Star of all Chinese restaurants, the secrets of Cantonese fried rice are finally revealed! Although modified to please Western palates, the recipe is traditionally extremely simple.
This is one of the characteristics of Cantonese cuisine: complexity in simplicity; we achieve an apparently complex taste with basic ingredients and a very simple procedure.
Cantonese fried rice perfectly illustrates this concept. Just like this other Cantonese-style rice: the bou zai faan
Tips for Cantonese fried rice
Cook the rice the day before and store it in the fridge. This helps firm up the rice grains and gives them a delicious and unique texture after cooking.
WASH the rice well, about 6-7 times until the water is almost clear. This removes residual starch and prevents your rice from becoming mushy, which greatly affects the final taste.
What to serve with Cantonese fried rice?
For a NEXT level rice recipe, I recommend my fried rice and if you want to accompany it with beef, I suggest my recipe for beef with spring onions
FAQ on Cantonese fried rice
Can you reheat it?
The best way to reheat the dish is either in a pan or in the microwave. Don’t reheat Cantonese fried rice more than once if you want to maintain a good taste
How long can Cantonese fried rice be stored?
After cooking, it’s best to refrigerate it in airtight containers. If properly stored, the rice generally keeps for 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
What rice to use for Cantonese fried rice?
Any rice works! As long as it has been cooled beforehand. Personally, I like to use sushi rice (sticky rice) very well washed before cooking so it doesn’t stick too much, the texture is extraordinary
What oil to use for Cantonese fried rice?
Contrary to popular belief, most oils are compatible with high temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean you should use all of them! Preferably, use a neutral oil (sunflower oil, peanut oil, etc)
What sauce to use for Cantonese fried rice?
No need for very exotic ingredients, simple light soy sauce will suffice
Frozen or fresh peas?
Well, here it’s up to you. But if you really want to get a “vibrant” look on the peas, it’s better to use frozen ones
How to cook Cantonese fried rice?
All you need is a wok (discover how to choose a wok here), a saucepan or a frying pan, it’s a very simple basic recipe that doesn’t require anything fancy.
What meat to use for Cantonese fried rice?
As explained earlier, any smoked meat will do if you want to get a taste close to that of restaurants. For pure authenticity, use Chinese sausage
Authentic Cantonese Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 200 g of ham diced (or other smoked meat)
- 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 2 shallots diced
- 3 carrots diced
- 1 tablespoon of ginger sliced
- 6 pods of garlic thinly sliced
- 100 g of frozen peas
- 4 eggs beaten
- dry onions
- 400 g of rice cooked the day before
- 100 g of sweet corn
- 2 young onions sliced
Procédé
- Stir-fry the meat over high heat for a few minutes in a little oil and set aside200 g of ham
- Cook the eggs, remove, cut into pieces and set aside4 eggs
- Add a little oil and stir-fry the carrots over high heat for 2-3 minutes3 carrots
- Over medium heat, stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 4 minutes, stirring6 pods of garlic, 1 tablespoon of ginger
- Add the shallots, cook for 3-4 minutes over medium heat2 shallots
- Add the rice and stir for 3-4 minutes400 g of rice
- Add the meat and eggs and mix for 2 minutes
- Add the peas, green onions and corn and stir for 2-3 minutes100 g of frozen peas, 100 g of sweet corn, 2 young onions
- Add soy sauce, salt and pepper and stir for 2 minutes3 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch pepper
- Serve and sprinkle with dried onionsdry onions
