Cantonese Fried Rice Recipe

Ever had one of those days where you just want to toss everything delicious you have into a pan and create something magical? Enter my go-to recipe for Cantonese Fried Rice—a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s basically a hug in a bowl.

Cantonese Fried Rice is one of my favorite dishes, filled with potent tastes and fresh ingredients like little cubes of carrots, peas, and barbecued pork. I love how the light soy sauce and sesame oil elevate the aromatic jasmine rice to a whole new level.

To me, Cantonese Fried Rice is a perfectly balanced meal with a bunch of different flavors that coexist harmoniously.

Cantonese Fried Rice Recipe Ingredients

• Jasmine Rice: Provides carbohydrates for energy; slightly floral aroma enhances flavor.
• Eggs: Rich in protein; add richness and a silky texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral flavor; perfect for stir-frying and high-heat cooking.
• Diced Carrots: Offer fiber and natural sweetness; brightens the dish.
• Green Onions: Add oniony sharpness and fresh color.
• Chicken/Pork: Protein-rich; adds savory, umami depth.
• Light Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami; lightly savory.
• Oyster Sauce: Deepens umami; slightly sweet and salty.
• Sesame Oil: Finishes with nutty aroma; use sparingly for depth.

Cantonese Fried Rice Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or barbecued pork
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and white pepper to taste

How to Make this Cantonese Fried Rice Recipe

1. Warm a large wok or skillet on medium-high heat and put in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

2. Add the beaten eggs and cook, stirring, until a soft curd forms. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the other tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and cook them until they are fragrant and more translucent than not.

4. Add the diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

5. Combine the thawed peas, cooked, diced chicken or barbecued pork, and cooked eggs in a bowl. Stir everything to combine.

6. Raise the heat to high, then add the day-old jasmine rice. If you find any clumps, break them up with a spatula or spoon.

7. Add the light soy sauce and oyster sauce and stir well to coat the rice evenly.

8. Stir in the chopped green onions and sesame oil, mixing them in totally.

9. Add salt and white pepper to taste and mix well to incorporate the flavors.

10. Serve the Cantonese Fried Rice very hot. You can garnish it with lovely green onions, if you wish.

Cantonese Fried Rice Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large wok or skillet
2. Stove or cooktop
3. Spatula or spoon
4. Bowl (for combining ingredients)
5. Measuring spoons
6. Knife (for chopping)
7. Cutting board
8. Serving spoon

FAQ

• Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of day-old rice?Rice that has been cooked and left for a day is ideal to use in the preparation of fried rice. Leftover rice dryness and reduced stickiness help to ensure that fried rice does not have a mushy texture.
• What can I substitute for jasmine rice?Any medium to long-grain rice can be used, such as basmati or even brown rice, but for Cantonese fried rice, use jasmine rice for its ideal texture and fragrance.
• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?Simply leave out the chicken or barbecued pork. Then, add more vegetables and/or tofu, or some other form of protein, so that the dish is still packed with the right kinds of nutrients.
• Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?Certainly! You can enhance your fried rice by adding bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms.
• How should I adjust the seasoning if I prefer more spice?A pinch of chili flakes or a splash of sriracha can be added to the dish for extra heat. However, you don’t want the dish to be overpowered by the heat.
• What is the purpose of using oyster sauce?The overall flavor of the fried rice is enhanced by the rich, savory depth and a hint of sweetness that oyster sauce adds.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?Although it is freshest when it is served that way, it is possible to prepare the many parts of the dish the night before and then, in a matter of minutes, finish the stir-fry when you need it. Cold remnants would be best reheated in a covered skillet over low-to-moderate heat.

Cantonese Fried Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Jasmine Rice: Basmati Rice
Canola oil and sunflower oil are oils extracted from the seeds of canola and sunflower, respectively. These oils are predominantly composed of unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. This makes them different from the predominant fat type found in tropical oils, which are mostly saturated fats. Because canola oil and sunflower oil are mainly composed of unsaturated fats, they are heart-healthier than oils high in saturated fats.
Chopped, cooked chicken or barbecue pork: Chopped shrimp, Firm tofu (for vegetarian version)
Soy sauce that is lighter in color and flavor than regular soy sauce. It is often used in recipes where a smaller amount of soy sauce is needed and where the flavor of soy sauce should not dominate. This might be used in salads, marinades, or dressings. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari.
Oyster sauce can be substituted with:
Hoisin sauce
Mushroom sauce (for a vegetarian alternative)

Pro Tips

1. Use Day-Old Rice For the best texture, always use day-old jasmine rice as it is drier and less sticky, preventing the fried rice from becoming mushy. If you don’t have day-old rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and chill it in the fridge to dry out.

2. Proper Heat Control Start with medium-high heat when cooking the eggs and vegetables to ensure they don’t burn. Increase to high when adding the rice for optimal frying, which helps achieve a crispy texture.

3. Even Distribution Break up any rice clumps with a spatula or your hands before adding the rice to the wok for even cooking and to ensure the flavors are uniformly distributed.

4. Use a Large Wok or Pan Cooking with a large wok or skillet provides enough space to stir the ingredients without overcrowding, which ensures even cooking and allows the rice to fry instead of steam.

5. Balance Flavors After adding the soy sauce and oyster sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. Too much can overwhelm the dish, so adjust the saltiness with additional soy sauce or adjust depth with oyster sauce as required.