Chao Fan: The Versatile Fried Rice Dish You Need to Try

If you're looking for a delicious and hearty meal that's quick and easy to make, then look no further than chao fan. This popular Chinese dish, also known as fried rice, is a staple in many households and restaurants around the world, and it's not hard to see why. Chao fan is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your taste preferences and can be made with just about any ingredient you have on hand.

The beauty of chao fan is its simplicity. The basic recipe involves stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, meat, and/or eggs, along with some soy sauce and other seasonings. But the variations are endless, and there's no right or wrong way to make it. Chao fan can be made with shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu, and you can add in whatever veggies you have in your fridge, from peas and carrots to bell peppers and onions.

One of my favourite chao fan recipes is shrimp and vegetable fried rice. Here's how I make it:

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably left overnight in the fridge)

- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 1 cup mixed vegetables (I like to use peas, carrots, and corn)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp oyster sauce

- 1 egg, beaten

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.

2. Add the beaten egg and scramble until cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of vegetable oil to the pan. Add the garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until cooked through.

6. Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the rice is heated through and coated in the sauce.

7. Add the scrambled egg back to the pan and stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes.

8. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chao fan is a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies, and it's a satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. It's also a fantastic dish to make for meal prep, as it can be packed into individual containers and reheated for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

So the next time you're in the mood for a comforting and flavourful meal, give chao fan a try. With its endless variations and possibilities, it's a dish that will never get boring.