Yangzhou Fried Rice Extravaganza

A Culinary Journey into Yangzhou Fried Rice

The origins of Yangzhou Fried Rice, also known as 'Yeung Chow Fried Rice', can be traced back to the city of Yangzhou in the Jiangsu province of China. It is a classic dish that showcases the simplicity and beauty of Chinese cuisine. Over time, this dish has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its flavorful taste and ease of preparation. The hallmark of Yangzhou Fried Rice is its perfect combination of fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, succulent meats, and the delicate art of stir-frying that brings the dish together.

Ingredients

• White Rice - 2 cups (preferably day-old)
• Shrimp - 200g, peeled and deveined
• Chicken Breast - 100g, diced
• Eggs - 2, lightly beaten
• Green Peas - 1/2 cup
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Scallions - 2, chopped
• Soy Sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame Oil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• White Pepper - to taste
• Vegetable Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ham - 50g, diced

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Begin by prepping all your ingredients. Cook the white rice a day in advance and refrigerate it. This will give the white rice a firmer texture that is ideal for stir-frying. Peel and devein the shrimp. Dice the chicken breast, carrot, and ham. Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl, and chop the scallions to add a touch of freshness to the dish.

Step 2: Cooking the Egg

Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they are just cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Frying the Meat and Vegetables

Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Increase the heat to high and add the shrimp and chicken breast. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and the chicken is cooked through. Add the carrot, green peas, and ham, and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Lower the heat to medium and add the cold white rice to the wok. Use the back of your spatula to break up the white rice clumps. Add the cooked eggs, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Lastly, toss in the chopped scallions and give it one final stir.

Cooking and Timing

To achieve the perfect Yangzhou Fried Rice, your stir-frying technique is crucial. Ensure your wok is hot enough to instantly sizzle when you add ingredients, cooking each component in quick succession without overcooking. For timing, consider using a cooking timer to ensure precision in each step, maintaining the balance between softness and crunch in your ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Yangzhou Fried Rice hot, with optional sides like a bowl of hot soup or a fresh salad. Pairing it with Jasmine tea can enhance the flavors and provide a calming accompaniment. You can also garnish the dish with extra scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.

Experience the Dish

Enjoying Yangzhou Fried Rice is about immersing yourself in its rich history and cultural significance. As you take each bite, appreciate the complex flavors coming from the simplicity of fresh ingredients. It's a dish best shared with family and friends, embodying the communal nature of Chinese dining traditions.

Cooking Tips

• For added flavor, marinate the shrimp and chicken breast in a little soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before cooking.
• Use a wooden spatula when stir-frying to avoid sticking.
• If you like a spicy kick, add some chopped chili or hot sauce during the final stir.
• Make sure to keep the wok consistently hot, allowing each ingredient to cook quickly and lock in its flavor.