Yangzhou Fried Rice by no means disappoints. This ‘the entirety however the kitchen sink’ fried rice recipe would possibly glance overwhelming. However, with only some key substances, it’s remarkably simple to make at house.

Yangzhou Fried Rice (Yángzhōu chǎofàn 扬州炒饭 in Mandarin) is known as after the city of Yangzhou, close to Nanjing within the Jiangsu province. Not like easy egg fried rice, this dish accommodates an collection of proteins like red meat, shrimp and hen. Some other people describe Yangzhou Fried Rice as shrimp fried rice however that might be a misnomer since shrimp is only a supporting participant within the rice melange.
The principles are so inflexible in China that the stern model has quite a few balanced components and contains Jinhua ham (Chinese language: 金華火腿), a unique dried ham produced within the neighboring Zhejiang province. China’s ‘by way of the e book’ Chao Fan recipe additionally requires sea cucumber and crab meat. Since some argue that the dish is incomplete with out those two components, we’ll incorporate the ones substances into an ultra-fancy model in the future after we’re feeling in particular adventurous.
When you’re intrigued, take a look at this video by way of Chinese language famous person Wang Gang for the ultra-complicated eating place model of Yangzhou Fried Rice. Wang’s model is sort of unimaginable to breed at house and is on Daryl’s bucket record for his subsequent commute to China – it’s a real understatement to name him obsessive about Chinese language fried rice.


The preferred YouTube channel, Chinese language Cooking Demystified, makes a moderately easy house model that requires pricey dried scallops as proven on this Chinese language Cooking Demystified video. We adore the dish even with out this luxurious factor.
Some chefs ramp up the umami by way of including soaked, dried shiitake mushrooms; then again, we discover the variation too negligible to justify the expense. We desire making and consuming this excellent dish with a easy mixture of in the community sourced substances and easy Chinese language condiments.
We at all times say “Your kitchen, your regulations.” Not anything epitomizes this axiom greater than a heaping bowl of Yangzhou Fried Rice made with substances that you have already got and love.
The place Did Yangzhou Fried Rice Originate?


Yangzhou Fried Rice originated in Japanese China’s wealthy Yangtze river delta. The dish’s namesake town of Yangzhou (to not be perplexed with the picturesque Southern Chinese language backpacker the city of Yangshuo) is positioned a pair hours outdoor of Shanghai by way of educate. When you’re like us, then you definitely’re curious concerning the foundation of fried rice in China.
The dish’s roots aren’t transparent however it seems that contain a neighborhood Justice of the Peace, boatmen and mythical cooks. Extra lately, vacationers have issued doubtful studies concerning the high quality of fried rice in Yangzhou however that’s k. Its library of substances has created an entire life of Asian culinary pride for lots of together with us.
Amusing Truth
The city of Yangzhou tried to damage the rice document by way of cooking and serving 4 lots of the stuff. Sadly, because of the lengthy cooking time, the rice, which were sitting for 4 hours, was once declared unsafe for intake. After the rice was once deemed inedible and was once as a substitute fed to cattle, the document was once by no means formally declared.
Substances


Regardless of its nickname of ’10 Aspect Rice’, Yangzhou Fried Rice calls for greater than 10 substances. The next record contains EVERYTHING you’ll want to prepare dinner our Yangzhou Fried Rice recipe at house:
Aspect amounts are detailed within the printable recipe card underneath.
Whilst that is our most well-liked record of substances for a easy house model of Yangzhou Fried Rice, it’s totally conceivable to replace any of those substances in keeping with your choice and what’s to your pantry. That you must even create a luxurious model of the dish with lobster, duck and pata negra ham.
Lots of the substances are self explanatory. Learn on for an in depth rationalization of a number of the key substances.
Rice


Now not all rice is identical. We advise same old lengthy grain rice for this dish.
Even supposing maximum fried rice recipes suggest the usage of day-old cooked rice from the fridge, don’t concern if you happen to don’t have any to your refrigerator. We cooked our rice over the range however suggest the usage of a rice cooker in case you have one. You’ll be able to prepare dinner your rice 1 to two hours forward and funky it by way of spreading it on parchment paper over a sheet pan.
Professional Tip
The rice should be cool whilst you toss it into the wok.
Eggs


Our Yangzhou Fried Rice recipe calls for 2 entire eggs. On the other hand, you’ll use 3 and even 4 eggs relying on how a lot egg you prefer to your fried rice.
We most often smash the eggs in a blending bowl earlier than pouring them into the wok. Occasionally, even though, we crack them at the wok. Both approach, we desire to overcome and scramble our eggs within the wok after letting them fry for roughly 20 seconds.
Rooster


