Today we are going to talk about the Chow Fan , that dish that seems to be the solution for when we want to put wave to the white rice, to change the flavor with vegetables, egg and meat for those who eat it, or tofu for vegetarians.
We are going to discover what exactly the famous Chow Fan , crumble their differences a bit with other dishes such as the Chop Suey or the Chow Mein , and, of course, share the secrets to have them divine.
As always, there is room for a chow chicken (classic classic) and a vegetarian version , because you have to give everyone options.
Content table
About the Chow Fan
For those who wonder what this dish is, the Chow Fan , which literally means "fried rice" , is an icon of Asian cuisine that was born in China and conquered the world. It is a sauteed rice to the wok with vegetables, meat and egg.
While it is a dish similar to Peruvian Chaufa rice , in Argentina, it also adapted very well to local tastes. To which can be added, for example, some bacon touches or any vegetables that we have in the refrigerator
The interesting thing about the Chow Fan is that, although the base recipe has its rules, it is incredibly versatile, was there plenty of rice of the previous day? Perfect. A couple of vegetables that are on the edge of the abyss in the refrigerator? To the wok! That flexibility made him a favorite for the days of "You have to solve fast food."
Chow Fan variants: for all tastes
The Chow Fan does not remain still with its popularity around the world, and thanks to that we can find versions for all tastes . The most sinned, without a doubt, is the chow chicken , which combines rice with chicken pieces, vegetables and some typical flavor of oriental food, such as soy sauce and sesame oil .
But, there is also the Chow fan vegetarian , an option that stands out for including more variety of vegetables, Tofu and, sometimes, chestnuts, peanuts or almonds to give it a crunchy. In addition, ingredients such as zucchini (zucchini), mushrooms or spinach can be added.
7 reasons that make Chow Fan Chinese irresistible
- Rice is the king : using long grain or jasmine rice. It is very good to use cooked rice of the previous day because the fresco has too much moisture and it is not the same.
- Wok al Rojo Vivo: Chow Fan magic is cooking all fast and high fire. If you don't have wok, a large pan also serves.
- The Umami flavor : ingredients such as soy sauce and sesame oil give it that oriental touch that falls in love.
- The scrambled egg : the classic classic. It is mixed in the same wok, and is the perfect basis for joining flavors.
- Crying touches: carrots, peppers or even roasted peanuts for a texture contrast.
- Freedom of choice : from chicken, shrimp and to a bacon, everything is worth! Chow Fan's recipe is a blank canvas.
- The final decoration: Green onion above. Because you always have to close with something green to give life to the dish.
Chow Fan, Chop Suey, Chow Mein: What are we talking about?
These names may sound confused, but to get the doubts, the explanation is simple:
- The Chow Fan: It's fried rice. It can wear chicken, pork, shrimp or even be a vegetarian.
- The Chop Suey : It is a plate with sauteed vegetables with meat or chicken .
- The Chow Mein : means "fried noodles." And as the name implies, this dish has as its protagonist the wheat noodles, which can be crispy or tender , and skip in the wok together with meat, vegetables and sauce.
Chinese fried rice and Japanese fried rice: what are different in addition to the language?
Although cousins seem brothers, there are differences. Chinese fried rice , that is, the Chow Fan , uses ingredients such as soy sauce and sesame oil, with a more intense flavor profile. It is also prepared with jasmine or long grain rice.
On the other hand, Japanese fried rice , or " Yakimeshi " , is more subtle, with less condiments and is usually prepared with a glutinous and short grain rice, which has a more sticky texture.
6 tips to make Chinese fan
- Use cold rice : this advice is key. The rice of the previous day is better skipped and does not get rid of the wok.
- Do not overload the wok : cook in batches if necessary. If the wok is full, that perfect sauteed is not achieved.
- Cut everything into even sizes : vegetables and meats of similar size to cook at the same time.
- The wok must be very hot : it is essential for a quick and efficient sauteed.
- Do not forget sesame oil : that final touch makes all the difference.
- Experiment with spices : a little grated fresh ginger or Jamaica pepper may look very good.
Chow Vegetarian Option
For the VEGARIAN FAN CHOW , replace the chicken with firm tafu cut in cubes and previously gold. Add more ingredients such as mushrooms or broccoli , and follow the same procedure.
Follow on Instagram ( here )
and on YouTube that I upload new recipes every week ( click here )
Chow Chicken Recipe
Yields: 4 portions
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups of cooked long grain rice (preferably the day before)
- 2 chicken breasts cut into cubes
- 1 carrot cut into fine strips
- 1/2 red pepper in cubes
- 3 eggs
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 CDA. sesame
- 2 chopped green onions (to decorate)
- Neutral oil to saute
How to do chow fan step by step
- Heat a large wok with a little neutral oil. Sauté chicken cubes with a pinch of salt until golden brown. Remove and book.
- In the same wok, add a little more oil if necessary and skip garlic, carrot and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat until vegetables are tender but still crispy. Push vegetables towards the side of the wok.
- Break the eggs in the center of the wok and stir quickly until they are cooked, forming a scrambled.
- Incorporate cold rice, reserved chicken, soy sauce and sesame oil (if used). Cook everything next to medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly to heat the rice and mix flavors.
- Turn off the fire and incorporate half of the chopped green onion. Mix slightly.
- Serve hot and decorate with the rest of the chopped green onion.
