Introduction to Char Siu Fried Rice
If you've ever enjoyed the sweet and savory taste of char siu pork, you're in for a treat with this **char siu fried rice recipe**. Combining the deliciousness of Chinese BBQ pork with the comfort of fried rice, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. **Char siu fried rice** is an excellent way to use up leftover char siu or pork roast and transform it into a flavorful meal that the entire family will love. Let's dive into this detailed recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Char Siu Fried Rice
- 1 pound of pork shoulder or pork belly
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cups cooked and cooled white rice (Learn how to cook rice here)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup diced char siu pork
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions to Make Char Siu Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Char Siu Pork
Begin by preparing the char siu pork, which is the star of this **char siu fried rice recipe**. In a mixing bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, Chinese rice wine, five-spice powder, red food coloring, and sesame oil. Mix well to create a marinade. Cut the pork shoulder or belly into strips and marinate them in the mixture for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
Once marinated, preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the marinated pork strips on the rack, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, basting with the remaining marinade every 10 minutes. The pork should be cooked through and have a caramelized glaze. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Once cool, dice the pork into small cubes.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the char siu pork is marinating or roasting, cook your rice in a rice cooker. It's best to use day-old rice, as it will be less sticky and easier to fry. If cooking rice specifically for this recipe, spread it on a baking sheet in a thin layer and let it cool completely. This will help achieve the desired texture for your **char siu fried rice**.
Step 3: Assemble the Fried Rice
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble them until fully cooked. Remove the eggs from the wok and set them aside.
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Then, add the diced char siu pork and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
Next, add the thawed peas and carrots, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the cooked and cooled rice, breaking up any clumps with the back of a spoon. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce, ensuring the rice is evenly coated. Continue to stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Finally, fold in the scrambled eggs and sliced green onions. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Your delicious **char siu fried rice** is now ready to serve. Garnish with extra green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
Tips and Variations
Now that you have the basic **char siu fried rice recipe**, here are some tips and variations to customize it to your liking:
Use Leftover Rice
Day-old rice is perfect for this recipe as it's less sticky and fries better. If you don't have leftover rice, make sure to cool the freshly cooked rice completely before using it in the fried rice.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to customize the vegetables in this dish. Bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, or snap peas can add great texture and flavor. You can also add a touch of spiciness by including some diced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha.
Protein Alternatives
If you don't have char siu pork, this recipe works well with other proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply dice and cook them before adding to the fried rice.
Sauce Adjustments
You can adjust the sauces according to your taste. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, oyster sauce for umami, or even a bit of hoisin sauce for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This **char siu fried rice recipe** can be a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with other Chinese dishes. Serve it alongside **corned beef cabbage** or **crusty bread** for a satisfying meal. Another great pairing is **rustic bread** to add a contrasting texture to your dinner spread. You can explore more recipes at [Grilling4All](https://www.grilling4all.com/blogs/recipes/rustic-bread-recipe-dutch-oven) for devine pairings with this recipe.
And there you have it a comprehensive guide to making the perfect **char siu fried rice recipe**. This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, offering a delicious, satisfying meal that's easy to customize and prepare.
Cleaning Up
After enjoying your meal, it's essential to clean your cookware properly. For the rice cooker, consider using a specialized Cookware Cleaner to remove any stuck-on rice or residue. Don't forget to oil your cutting board using Cutting Board Oil to keep it in top condition for future use.
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Thank you for following along with this recipe! We hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as we do.