Why I Love Chinese language Rice Recipes

As you may guess, rice has been a part of my life since I used to be little, and once I cook dinner these dishes I at all times take into consideration my mother stirring a heat pot of congee on winter mornings. I additionally keep in mind the fast fried rice meals I made throughout my grad college years once I wanted one thing easy and grounding. I really like how a single pot of rice connects my recollections throughout totally different locations and helps me share Chinese language residence cooking in a means that’s acquainted and welcoming for everybody.

A lot of the rice dishes I embody in my assortment use substances which have influenced Chinese language cooking for generations. There are a number of sorts of rice I steadily use in my cooking – jasmine rice for fried rice, quick grain rice for congee, and sticky rice for dessert. I included recipes under to function all of them.

In the event you search on my weblog one can find a lot of rice recipes that mirror each my childhood and my years of studying in several kitchens. Nevertheless, I put collectively 19 of my favorites that I hope you’ll make at residence so you possibly can skip takeout and avoid wasting cash with scrumptious do-it-yourself meals. You will see that fast fashionable meals like my egg fried rice and pageant recipes reminiscent of my Alkaline Dumpling, which is fantastic to serve throughout Dragon Boat Pageant. I actually hope you give any of those recipes a strive.

19 Greatest Chinese language Rice Recipes

Every certainly one of these 19 rice recipes has been examined in my very own kitchen, they usually have grow to be very talked-about on my weblog with many constructive opinions. I couldn’t miss the chance to deliver them collectively in a single roundup to make it straightforward so that you can really feel impressed and cook dinner a dish for your loved ones.

Egg Fried Rice

Rising up I at all times had leftover rice, and this Egg Fried Rice jogs my memory of once I warmed up a bowl late at evening. Ha! Yup, that’s me! I picked this recipe as a result of it takes me again to the straightforward kitchen routines from my childhood and supported me by busy nights throughout grad college once I wanted one thing fast, comforting, and acquainted.

My recipe is constructed on key substances that I at all times preserve readily available. I take advantage of day outdated rice as a result of the grains separate nicely and get a bit crispy when fried quite than clumping collectively. Eggs add smooth and tender texture whereas coating every grain, and scallions add a pleasant scent that elevates the entire dish. 

The method to make it’s easy, and it takes about 10 minutes from begin to end. Sure, you learn it proper!  I scramble the eggs first in sizzling oil, then fold within the chilly rice so it warms and toasts barely, after which stir in scallions and salt in the beginning comes collectively. I wish to serve this rice alongside a light-weight soup or with certainly one of my favourite vegetable stir fry recipes.

Pork Fried Rice

I really like cooking this Pork Fried Rice once I desire a fast meal for my household after a protracted day working errands. I picked this recipe for my assortment as a result of through the early days of parenting I relied on dishes that got here collectively quick. It takes quarter-hour to make, and it’s certainly one of my favourite weeknight choices.

Solely three substances type the guts of the dish. Floor pork is nice as a result of it browns rapidly and provides a wealthy savory base. I take advantage of chilly cooked rice as a result of the grains keep separate within the wok and toast gently as I stir. Then I add frozen greens as a result of they save time and add freshness with out further prep.

I really like serving this Pork Fried Rice with a light-weight vegetable facet or a soup I often have within the freezer so the meal stays full. It’s a simple recipe to arrange, so there aren’t any excuses to not make it, even on the busiest days. I hope you get pleasure from it as a lot as I do and that it turns into a useful addition to your weekly routine.

Hen Fried Rice

Once I desire a basic takeout dish, I at all times make this straightforward Hen Fried Rice. My recipe takes solely 20 minutes from begin to end, and I really like the way it blends tender hen, crisp rice, and a savory sauce in a single pan. I picked this dish as a result of it’s far faster than ordering takeout and provides me a whole dinner with little or no planning.

I take advantage of three substances that set the inspiration for the flavour and texture I need. Chilly day outdated rice is essential. I additionally put together small items of hen with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch to maintain the meat juicy because it cooks. Then, I take advantage of frozen blended greens as a result of they add shade and crunch with out further prep time, which makes the dish excellent for busy evenings.

