Taiwanese Fried Rice

Taiwanese Fried Rice Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Taiwanese Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines a variety of ingredients to create a delicious meal. This recipe is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy meal that is full of flavor.

History

Taiwanese Fried Rice has its roots in traditional Taiwanese cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. This dish has been a staple in Taiwanese households for generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

10 medium-sized mushrooms, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 eggs, or as needed
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1.5 thumb-sized pieces of ginger, finely chopped
3 spicy red chili peppers, cut into thin strips
4 servings of rice (breakfast bowl size)
1 tin of drained tuna
4 tbsp soy sauce
1 handful of coriander, or as needed
oil for stir-frying, as needed

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a wok until it is hot, then add the mushrooms and bell pepper slices.
Cook until they are just done. Next, add the eggs, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, and reduce the heat to medium.
Stir the eggs until they are just scrambled, then add the rice and tuna. Mix the rice and other ingredients well in the wok.
Stir in the soy sauce. When well mixed, garnish with the coriander and serve. This recipe serves 4.
Cook's Notes: A good idea is to mix together extra soy sauce, garlic, chili pepper, and ginger. Serve this mixture in a small bowl at the table.
Then place it into a small bowl on the table, so that people can spoon it onto the fried rice if they want more flavor.

Variations

Add diced chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost.
Use different vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas for added flavor and texture.
Substitute the tuna with tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the mushrooms and bell peppers until they are just done to retain their crunchiness.

- Be sure to scramble the eggs just until they are cooked through to avoid overcooking.

- Mixing the soy sauce in at the end ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Taiwanese Fried Rice can be served on its own as a main dish or paired with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It is also delicious when served with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok. This technique helps to retain the crunchiness of the vegetables and ensures that the flavors are well mixed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mushrooms, you can substitute with any other vegetable of your choice. You can also use leftover cooked rice instead of freshly cooked rice for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Taiwanese Fried Rice in a large bowl and garnish with fresh coriander for a pop of color. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Taiwanese Fried Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including stir-fried vegetables, grilled meats, or a side of soup. It is also delicious when served with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Taiwanese Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice until heated through or stir-fry in a pan until hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Taiwanese Fried Rice contains approximately 350 calories. Calories are a measure of the energy content in food and are important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the rice, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the oil used for stir-frying and the eggs. Fats are important for overall health and provide essential nutrients for the body.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the eggs and tuna. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the bell peppers and ginger. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This dish contains eggs and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to be mindful of any food allergies when preparing this dish.

Summary

Taiwanese Fried Rice is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Taiwanese Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and mix of ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during one of my travels to Taiwan, that I stumbled upon a small street food stall in Taipei. The tantalizing aroma of sizzling rice and fragrant spices wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I approached the stall, I saw a middle-aged woman deftly tossing rice, vegetables, and bits of meat in a large wok. Her hands moved with such precision and speed that I was mesmerized by the dance of ingredients in the sizzling pan. I knew then and there that I had to learn the secret behind this delectable dish.

I mustered up the courage to approach the woman and strike up a conversation. Through broken Mandarin and hand gestures, I managed to convey my eagerness to learn her recipe. To my surprise and delight, she welcomed me with a warm smile and invited me to watch her cook.

For hours, I stood by her side, observing every step of the process, from the selection of ingredients to the meticulous technique of frying the rice to perfection. She explained to me the importance of using day-old rice for the dish, as it would absorb the flavors better and not turn mushy in the wok.

As the sun began to set, the woman handed me a handwritten recipe on a crumpled piece of paper. She told me that the key to mastering Taiwanese fried rice was practice and patience. With a grateful heart, I bid her farewell and promised to carry on her culinary legacy.

Back home, I wasted no time in recreating the dish in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - jasmine rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, eggs, and a medley of vegetables. I followed the recipe to a tee, remembering the woman's words of wisdom about the importance of balance and harmony in flavors.

As the rice sizzled in the wok, I closed my eyes and let my senses guide me. The aroma that filled my kitchen transported me back to that bustling street in Taipei, where the sounds of laughter and chatter mingled with the tantalizing smells of street food.

When the dish was finally ready, I took a bite and closed my eyes in bliss. The flavors burst in my mouth like a symphony, each ingredient harmonizing with the next in perfect unity. It was as if I had unlocked a treasure trove of culinary secrets that had been waiting for me to discover.

Over the years, I have perfected the recipe for Taiwanese fried rice, adding my own twist with a dash of chili paste for a spicy kick. Every time I cook this dish, I am reminded of that fateful day in Taipei when I stumbled upon a hidden gem that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of sizzling rice and fragrant spices, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this recipe. It is a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come when we least expect them, waiting to be discovered and savored with every bite. And for that, I will always be grateful to that kind woman in Taipei who shared her culinary wisdom with me.