Chinese Rice is a classic recipe that combines cooked rice with chicken, shrimp and a variety of vegetables sautéed in a delicious soy sauce. It's quick and easy to prepare, and is full of authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine. Perfect as a main dish or as a side dish, Chinese rice is a versatile and satisfying option to enjoy on any occasion.
Chinese Rice Recipe
Chinese rice is a delicious traditional dish of oriental cuisine, full of surprising flavors and textures.
5
Portions20
minute20
minute350
kcalIngredients:
2 coup of cooked and cooled white rice.
2 breasts of chicken, cut into small pieces.
1 Cup of peeled and deveined shrimp.
2 units of beaten eggs.
1 unit of large carrot, diced.
1 unit of red pepper, cut into strips.
1 unit of green pepper, cut into strips.
1 unit of medium onion, diced.
3 cloves garlic, chopped.
2 Tablespoons of soy sauce.
2 Tablespoons of Sesame oil.
2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Chopped chives to decorate.
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and stir quickly to make egg scramble. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and shrimp, and cook until cooked through and golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a tablespoon of sesame oil and sauté the carrot, peppers, onion and garlic until tender.
- Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well with the vegetables.
- Add the soy sauce and mix to coat all the rice. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the chicken, shrimp, and scrambled egg to the skillet. Mix all ingredients well and cook for a few additional minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot Chinese style fried rice, garnished with chopped chives.
Tips
- Use cold rice: For best results, use pre-chilled, cooked white rice. Cold rice is firmer and less likely to turn into a sticky mass when stir-fried.
- Prepare the ingredients in advance: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients cut and prepared. Fried rice cooks quickly, so it's important to have everything ready to avoid any mishaps.
- Use high temperature: Chinese rice is cooked over high heat to obtain that characteristic flavor and texture. Make sure you have the pan or wok very hot before you start cooking.
- Don't forget sesame oil: Sesame oil adds an authentic and distinctive flavor to Chinese rice. Use it both to sauté ingredients and to add a finishing touch to the dish before serving.
- Add soy sauce gradually: Soy sauce is a key component in Chinese rice, but its flavor can be intense. Add the soy sauce gradually and test the flavor as you go, to make sure you don't overdo it and end up with an overly salty dish.
- Customize your Chinese rice: Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients, such as bean sprouts, peas, mushrooms, or other vegetables. You can also experiment with different meats or proteins, such as beef, pork, or tofu.
- Stir constantly: During the sautéing process, be sure to constantly stir the ingredients to distribute the heat evenly and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Remember that the key to achieving a good Chinese rice is to keep the ingredients well cooked but crispy, and to achieve a balance of flavors between the main ingredients and the soy sauce. Have fun experimenting and enjoy your delicious homemade Chinese rice!
Nutritional information
- Calories 350kcal
- Carbohydrates 45g
- Protein 20g
- Fat 8g
Chinese rice and health
Chinese rice, as part of a balanced diet, may provide some health benefits. Below are some possible associated benefits:
- Energy source: Chinese rice is rich in carbohydrates, making it a quick and easily digestible source of energy. Carbohydrates are essential for providing fuel to the body and fueling physical and mental activities.
- Low-fat: Chinese rice is usually cooked with a minimal amount of oil, making it a low-fat option. This may be beneficial for those looking to reduce their saturated fat intake and maintain a healthy weight.
- Rich in protein: Depending on the ingredients used, such as chicken, shrimp or tofu, Chinese rice can be a significant source of protein. Protein is essential for growth, tissue repair and muscle development.
- Contains vegetables: Chinese rice is often prepared with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, peppers, and onions. These ingredients provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which are important for maintaining good health and a healthy digestive system.
- Versatility and customization: Chinese rice is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to different dietary preferences. You can add more vegetables, opt for lean proteins, and control the seasonings and sauces used, allowing you to customize the recipe to your needs and tastes.
Remember that health benefits may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used in the recipe. If you have specific dietary needs or health concerns, it is advisable to consult a health professional or dietitian for personalized advice.
History of Chinese Rice
“Chinese rice,” as it is commonly known in many countries, is a fried rice dish that has become a popular dish around the world, although its origin is attributed to the cuisine of China. However, it is important to note that the “Chinese rice” served in Chinese restaurants in the West is often a version adapted to local tastes and is not necessarily an accurate representation of traditional Chinese cuisine.
The history of Chinese rice is related to the Chinese diaspora and its influence on world cuisine. During the 19th century and early 20th century, many Chinese emigrated to different parts of the world, bringing with them their culture, culinary traditions, and cooking techniques. In these new places, Chinese cooks adapted their dishes to suit local tastes and used locally available ingredients.
Fried rice itself is an ancient culinary technique in China, where it was used to use up leftover cooked rice and other ingredients. Over time, this technique became a dish in its own right, known as “chǎofàn” in Mandarin, literally meaning “stir-fried rice.”
The Western version of Chinese rice, as it is known in countries such as the United States, Canada, and many Latin American countries, usually includes fried rice with vegetables, eggs, meat (such as chicken, pork, or shrimp), and seasonings such as soy sauce. This adaptation of the dish has become so popular in some places that it has become a staple of local cuisine.
In short, Chinese rice is an example of how the Chinese diaspora has influenced global cuisine, adapting and fusing ingredients and culinary techniques to create dishes that are appreciated around the world.
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Image credit: freepik
