Thereβs something magical about the aroma of Yangzhou fried rice wafting through the kitchen. Imagine grains of fluffy rice dancing with vibrant vegetables, succulent shrimp, and tender pieces of ham, all tossed together in a hot wok. As each ingredient sizzles, you can almost hear them singing a delightful harmony that promises an explosion of flavors in every bite.
This dish is more than just a meal; itβs a celebration on a plate! Picture yourself surrounded by family and friends, laughter filling the air as you serve up generous portions and watch their faces light up with joy. Whether itβs a cozy weeknight dinner or an event that calls for something special, Yangzhou fried rice never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Yangzhou fried rice is incredibly easy to whip up using leftover rice
- The flavor profile is a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet
- Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish for any occasion
- Enjoy it as a standalone meal or as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite proteins
I still remember the first time I attempted to make Yangzhou fried rice. My friends were skeptical at firstβuntil they took that first bite and declared me a culinary genius!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Long-Grain Rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture; it prevents clumping during cooking.
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Eggs: Fresh eggs add richness and color; use them to create fluffy scrambled bits.
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Carrots: Chop finely for sweetness and crunch; they provide beautiful color too.
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Frozen Peas: Convenient and colorful, they add a pop of sweetness and require no prep!
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Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; they lend seafood flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
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Cooked Ham: Diced ham adds heartiness; feel free to substitute with chicken or tofu for variety.
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Green Onions: Chopped green onions give freshness; toss them in right before serving for best flavor.
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Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce brings everything together with its umami depth; low-sodium is best to control saltiness.
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Sesame Oil: Drizzle some toasted sesame oil for an extra layer of nutty flavor at the end.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the veggies, beat the eggs, and measure out your soy sauce so youβre ready to go. Having everything prepped saves time!
Cook the Eggs First: Heat a tablespoon of oil in your wok over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs, stirring until they form soft curds and are just set, then remove them from the pan.
SautΓ© the Veggies and Shrimp: In the same wok, add another splash of oil and toss in your carrots and peas. SautΓ© until theyβre vibrant and tenderβabout 3 minutesβthen add the shrimp until pink.
Add the Rice and Ham: Toss your cooked rice into the wok along with diced ham. Stir-fry everything together until heated throughβmake sure to break up any clumps for even cooking.
Season It Up!: Pour in soy sauce while stirring constantly to coat every grain evenly. Add sesame oil at this point; it gives such a lovely aroma that will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Finish with Green Onions: Finally, fold in those chopped green onions just before servingβthey add freshness and color that makes this dish pop visually!
Now you have an irresistible Yangzhou fried rice thatβs sure to become a household favorite! Enjoy it hot right off the stove or store leftovers (if there are any) for lunch tomorrow!
Cooking doesnβt have to be complicated or stressful. With this Yangzhou fried rice recipe, you can impress your loved ones while keeping things simple in your kitchen!
You Must Know
- Yangzhou fried rice is a delightful blend of flavors and colors that brings joy to any meal
- The combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices makes it irresistible
- Plus, itβs quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends at dinner parties
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing all your ingredients beforehand; this ensures a smooth cooking experience. SautΓ© vegetables first, then add cooked rice to achieve that perfect fried texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out proteins like shrimp or chicken based on your preference. Adding soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil can intensify the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Yangzhou fried rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture; fresh rice can become mushy when frying
- Donβt overcrowd the pan; it prevents proper frying and browning
- Adjust soy sauce levels according to your taste for a personalized flavor profile
Cooking Yangzhou fried rice always takes me back to family gatherings where laughter and delicious aromas filled the air. Friends often request my recipe, making me feel like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
Can I use brown rice for Yangzhou fried rice?
Yes, but it may alter the dishβs texture and flavor slightly.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Carrots, peas, and bell peppers complement the dish beautifully.
How long does it take to make Yangzhou fried rice?
It typically takes about 20-30 minutes from prep to finish for this tasty dish.
Yangzhou Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Yangzhou fried rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fluffy, day-old rice with a medley of fresh vegetables, succulent shrimp, and savory ham. This easy-to-make recipe comes together in just one pan, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for gatherings. Each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 3 cups day-old long-grain rice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup diced cooked ham
- 4 green onions (chopped)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: chop the vegetables, beat the eggs, and measure the soy sauce.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Scramble the beaten eggs until soft curds form, then remove from the wok.
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok and sautΓ© the carrots and peas until tender, about 3 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in the cooked rice and diced ham; mix well to heat through.
- Pour in soy sauce while stirring to coat evenly; add sesame oil for flavor.
- Fold in chopped green onions just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Use leftover rice for optimal texture; freshly cooked rice can become mushy. Customize by swapping proteins like chicken or tofu, or adding your favorite vegetables. Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure proper frying.