Young Chow Fried Rice Recipe – Simple Food Dishes

As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, my quest for delicious recipes often leads me to traditional favorites. 

Young Chow Fried Rice stands out in the vast offerings of Chinese cuisine. This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and textures—one bite, and I'm transported to bustling streets filled with the aroma of stir-fried delights.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a social gathering, Young Chow Fried Rice is always a hit. It’s versatile, satisfying, and just plain fun.

What is Young Chow Fried Rice?

Young Chow Fried Rice, or Yangzhou Fried Rice, hails from Yangzhou in China. It’s a classic fried rice dish known for its colorful blend of ingredients and flavors. This recipe goes beyond the typical fried rice experience.

It includes fresh shrimp, savory ham, and succulent BBQ pork, all mingled with the aromatic notes of fried rice. Each ingredient has its story, contributing to a harmonious culinary experience that feels both comforting and indulgent.

What is the Flavor Profile of this Dish?

The flavor of Young Chow Fried Rice is a delightful dance on the palate. You get the sweetness from the shrimp and the savory depth from the bacon and BBQ pork. The onions add a mild pungency, while the peas contribute a pop of freshness.

With a touch of sesame oil and oyster sauce, there's an umami goodness that elevates the entire dish. The fluffy rice acts as a canvas, capturing all these wonderful flavors and allowing each element to shine brightly.

Why You'll Love This?

You'll love Young Chow Fried Rice because it's a fantastic way to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. It's easily customizable, too! Since you can adjust the vegetables and proteins based on what’s in season, it never gets boring.

Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s quick to make, making it perfect for hectic weeknights. And let's not forget how it tackles that fridge-cleaning task splendidly. With leftovers, you get a delightful dish that'll taste just as good the next day.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 ounces fresh shrimp (110g, medium-sized, peeled and deveined)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup diced Virginia ham (about 4 ounces/110g)
• 1/2 cup Chinese BBQ pork (about 4 ounces/110g; try making your own with our recipe)
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine
• 3/4 cup thawed frozen peas
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce, finely shredded
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. It makes the cooking process smoother. Chop the onion, ham, scallions, and lettuce. You can also peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Cold, day-old jasmine rice works best since it’s less sticky.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Swirl it around to cover the surface. Once hot, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. It’s as if you’re giving them a sunbath! Remove them from the pan and set them aside for later.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

In the same pan, pour in the beaten eggs. Stir them gently, allowing them to cook through. Break them into small pieces as they set. This only takes a minute or two, so keep an eye on them!

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Add the diced Virginia ham and Chinese BBQ pork to the pan. Stir everything well, allowing the flavors to meld together. This step sets off a delicious aroma, I promise!

Step 6: Add the Rice

Now comes the star of the show—add the cold jasmine rice. Break up any clumps as you mix it into the meat and eggs. Allow it to fry beautifully for about 5 minutes. You want the rice to get a little crisp and golden.

Step 7: Flavor it Up

Pour in the Shaoxing rice wine, oyster sauce, and sprinkle on the salt, sugar, white pepper, and peas. Give it a thorough stir to evenly distribute these great flavors. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Freshness

Finally, add the cooked shrimp back to the pan along with the chopped scallions and shredded lettuce. Toss everything to combine and heat through for just a minute. The fresh greens will wilt slightly, adding to that comforting texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Use Cold Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice. If you’re in a hurry, spread freshly cooked rice on a large tray to cool it quickly.
• Prep Ahead: Chop all ingredients beforehand. This will save time during cooking.
• High Heat is Key: Keep the heat high to achieve that coveted fried texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the rice will steam instead of fry.
• Customize: Feel free to swap veggies or proteins based on preference or availability. You can use chicken, vegetables, or even tofu!
• Season in Layers: As you cook, taste and adjust seasoning gradually. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

How Can You Store This Young Chow Fried Rice?

Young Chow Fried Rice stores well in an airtight container. Let it cool completely before transferring. 

In the fridge, it keeps fresh for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid refreezing once it’s been thawed and reheated.

Alternatives for Unavailable Ingredients

• Shrimp: Cooked chicken or tofu can easily replace shrimp. Both have great textures and will absorb flavors well.
• Chinese BBQ Pork: If you don’t have BBQ pork, teriyaki chicken or smoked sausage can add a delightful taste.
• Shaoxing Rice Wine: If this is hard to come by, dry sherry or even broth can serve as a suitable substitute.

Conclusion

In summary, Young Chow Fried Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful adventure that brings various flavors together into a comforting dish. 

I hope this guide has inspired you to embrace this classic recipe. As you take that first bite, relish each flavor and enjoy the simple yet profound joy it brings. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it solo, Young Chow Fried Rice promises a beautiful culinary experience. 

Dig in, enjoy, and don’t hesitate to make it your own! Happy cooking!

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