Some other people suggest the usage of hen thigh to reach a deeper taste. In our recipe, we use hen breast since that’s what we repeatedly have in our fridge or freezer. We use one hen breast for the dish.
Earlier than cooking the hen, we adore to marinate the breast for a couple of mins in a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 / 4 teaspoon of salt and 1 / 4 teaspoon of white pepper. Occasionally, we additionally upload a pinch of MSG for additonal taste.
Cured Ham


What it involves meat, we suggest the usage of what you’ll supply in the community. However what meat is best possible?
Many Chinese language chefs use Jinhua ham, a neighborhood sun-cured red meat product very similar to prosciutto that’s now not simple to seek out outdoor of China. Prosciutto, smoked ham and boiled ham are all excellent choices; then again, lap cheong sausage or char sui barbecued red meat are amusing choices. A few of our favourite eating places in Philadelphia (our house the city) use each boiled ham AND char sui red meat.
Our ham of selection is Portuguese presunto since we these days reside in Lisbon the place native markets promote massive presunto in massive 500 gram blocks. You could possibly ask a counter particular person to promote you a thick slice of prosciutto in case you have an Italian strong point retailer or perhaps a Complete Meals to your the city. Smoked nation ham would paintings nice too. You’ll be able to even use thick sliced bacon.
As you’ll see, practically the rest is going on this dish.
Shrimp


Since we adore large bites of shrimp, we suggest purchasing frozen 16-20 shrimp for this recipe. You’ll be able to both stay your shrimp entire or reduce it in items. We love to brine our shrimp with a tablespoon of salt in about 2 cups of water for roughly 20 mins earlier than cooking.
Get directions on the best way to blank and prep the shrimp previous to cooking.
Shallots


You’ll be able to use both onions or shallots in our Yangzhou Fried Rice recipe. However which is best? Given the selection, we desire the flavour of shallots however it doesn’t subject an excessive amount of both approach.
Cornstarch


We use cornstarch to regard the shrimp and hen. The corn starch turns out to tighten the feel of the shrimp, making it extra plump and no more stringy. As an advantage, including corn starch is helping to brown the hen
Peas


If in case you have get right of entry to to contemporary peas, by way of all way use them. On the other hand, we in most cases use frozen peas in our recipe.
Frozen peas are such a lot more uncomplicated. All it’s a must to do is take away a bowlful from a bag within the freezer and also you’re in a position to move.
Oyster Sauce, Mild Soy Sauce and Shaoxing Wine


It could be a disgrace to not make Yangzhou Fried Rice in case you have Shaoxing Wine, Oyster Sauce and Chinese language Mild Soy Sauce to your pantry. Those are the 3 ‘seasoning’ substances that make this recipe pop with taste. Observe the next:
- It’s a commonplace mistake so as to add an excessive amount of soy sauce to the rice. You’ll simplest want a tablespoon of soy sauce on this recipe.
- Oyster sauce is a potent seasoning factor and provides an important taste ‘spine’ of savoriness to the rice. Our recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of Oyster sauce which is sufficient to considerably have an effect on the flavour of the rice.
- Shaoxing wine is repeatedly present in Chinese language delicacies. Cooks like J. Kenji Lopez-Alt consider that this wine deglazes the brown, almost-burned bits of the wok to create that coveted wok-hei taste. You’ll be able to additionally use dry sherry as an alternative, even the inexpensive grocery retailer stuff.
Sriracha Sauce


Mindi prefers a little bit warmth in her fried rice – and by way of a little bit, we imply so much. Daryl may pass both approach.
If you select so as to add scorching sauce in your Yangzhou Fried Rice, Daryl encourages that you just DON’T drown your rice. On the other hand, Mindi recommends including a squirt or two of Huy Fong Sriracha sauce for somewhat of zip to the dish.
We each inspire you to experiment along with your completing condiments. After you check out Sriracha, we suggest making an attempt Lao Gan Ma Chili Crisp subsequent. In fact, including any scorching sauce is totally non-compulsory.
Vital Apparatus
Having the suitable apparatus makes all of the distinction on this recipe. Earlier than continuing, remember to have the next gear to your arsenal:
Wok or Saute Pan


