“Chao Fan” is a Chinese term that translates to “fried rice” in English. It is a popular and versatile dish in Chinese cuisine, made by stir-frying pre-cooked rice with a combination of ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, meat, and seasonings. Chao Fan can vary widely in its preparation, with regional and personal variations influencing the choice of ingredients and flavours.
The dish is commonly found in Chinese restaurants and is also a popular home-cooked meal. Different varieties of Chao Fan can include Yangzhou Fried Rice, Pineapple Fried Rice, and many others, each featuring a unique set of ingredients and flavours. It’s a flexible dish that allows for creativity in the kitchen, making it a favourite for both cooks and diners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, and diced bell peppers)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG (monosodium glutamate)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 cup diced cooked chicken, prawns, or tofu for added protein
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Instructions
Prepare ingredients
Ensure that all ingredients are chopped and ready before you start cooking. This will make the process smoother.
Heat the wok or pan:
Place a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the surface.
Cook vegetables:
Add diced onions, carrots, and bell peppers to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Add garlic:
Add minced garlic to the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Push vegetables to the side
Push the vegetables to one side of the wok, creating a space for the eggs.
Cook eggs:
Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Allow them to set for a moment and then scramble them with a spatula until fully cooked.
Combine Ingredients:
Mix the cooked eggs with the vegetables in the wok.
Add rice:
Add the cooked and cooled rice to the wok. Break up any clumps and ensure the rice is well combined with the vegetables and eggs.
Season with sauces and MSG:
Drizzle soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the rice. Sprinkle MSG evenly over the mixture. Stir-fry the combination for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Optional protein:
If using chicken, prawns, or tofu, add it to the wok at this stage and stir until heated through.
Season to taste:
Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish the fried rice with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade fried rice!
