Chinese Rice Dishes

Chinese Rice Dishes Recipe - Delicious and Authentic

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chinese rice dishes are a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for their delicious flavors and variety of ingredients. One popular Chinese rice dish is a flavorful combination of cooked rice, green peas, roasted meat, bamboo shoots, and more. This dish is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Chinese rice dishes have a long history in Chinese culture, dating back centuries. Rice has been a staple food in China for thousands of years, and over time, various ingredients and flavors have been added to create unique and delicious rice dishes. This particular recipe combines traditional Chinese ingredients with modern cooking techniques to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

5 oz (142 g) of cooked, cooled rice
0.25 lb (113 g) of cooked green peas
0.25 lb (113 g) of roasted and diced chicken meat
0.25 lb (113 g) of cooked and diced bamboo shoots
0.25 lb (113 g) of shrimps, shelled and cleaned (seasoned with salt, black or white pepper, Chinese wine)
0.25 lb (113 g) of diced ham or roasted pork
6 dried mushrooms, soaked, diced, and cooked
2-3 crushed stock cubes
a dash of black or white pepper
3 beaten eggs with a dash of salt
2-3 tbsp of light soy sauce
2 tbsp of Chinese wine
9 tbsp of vegetable oil

How to prepare

Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the beaten eggs and cut them into small pieces.
Set it aside.
Heat another 2 tbsp of oil in the pan. Fry the shrimps on high heat, then add the chicken, ham or roasted pork, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and green peas.
Set it aside as well.
Heat the remaining vegetable oil in the pan. Add the rice, crushed stock cubes, Chinese wine, and light soy sauce. Then, add all the other ingredients.
Mix everything thoroughly.

Variations

Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or water chestnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Use different types of meat or protein sources, such as chicken, beef, or tofu, to change up the flavors of the dish.
Experiment with different seasonings and sauces, such as oyster sauce or hoisin sauce, to create a unique and delicious dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice ahead of time and allow it to cool before using it in the recipe. This will help prevent the rice from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.

- Use a wok or large pan to stir-fry the ingredients, as this will help evenly distribute the flavors and ensure that everything is cooked properly.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more soy sauce or pepper as needed to suit your preferences.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chinese rice dish hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. You can also pair it with a side of stir-fried tofu or shrimp for added protein.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which helps to evenly cook the ingredients and infuse them with flavor. Be sure to cook each ingredient separately before combining them all together for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any of the ingredients in this recipe with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings. You can also use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier twist on this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients for this Chinese rice dish ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This will help save time and make meal prep easier.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Chinese rice dish in a large serving bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Chinese rice dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as egg rolls, spring rolls, or dumplings. You can also serve it with a side of hot and sour soup or wonton soup for a complete Chinese meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Chinese rice dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through, or stir-fry it in a pan with a little oil until hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chinese rice dish contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option. Be mindful of portion sizes to ensure you are getting the right amount of calories for your individual needs.

Carbohydrates

This Chinese rice dish is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. The cooked rice, green peas, and bamboo shoots all contribute to the carbohydrate content of the dish.

Fats

The roasted meat, diced pork, and vegetable oil used in this recipe provide healthy fats that are essential for overall health. Be sure to use a good quality oil for cooking to ensure you are getting the best fats for your body.

Proteins

The diced meat, pork, and eggs in this Chinese rice dish are excellent sources of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of ingredients used. The green peas provide vitamin C and vitamin K, while the mushrooms offer a good source of B vitamins and minerals like potassium and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, soy sauce, and meat, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Chinese rice dish is a well-rounded meal option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

This Chinese rice dish is a delicious and satisfying meal option that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered the recipe for Chinese Rice Dishes. It was during my first trip to China, many years ago. I had always been fascinated by the culture and cuisine of the country, and I was eager to learn as much as I could about it.

I found myself in a small village in the countryside, where I was welcomed into the home of a local family. The matriarch of the family, an elderly woman named Mrs. Li, took me under her wing and began to teach me the art of Chinese cooking.

Mrs. Li was a master in the kitchen, and I spent hours watching her as she prepared delicious meals for her family. One day, she invited me to help her make one of her signature dishes - Chinese Rice Dishes. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn from her, and eagerly agreed to help.

The first step in making Chinese Rice Dishes, Mrs. Li explained, was to wash and cook the rice. She showed me how to rinse the grains thoroughly until the water ran clear, and then instructed me on the proper ratio of water to rice for perfect cooking. As the rice simmered on the stove, she moved on to the next step.

Next, Mrs. Li taught me how to prepare the vegetables and proteins that would go into the dish. We chopped fresh carrots, bell peppers, and scallions, and thinly sliced chicken breast and pork. Mrs. Li explained that the key to a good Chinese Rice Dish was to have a balance of flavors and textures, so we carefully seasoned each ingredient before stir-frying them in a hot wok.

As the aroma of garlic and ginger filled the kitchen, Mrs. Li showed me how to create a flavorful sauce to tie everything together. She combined soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar in a small bowl, and then added it to the wok, tossing everything together until the sauce coated each ingredient evenly.

Finally, Mrs. Li plated the Chinese Rice Dishes, topping them with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro. As we sat down to eat, I marveled at how the dish was both simple and complex, with layers of flavors and textures that danced on my palate.

After that day, I made Chinese Rice Dishes countless times, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to make the dish my own. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. But no matter how many times I made it, I always remembered that first lesson from Mrs. Li, and the joy of learning from a master in her own kitchen.

To this day, whenever I make Chinese Rice Dishes, I think back to that moment in Mrs. Li's kitchen, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such a talented cook. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, and one that I will continue to cherish and pass down to future generations.