fried rice
Skip the take out and try this flavor packed fried rice recipe at home! This fried rice recipe uses both egg and spam making this more of a main dish than a simple side. Chinese five spice is one of my personal favorites and this recipe highlights the spice along with fragrant freshly minced ginger and garlic.
What is the history of fried rice?
The origins of fried rice can be traced back to Sui Dynasty in China where it was created to prevent wasting food. Originally leftover rice would be fried with whatever vegetable and meat scraps were on hand, often seasoned with a dash of soy sauce. Now fried rice is a huge part of Chinese culture and a staple in Chinese restaurants around the world. While fried rice is considered a Chinese dish it is deeply rooted in other cultures as well, like Japan. The main difference is usually the grain of rice. For example, Chinese fried rice uses a longer grain Jasmine rice giving it more texture, while Japanese fried rice is made with short grain sushi rice which gives a more chewy texture.
How to make fried rice?
Rinse rice in a fine sieve until the water runs clear. Then stir the rice in a medium pot with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Cover and bring to boil. Stir and lower the heat to low, cook for 18 minutes. Once done fluff the rice, then let it cool completely. In a large wok or kazan over medium high heat, mix in 1/3 cup sesame oil, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp fried chili crisp, and 1/4 tsp fish sauce. Then stir in minced garlic cloves, ginger, and 1/2-1 tsp Chinese five spice. Once fragrant, add chopped jalapenos, carrots, celery, and onion. Saute until softened. Stir in the cubed spam. Cook until the outside is caramelized, about 8-14 minutes. Then stir in the eggs and cook until done, occasionally scraping the edges to keep the eggs from sticking. Once the eggs are cooked stir in the cool rice. Continue to cook over medium high heat and mixing the rice in until the color and texture is uniform. Serve immediately with chopped green onions!
Tips
Fried rice is always best with left over rice! If you have some in your fridge skip the first step and use 3-4 cups of cooked Jasmine rice.
Add the Chinese five spice to taste. It’s one of my personal favorites so I use a whole teaspoon!
Recommended products to make this recipe
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