We love to make use of a carbon metal wok after we make fried rice. Chinese language cooking is all about prime hearth and intense warmth and, in our opinion, not anything works as successfully as a carbon metal wok. After you correctly deal with your wok, it is going to supply a very good nonstick end.
Within the absence of a wok (or for comfort), we suggest the usage of a nonstick pan. Whilst you received’t get the similar warmth and ‘wok-hei’ energy, you’ll nonetheless produce tasty rice.
Find out how to Make Yangzhou Fried Rice


Our Yangzhou Fried Rice recipe calls for about an hour of prep time. However, after you are making the recipe a couple of occasions, you’ll be making fried rice like a professional.
Prepping the Substances
Aside from the shrimp, we suggest following the ‘form rule’ to make the dish. When the entirety is identical form and dimension, there will probably be a harmonious wonder in each mouthful.
You’ll be able to mince the garlic and damage and mince the ginger. We advise brunoising the carrot by way of cutting it into lengthy oblong cubes. You’ll need to proceed cutting the carrot till the form and dimension mimics the rice.


To make the ham more uncomplicated to care for, you’ll freeze it for roughly 20 mins earlier than cutting. You’ll then need to slice the ham into small cubes.


Protecting to theme, you’ll need to chop the hen into small rice-sized cubes.


With the shrimp, you’ve two possible choices – you’ll both chop each and every shrimp in about 3 to 4 items OR you’ll stay them entire. Protecting the shrimp entire violates the form rule however, being American citizens, we adore an occasional chunk of huge shrimp. We’ll simply name it our “i earlier than e except for after c” exception.


When you’ve prepped your substances, it’s best possible to set them up in an orderly row subsequent in your range – in a different way you might put out of your mind one or two substances as soon as the wok motion begins. Because it’s simple to slide up right here, we usually position our substances subsequent to the wok within the order that we plan so as to add them.
Since we don’t need to overcook the hen and red meat, we take away them from the wok when we prepare dinner them and upload them again within the ultimate steps. Accordingly, we position a pair blending bowls to the facet of the wok to carry those cooked substances for later. We advise that you just do the similar.


Carbon Metal Wok Handiest: Get started by way of hanging your carbon metal wok over prime warmth and warmth the pan till it’s ripping scorching. Then, take away the wok from the warmth and observe a fair layer of vegetable oil over the skin. (We desire a impartial oil with a prime smoke level.) Position the wok again at the range at prime warmth and upload sufficient oil so that you’ve got a few part inch layer at the backside of the wok.
Teflon or Nonstick Wok Choice: Overheating the pan’s floor may motive the cooking layer to chip, peel or leech into your meals. We advise heating any nonstick floor over medium warmth as a substitute.
Upload the ham cubes when the vegetable oil begins smoking. As soon as the cubes are browning at the edges, take away them from the wok by way of the usage of a perforated spoon to pressure the oil. You’ll be able to on the other hand pressure the oil by way of tilting the ham on the fringe of the pan earlier than eliminating the cubes.


Upload the hen and prepare dinner till evenly browned. Take away them from the wok the usage of the similar way because the ham.
If the pan starts to seem dry, upload extra oil as wanted. Upload the chopped shallots, carrots, ginger and garlic to the wok. That is your mirepoix. Prepare dinner till brown.


Upload the shaoxing wine to deglaze the pan.


Set the mirepoix combination to the facet of the wok and upload a few teaspoon of vegetable oil to the wok. After the wok heats up a little bit, pour to your eggs. You’ll be able to crack them at once into the pan if you happen to desire. Do NOT straight away scramble the eggs. Allow them to prepare dinner a little bit after which combine them. When they’re scrambled in your liking, stir the eggs into your mirepoix.


Upload the cooked rice and smash it up along with your spatula.


Toss your rice within the pan with the spatula, ensuring to press the rice towards the skin of the pan in a slight kneading, scraping movement. This step will fairly caramelize and melt the rice.
Professional Tip
Use a wood spoon as a substitute of a spatula if you happen to’re cooking in a nonstick pan.


Upload each the soy sauce and the oyster sauce.


As soon as you’re feeling that the rice is cooked thru, upload the hen and red meat again into the pan. Stir the red meat and hen a pair occasions to convey the proteins again to temperature.


As soon as the hen and red meat are scorching, upload the raw shrimp. Stir the shrimp in the course of the scorching rice. In two to a few mins, the shrimp must glance opaque and will probably be cooked.
Upload the peas closing. They actually take seconds to prepare dinner.