I get pleasure from serving this Hen Fried Rice by itself or with a easy vegetable facet to maintain the meal contemporary and balanced. The method is easy which makes it a terrific alternative for weeknights. I hope this recipe turns into a useful alternative in your kitchen whenever you need one thing fast and satisfying.

Mushroom Fried Rice

I picked this 20-minute Mushroom Fried Rice recipe as a result of I really like how assorted mushrooms deliver a lot character to rice and remind me of the number of flavors I discovered within the markets in Beijing and Tokyo.

The inspiration of this dish depends on predominant elements that I at all times return to. I take advantage of in a single day jasmine rice, assorted mushrooms reminiscent of maitake, oyster, or king oyster give the dish an earthy savor and smooth texture that pairs nice with rice. Scallions are a should to present it a contemporary distinction in opposition to the wealthy mushrooms and rice.

The opposite evening certainly one of my vegetarian buddies came to visit for dinner, so I made a decision to make this recipe for her. She appreciated it a lot that she requested me for the recipe. I really like pairing it with a easy vegetable facet or a light-weight soup to spherical out the meal. The recipe is straightforward sufficient for a weekday lunch however satisfying sufficient for dinner. I extremely suggest it for vegetarian buddies.

Soy Sauce Fried Rice

I typically put together this Soy Sauce Fried Rice primarily as a result of it comes collectively in about 10 minutes and turns leftover rice right into a dish that’s satisfying sufficient to function a predominant or a late evening snack. It has grow to be my go-to as an alternative of cookies or chips, and sure, that’s me!

My recipe depends on three substances that I at all times preserve prepared in my kitchen. I take advantage of in a single day jasmine rice, then add eggs as a result of they coat the rice with smooth richness and assist every grain maintain taste. I stir in butter together with soy sauce and inexperienced onions. The butter provides depth, the soy sauce offers the savory spine, and I really like the intense taste that inexperienced onions add on the finish.

As I mentioned, I usually eat this as a simple late evening snack so I don’t pair it with the rest. Simply plain. But when I’m cooking lunch for my household, I add a comforting genuine Chinese language soup on the facet. Additionally it is nice to serve when I’ve buddies over since it’s finances pleasant to make for a crowd and really filling. Win win.

Vegetable Fried Rice

In case you are in search of one thing that allows you to use no matter you’ve within the fridge, particularly greens, this Vegetable Fried Rice is ideal. I make it in quarter-hour complete and it turns right into a flavorful dish that works as a light-weight dinner or a satisfying facet. I selected this model as a result of I at all times preserve frozen blended greens in my freezer, they usually save time whereas making this stir fry very handy for busy days.

The recipe facilities on three predominant elements I at all times preserve prepared. Utilizing chilled jasmine rice (or medium grain rice) that has been refrigerated for a few days is essential. I additionally add frozen blended greens for comfort, which deliver a mixture of colours, textures, and a delicate sweetness to distinction the rice. Then, stir in seasonings together with chili oil, black bean sauce, soy sauce and minced garlic with inexperienced onions so every chunk has a savory, barely spicy complexity that tastes superb.

I like serving this Vegetable Fried Rice by itself or alongside a easy stir fry or a light-weight soup to make a full meal for my husband and little one. It is rather straightforward to arrange, which makes it excellent for weeknights when time is brief. I hope you give this straightforward recipe a strive!

Garlic Fried Rice

I flip to this Garlic Fried Rice once I desire a facet or perhaps a easy meal that’s wealthy in taste and simple to make. The recipe takes about 25 minutes complete and it reveals how leftover jasmine rice could be reworked right into a dish with an intense garlicky style.

To make it I take advantage of day-old jasmine rice, my favourite in fact, then stir in eggs for smooth richness that coats the grains and creates a satisfying texture. I add loads of garlic together with a mix of soy sauce and oyster sauce to construct savory depth and create a robust garlic aroma within the pan. So good!

I admit this garlic fried rice could appear too easy to serve when company come over, however you may be as stunned as I used to be. The opposite evening I set out leftovers from lunch when my mother and father got here for dinner, and my mother beloved the robust garlic taste which had deepened because the rice sat. It additionally pairs very nicely with a protein reminiscent of Hong Kong pan fried pork chops. I extremely suggest it.

