Welcome to Rice or Bread! Today, I am excited to share with you a beloved Chinese classic: Yangzhou Fried Rice. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine and a favorite around the world.
Yangzhou Fried Rice, named after the city of Yangzhou in Jiangsu Province, has a history dating back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). It’s renowned for its unique combination of ingredients, which typically include scrambled eggs, shrimp, vegetables, and occasionally ham or barbecued pork. The rice is stir-fried to perfection, resulting in a fragrant and satisfying dish.
Today, I’m introducing you to a vegetarian version of Yangzhou Fried Rice, which is also my favorite from childhood. As a mother, I love this recipe because it is simple and quick to make, and my kids adore it!
Why Leftover Rice Makes the Best Fried Rice
Did you know that leftover rice makes the best fried rice? Here’s why:
Reduced Moisture
Freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and slightly sticky. When making fried rice, excess moisture can cause the rice to clump together and become mushy. Leftover rice, stored in the refrigerator overnight, loses some of its moisture, making it drier and firmer. This texture is ideal for achieving the separated, individual grains that are characteristic of great fried rice.
Firm Grains
The chilling process allows the rice grains to firm up, which helps them hold their shape better during stir-frying. This results in a more appealing, non-mushy consistency.
Better Absorption of Flavors
Day-old rice has a better ability to absorb the flavors of the soy sauce, vegetables, and other ingredients you add during the stir-frying process. This enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Whether you’re using leftover rice or fresh ingredients, Yangzhou Fried Rice is a versatile and delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone. Try this vegetarian version at home, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below.
Want to discover more options of how to use out your leftover rice? Check out my recipes.
Happy cooking!
YangZhou fried rice
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cooked rice preferably day-old
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of peas frozen or fresh
- 1 cup of sweet corns
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- Dice the carrots into small, even pieces
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.Add the diced carrots, peas, corns and stir-fry stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until all the vegetables are tender, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil, Crack the eggs into the skillet.
- Add the day-old cooked rice and salt to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula, stir fry until the eggs are cooked.
- Add the fired vegetables, Stir-fry the rice with the vegetables, for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Enjoy your fried rice!