As soon as the entirety is cooked, spoon the dish into a big serving bowl. Garnish with sliced scallion vegetables and serve. You’ll be able to optionally drizzle the completed rice with a little bit sesame oil and/or scorching sauce.
What to Serve with Yangzhou Fried Rice


The wonderful thing about Yangzhou Fried Rice is that it’s an entire meal in a single bowl. The dish programs protein, greens and rice in combination and the outcome is each flavorful and gratifying.
We advise that you just serve the dish with both beer or white wine. Purchase a couple of bottles of Tsingtao Beer if you happen to’re an overachiever. Differently, no matter beer or wine is to your kitchen or bar will paintings simply superb.
Often Requested Questions
Sure. Yangzhou Fried Rice tastes in reality excellent.
Sure. The Yangzhou Fried Rice recipe contains meat.
Yangzhou Fried Rice was once invented in Yangzhou in China’s Jiangsu province.
Younger Chow Fried Rice, Yang Chow Fried Rice and 10 Aspect Fried Rice
Rice, Eggs, Rooster, Cured Ham, Shrimp, Carrots, Peas, Ginger, Scallions, Shallots, Corn Starch, Mild Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Shaoxing Wine, Vegetable Oil, Salt, White Pepper, MSG (non-compulsory) andSriracha Sauce (non-compulsory)
Did you are making this recipe? If that is so, please charge it underneath.
Yangzhou Fried Rice Recipe
Our Yangzhou Fried Rice recipe makes use of an entire bunch of pantry substances and a wok to create a amusing and whole meal.
Servings: 6 Servings
Energy: 448kcal
- 10 frozen shrimp 16/20 rely (heads on, deveined and peeled, tails off)
- 4 cups cooked lengthy grain white rice (1 1/4 cups raw)
- 2 massive eggs
- 1 boneless skinless hen breast (diced into small items)
- 3 oz cured ham (i.e. prosciutto, reduce into small cubes)
- 1 medium carrot (diced right into a medium brunoise)
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 nub contemporary ginger (about an inch thick, peeled and minced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium shallot (diced)
- 1 scallion (inexperienced section simplest, sliced)
- 2⅓ tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons Chinese language mild soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- ¼ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoons white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon MSG (non-compulsory)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for the wok)
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20 mins earlier than cooking, combine the shrimp with 2 tbsp of cornstarch in a bowl till integrated.
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Wash off the cornstarch and position shrimp in 2 cups of water combined with 1 tbsp of salt. Put aside
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Marinate the diced hen breast in 1 tbsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp. of cornstarch together with the salt and white pepper. Optionally, a pinch of MSG.
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Collect your whole substances in shut proximity in your wok.
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Position the wok on prime warmth till smoking.
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As soon as heated, take away the wok from the burner and pour a small quantity of vegetable oil into the wok. Coat all of the wok lightly.
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Position the wok again at the range. Pour sufficient oil within the wok in order that there’s a 1/2″ layer at the backside.
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As soon as the oil is scorching and smoking, moderately upload the ham. When it starts to brown and crisp, take away the ham with a slotted spoon and put it aside in a bowl.
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Upload the hen to the wok and prepare dinner the similar approach. Take away.
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When you’ve got rid of the hen, upload the carrots, shallots, garlic and ginger. Prepare dinner the mirepoix till brown.
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Upload the Shaoxing wine to the pan.
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Transfer the mirepoix to the facet of the wok. Upload a tablespoon of the oil.
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Wreck the eggs in a small bowl and upload them to the pan. Let the eggs fry for roughly 15 to twenty seconds.
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Scramble the eggs by way of scraping and combining them at the backside of the wok. Combine the eggs with the mirepoix.
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Upload the cooked rice. Get a divorce the massive clumps of rice after which press the rice towards the skin of the wok in a slight kneading, scraping movement.
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Whilst stirring the rice, upload the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
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As soon as the rice is blended with the eggs and greens, upload the ham and hen again to the wok.
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Upload the uncooked shrimp and blend totally for 2 mins. The warmth from the rice will prepare dinner the shrimp. Upload the peas – they are going to prepare dinner temporarily.
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Serve in medium sized rice bowls with chopsticks and revel in.
- You’ll be able to reheat the leftovers in a nonstick pan with a little bit water.
- Ingenious substitutions are inspired.
Energy: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 14g | Fats: 26g | Saturated Fats: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 12g | Monounsaturated Fats: 7g | Trans Fats: 0.1g | Ldl cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 933mg | Potassium: 264mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Diet A: 1885IU | Diet C: 4mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
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