Greens Egg and Ham Fried Rice

I selected this Vegetable Egg and Ham Fried Rice for my assortment as a result of it’s a meal I make very often since it’s my husband’s favourite. I’ve it prepared in 25 minutes complete, and I really like the way it combines leftover ham, greens, eggs, and rice into a fast dish that’s full and homey.

The three predominant substances that construct this dish are diced ham, chilled rice, and eggs. The ham offers savory richness and a meaty chunk that elevates the rice past a facet dish. The chilly rice permits the grains to separate and fry up calmly quite than clumping collectively. The eggs add tender bits that coat every grain and assist the flavors bind collectively.

For the enjoyable half, I wish to serve this Fried Rice sizzling, typically with a easy vegetable facet or a transparent soup. As a result of the recipe is straightforward, it really works nicely on nights when time is brief and I nonetheless desire a meal that helps my routine. After engaged on many fried rice variations over time, I recognize how this model delivers robust taste with little or no effort.

Claypot Rice

Rising up I beloved how rice cooked over flame absorbed the flavors from meats and sauces and created a easy one pot dinner that also tasted healthful. This recipe takes a bit effort and time, however it delivers such a wealthy aroma, tender substances, and a crispy rice crust on the backside that’s so rewarding.

The core of this dish rests on three key elements I plan for forward of time. I soak jasmine rice for even cooking. Then I take advantage of marinated hen and Chinese language lap cheong sausage as a result of collectively they launch savory fats and seasoning that strikes by the rice because it cooks. Making ready a seasoned candy soy sauce is a should. It’s made with aromatics, mild and darkish soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, and a contact of sugar, and I drizzle it over the completed pot.

I serve this Claypot Rice as a full meal by itself or with a facet of straightforward greens. The attraction of the crispy rice backside and the moist toppings turns every serving right into a small celebration of residence cooking. For me this dish reveals that whenever you care about method and timing, a humble claypot and some substances can create a meal price sharing.

Yang Zhou Fried Rice

It was unattainable to not embody this Yang Zhou Fried Rice recipe in my assortment of favorites because it gives a mixture of textures and colours in a single pan, which is precisely what I get pleasure from in a great fried rice. It captures every thing I really like about Chinese language residence cooking in a single skillet: tender pork, juicy shrimp, smooth eggs, and nicely fried rice. The perfect half is that the dish takes about 20 minutes complete to make.

I start with leftover cooked white rice as a result of the grains keep separate within the pan. Then, I add diced char siu pork for a savory meaty chunk and peeled shrimp for a light-weight, candy distinction to the pork’s richness. I stir in a cup of frozen inexperienced peas for freshness and a pop of shade that balances the proteins and rice. 

I wish to serve this Yang Zhou Fried Rice as a predominant dish with a easy stir fried inexperienced vegetable and a light-weight soup on the facet, particularly when we’ve buddies over because it makes 6 servings. Positively price giving it a strive!

XO Fried Rice

For my part this XO Fried Rice with Char Siu is a delicious and splendid bowl you must strive. This recipe takes about 10 minutes from prep to complete, and I picked it as a result of it turns leftover char siu and day outdated rice right into a satisfying dish with little or no effort. XO sauce melts into the onions, pork, and rice and creates a savory candy umami depth that makes this certainly one of my favourite methods to make use of leftover meat.

This recipe depends upon three important substances. First, leftover rice then I add diced char siu for its savory candy richness and for the way in which it enhances the flavour of the entire bowl. I end with my do-it-yourself XO sauce which offers a concentrated seafood umami that units this fried rice other than basic variations. 

I typically make this XO Fried Rice for double date evening at residence as a result of it serves 4 and units a relaxed temper on the desk. My husband and I wish to share it straight from the wok when our buddies come over, and the combination of char siu and XO sauce at all times begins a dialog about our travels and the meals that impressed us.

