok and set aside.
Cook the Pork
Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Toss in the marinated pork slices. Stir-fry until the pork is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the pork and set it aside with the eggs.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, followed by the white parts of the green onions. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Vegetables
Throw in the diced vegetables and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. You want to retain some crunch for texture.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice to the wok. Break up any clumps with a spatula and stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through. Add the cooked pork and scrambled eggs back into the wok.
Season the Fried Rice
Drizzle the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil for that authentic Chinese flavor. Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve
Finally, add the green parts of the chopped green onions. Give everything one last toss. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chili flakes on top for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips for Perfect Chinese Pork Fried Rice
Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and sticky, making it difficult to fry. Day-old rice is drier and fries up better.
High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures that the ingredients cook quickly, retaining their texture and flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the ingredients instead of frying them.
Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to suit your taste.
Conclusion
Making Chinese pork fried rice at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your wok and get cooking!
Related topics:
How to Make Authentic Chinese Pork Fried Rice
