Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice

A Taste of the East: What is Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice?

Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice, a dish as diverse as it is delicious, combines the delicate balance of flavors that China is renowned for. A sizzling medley of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and golden-fried rice, this comforting meal is a staple of Chinese cuisine. Not only is it a tasty way to repurpose leftover rice, but it also perfectly encapsulates the concept of 'waste not, want not'.

Gathering Your Ingredients

For our delectable fried rice, you'll need:

• 150g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• pinch of baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp minced garlic,
• 1 onion, chopped (approx. 150g)
• 1/3 cup green beans (approx. 60g)
• 1/2 cup cubed carrots (approx. 65g)
• 1/2 bunch green onions, separated between the white and green parts (approx. 50g)
• 300g day-old rice, broken apart
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tsp dark soy sauce
• salt and pepper to taste

These everyday items can be found in local groceries, but if not, we have some handy substitutes in the wings!

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're missing a few items from the pantry, here are some easy swaps:

• Chicken: tofu or shrimps can be a delightful alternative.
• Soy sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos are suitable gluten-free options.
• Green onions: regular onions or chives can fit the bill.
• Feel free to use any other vegetables you may have leftover. This dish is best served with a variety of colors and flavours.
• If serving as a side, you can omit the chicken.

Let's Get Cooking!

Marination

1. Marinate the chicken in the cornstarch, soy sauce, and baking soda. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a savory tang.

Stir-fry

1. In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp cooking oil. Scramble the two eggs and set aside.
2. Saute the chicken in another tablespoon of cooking oil, then set aside.
3. Add 1 tbsp cooking oil to the same pan and saute the garlic, onion, green beans, and carrots for 1-2 minutes. The vegetables should be vibrant and slightly tender.
4. Return the chicken pieces to the pan and give it a good stir. Set aside.

Rice

1. In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil, stir fry the rice for 2-3 minutes until it's piping hot and glistening.
2. Season the rice with the light and dark soy sauces. Stir to ensure the rice grains are evenly coated.
3. Return the scrambled egg, chicken, and vegetables to the pan. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated through.
4. Serve your Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice garnished with the green parts of the spring onions. Their fresh, crisp flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the savory, aromatic fried rice.

What to Serve with Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice

Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple stir-fried bok choy or a spicy Szechuan tofu. For a complete feast, you could add some hot and sour soup, and finish with a light and refreshing mango pudding for dessert.

Breaking Down the Nutrition

Given the ingredients listed, this recipe yields around four servings of about 200g each. Here's the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 327kcal
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 79mg
• Sodium: 735mg
• Potassium: 265mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 110IU
• Vitamin C: 4.5mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 0.9mg

These values are approximations and can vary based on cooking methods and brand of ingredients used.

Hone Your Craft: Tips and Tricks

To elevate your Chinese Style Chicken Fried Rice, consider these tips:

• Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice can be sticky and result in a mushy dish. Using leftover, refrigerated rice ensures individual, non-sticky grains.
• Preheat your pan or wok: Ensuring your pan is properly heated before adding your ingredients can prevent them from sticking and helps achieve that slightly crispy texture that's classic in fried rice.
• Cook in batches: Overcrowding the pan can make the temperature drop and cause the ingredients to stew instead of stir-fry. Cooking in batches ensures each component gets the high heat it needs.
• If using chicken breasts, ensure to marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge. This ensures you will get flavour through the meat.
• This recipe is best if using leftover rice from the previous day. These type of rice is slightly drier than freshly cooked rice and is perfect for ensuring the rice pieces come apart and don't stick to each other.
• Use as much leftover vegetables you have. This works best with fresh vegetables rather than frozen ones. If using frozen vegetables, you may have to fry frozen vegetables a bit longer.
• Adjust the salt quantity to your liking. The dark soy sauce only provides color and not much saltiness. Season the dish just before finishing up on the wok.
• Use as much garlic and onions as you like.

Unraveling the Mysteries: FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your dish. Just remember that it may take a bit longer to cook than white rice.

What's the difference between light and dark soy sauce?

Light soy sauce is saltier and thinner, while dark soy sauce is sweeter, thicker, and has a richer flavor. Using both gives the dish a balanced, complex taste.

How can I make my fried rice less greasy?

Using less oil and a non-stick pan can help reduce the amount of grease. Also, ensuring your pan is hot enough can prevent the rice from absorbing too much oil.