Instantaneous Pot Chinese language Sausage Rice

This Instantaneous Pot Chinese language Sausage Rice recipe takes 40 minutes complete with about 20 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking beneath stress. I selected this dish as a result of years in the past I shared a sticky rice stuffing and lots of readers wrote to me asking tips on how to adapt the flavors for the Instantaneous Pot. After testing totally different strategies I used to be blissful to find that the glutinous rice wants no soaking in any respect and nonetheless cooks into smooth grains that take up the savory fats from the sausage with little or no lively work.

I take advantage of short-grain glutinous (sticky) rice as a result of it absorbs the seasonings and cooks into smooth, barely sticky grains which match conventional Chinese language sausage rice texture. Then, I slice candy Chinese language sausage (lap cheong) so its fats and seasoning soften into the rice whereas cooking, giving savory richness all through the dish. I add water chestnuts for a delicate crunch that balances the richness of sausage and the softness of the rice. 

Once I serve this Chinese language Sausage Rice I typically pair it with easy inexperienced greens to maintain the meal straightforward and balanced. The one pot Instantaneous Pot technique reduces cleanup in contrast with stovetop stacking or claypot cooking, which makes an enormous distinction on busy days.

Shrimp Fried Rice

For me this Shrimp Fried Rice is the very first thing that involves thoughts once I get residence from work and wish one thing fast. The recipe takes about 23 minutes complete and I get pleasure from how the shrimp and rice come along with easy seasonings and aromatics. 

I take advantage of day-old jasmine rice as my base, then I put together peeled and deveined shrimp with a quick marinade of Shaoxing wine, salt, and cornstarch which retains the shrimp tender and provides a delicate sweetness. I stir in frozen peas and sliced inexperienced onions as a result of they add shade, freshness, and a little bit of crunch that helps the shrimp and rice. Straightforward peasy.

That is my primary lunch alternative and typically I even pack it in a field to take with me once I know I shall be out all day. It’s a simple dish that holds nicely, so I typically depend on it to keep away from consuming out. I extremely suggest giving this one a strive too.

Black Rice with Coconut Milk and Fruits

I really like making this Black Rice Pudding once I desire a dessert that’s mild and grounded within the traditions I grew up with. The recipe takes about 50 minutes and I picked it as a result of Chinese language desserts deal with entire grains and smooth sweetness, which is precisely what I get pleasure from once I need one thing mild after a meal. It additionally jogs my memory of the dessert retailers I visited in Hong Kong and Taiwan the place black rice was served heat with coconut milk and totally different toppings, every store providing its personal interpretation.

Alkaline Dumplings

I make these Alkaline Dumplings when the Dragon Boat Pageant approaches. In the event you plan to make zongzi this yr and wish one thing totally different, this model is a superb place to begin. In contrast with candy zongzi, alkaline dumplings have a young chewy texture and a heat yellow shade that I’ve at all times beloved. I do know they require actual dedication, with the rice soaking in a single day and the lengthy cooking time, but the second I unwrap a contemporary dumpling I’m reminded why this custom is price conserving.

The recipe depends upon three important substances. I take advantage of glutinous rice soaked in alkaline water which softens the grains and provides them their signature shade and tender chew. Then, I wrap the rice in bamboo leaves which add a delicate leafy aroma because the dumplings simmer. I fill them with pink bean paste for a mellow sweetness that enhances the smooth sticky rice and the sunshine alkali notice that makes this fashion of dumpling distinctive.

I really like serving Alkaline Dumplings heat or at room temperature, typically with a light-weight sprinkle of sugar or a small drizzle of syrup. This recipe asks for endurance, but the consequence carries a way of custom that I worth annually. When you make it you’ll want to return to it each season.

Pork Zongzi

The Dragon Boat Pageant, often known as Duanwu, has been part of Chinese language tradition for over 2000 years, with customs that vary from dragon boat races to hanging aromatic vegetation for good well being. Zongzi are on the coronary heart of the celebration, and whereas I’ve shared a candy Zongzi model earlier than, I needed to arrange a savory recipe that highlights pork stomach, salted egg yolk, mung beans, and shiitake mushrooms wrapped in bamboo leaves.

