Fried Rice (Yangzhou Style - Simplified)

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup diced cooked Char Siu (Chinese BBQ pork) or ham
• 1/2 cup cooked small shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups cooked and chilled day-old white rice (long grain preferred)
• 1-2 tbsp light soy sauce (or to taste)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced (green parts only)

Instructions

1. Prepare Rice: Ensure rice is cold and preferably day-old. Break up any large clumps with your fingers or a spoon.
2. Cook Eggs: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble quickly until just cooked but still moist. Remove eggs from the wok and set aside, roughly chopping them.
3. Cook Proteins & Veggies: Add another 1 tbsp of oil to the hot wok. Add the diced Char Siu/ham and shrimp, stir-frying for about 1 minute until heated through and lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the eggs.
4. Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the wok. Add the chopped onion and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add the peas and carrots mix and minced garlic; stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Fry Rice: Push the vegetables to the side of the wok. Add the cold rice to the center. Stir-fry the rice alone for 1-2 minutes, breaking up clumps. Then mix everything in the wok together.
6. Season: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Stir and toss continuously over high heat for 2-3 minutes, ensuring every grain is coated and heated through. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
7. Combine: Return the cooked eggs, pork/ham, and shrimp to the wok. Add most of the sliced scallions. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through (about 1 minute).
8. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining sliced scallions.

Why It's Special

Fried rice is a globally beloved dish born from the practical need to use leftover rice. Yangzhou Fried Rice is considered one of the most classic and elaborate versions, known for its colorful mix of ingredients like shrimp, Char Siu pork, eggs, and vegetables, with each grain of rice distinct and flavorful. It showcases the wok hei (breath of the wok) technique – the complex, smoky flavor achieved through high-heat stir-frying. It's incredibly versatile and a staple in Chinese restaurants and homes worldwide.