This recipe depends on key elements that outline the signature character of Cantonese-style Pork Zongzi. I take advantage of quick grain candy rice soaked in a single day, then I add pork stomach marinated till seasoned by so the fats melts into the rice through the lengthy simmering. I embody salted duck egg yolk which supplies a savory middle that balances the richness of the pork and the earthiness of mung beans and mushrooms. Collectively these substances create a dumpling that’s hearty and layered with conventional taste.

I put together these Pork Zongzi a day forward so the soaking, marinating, and wrapping could be completed with out a rush. As soon as wrapped, the dumplings simmer for hours. I serve them sizzling through the Dragon Boat Pageant or share them with buddies who recognize conventional Chinese language cooking. For me this recipe is a quiet tribute to pageant traditions and a method to preserve acquainted flavors alive in my kitchen.

Eight Treasure Rice

I make Eight Treasure Rice once I desire a dessert rooted in custom however with a delicate improve. It’s a candy sticky rice dish served throughout Chinese language New 12 months and different festivals, often topped with dried fruits and seeds. I by no means cared a lot for it till I attempted the model at Birds of a Feather in Brooklyn. Their lighter topping combine and using Osmanthus Syrup added a floral aroma that modified my view of this basic dish and impressed me to create my very own model at residence.

This recipe is constructed on three key elements. I soak glutinous rice so it steams into smooth sticky grains. Then, fill the middle with pink bean paste for easy sweetness. I add a mixture of dried fruits, seeds, and nuts and end with a floral syrup to create good distinction and perfume.

I steam the rice in a bowl, flip it out onto a plate, and serve it as a easy dessert that matches pageant celebrations or any day you need one thing comforting. It shops nicely and reheats simply which makes it sensible for busy vacation cooking.

Eight Treasure Congee

Eight treasure congee, additionally known as Laba congee, is served on the Laba Pageant which falls on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. The pageant honors the enlightenment of the Buddha, and the dish dates again to the Han dynasty when it was ready as an providing quite than a each day meal.

Because the title suggests, Eight Treasure Congee makes use of eight substances, although the mix adjustments from household to household primarily based on customized and what’s accessible. I take advantage of glutinous rice and forbidden rice as the primary grains and add beans, nuts, and dried fruits to construct texture and pure sweetness. Some areas put together a savory model with preserved sausage and mushrooms, but I favor the sweetened fashion for its simplicity.

I serve this congee by itself as a light-weight meal or as a facet dish at dinner. The substances are versatile, and I typically modify the combination relying on what I’ve at residence. For me this recipe demonstrates how a small assortment of grains, beans, and fruits can create a bowl related to centuries of custom and nonetheless work completely for an on a regular basis meal. I hope you give this one a strive!

Find out how to Make Congee

I make plain congee actually because it really works as each a starchy staple and a soup in a conventional Chinese language meal. In China we often serve three dishes and one soup together with rice or noodles, and the soup helps stability the meal by including one thing runny alongside the “dry” dishes. Congee is the best means so as to add that soup factor with out further value or lengthy cooking time. It’s humble and simple, often nothing greater than rice simmered in water, but it performs an necessary function on the desk.

The model I grew up with could be very totally different from many Western-style congees I encountered after shifting to the US. We don’t use hen broth or different wealthy shares for each day congee as a result of do-it-yourself broth is taken into account a luxurious and never one thing used for a easy on a regular basis dish. My plain congee recipe is cooked solely with rice and water till the grains soften and the combination thickens to the proper texture.

I really like serving this basic congee with small dishes on the facet reminiscent of pickled mustard stems, salted duck eggs, or fermented tofu. These additions add taste whereas the congee stays modest and clear. What I recognize most is how two easy substances can help a conventional Chinese language meal and provide a beautiful reminder of residence.

I hope these recipes invite you to discover new flavors and provide help to create genuine Chinese language rice dishes in your individual kitchen. At all times keep in mind that the important thing to creating nice rice dishes is utilizing day-old rice so the grains keep separate and fry evenly, making ready all substances earlier than heating the pan so the cooking stays fast, and conserving your wok sizzling to present the rice a light-weight crisp texture. In the event you strive any of them I might love to listen to what you cooked and the way it related you to your desk and your traditions.