Hello, how are you? Welcome to Paulina Cocina. Who hasn't been lazy to cook and called a Chinese restaurant craving Three Delights Rice , or something similar? Even if you think you don't know what we're talking about, you'll soon realize it's a more common recipe than you think.
The truth is that when we order food over the phone, we are not always happy with what they bring us, and on the other hand, this dish is so easy to prepare that it is best to make the homemade version , which is definitely, definitely tastier!
That's why in this article we're going to tell you everything you need to know about the recipe for three-delight rice , this gift brought to us by Asian cuisine, influenced by Western gastronomy.
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Three delights on rice
Three-delight rice , known in some places as Chinese rice, Cantonese rice, chaufa rice or chaw fan, is a classic dish that can be found in the vast majority of Chinese food , although the variety of its ingredients combines elements from various culinary cultures.
While its name, " Three Delights Rice ," evokes the idea of three main ingredients , it often includes a range of components that enrich the experience of each bite . This dish is a perfect blend of al dente rice and a selection of vegetables and proteins that intertwine to create a symphony of flavors and colors.
The keys to this preparation
Preparing this three-delight rice recipe is a very simple process. It begins with cooking the rice, which should be tender yet firm to retain the flavors it will contain.
Then, the mastery comes into play when combining ingredients such as pieces of ham, shrimp or prawns, tender peas and an egg omelet ( tortilla de huevos ) cut into thin threads.
The combination of these elements is finally combined in the wok or deep frying pan , where they are seasoned with soy sauce and other condiments that may vary from one recipe to another.
History and invention of three-delight rice
While the precise origin of three-delight rice is shrouded in mystery, it is believed to have originated in Cantonese-Chinese cuisine . As flavors traveled across trade routes, this dish reached Chinese restaurants in the West, where it was popularized and adapted to local palates.
There are various theories about what the "three delights" are . One suggests that it may refer to the combination of the three characteristics of the ingredients that make it up: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Another has to do with the trilogy of flavors— sweet, salty, and umami —experienced in every bite. Finally, the one that mentions the ingredients present in almost every version of this rice: coconut shrimp , ham, and egg.
The taste of homemade three-delight rice
Homemade three-delight rice is characterized by its blend of textures and flavors, and the ingredients play a fundamental role in creating this delicious experience.
Aside from rice, ham, and shrimp , it can also include peas, carrots, bell peppers, or chopped spring onions. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, which adds depth, and can be enhanced with sesame oil for an aromatic touch.
The end result is a dish balanced in flavors, colors, and textures, a true pleasure for all the senses.
4 tips for preparing 3-delight rice
- Perfect rice: Use long, fine-grain rice so that it blends well with the rest of the ingredients without overpowering the flavors. It's important to ensure it's cooked to perfection to prevent overcooking during sautéing.
- The egg: Make the omelet, making sure it's tender and doesn't burn. Cut it into even strips to evenly distribute the flavor.
- Heat Control: Use a wok or deep skillet over high heat for quick, even stir-frying, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Season carefully: Caution: Soy sauce has a strong, salty flavor. Add it slowly, adjusting the amount to suit your personal taste.
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Homemade 3-Delight Rice Recipe
Yields: 3 portions
Preparation time: 40 minutes (approximately)
Ingredients
- 250g jasmine rice (fine long grain)
- 100 g of cooked ham
- 100 g of prawns or shrimp
- 1 2-egg omelet (egg omelet)
- 50 g of peas
- 1 small bell pepper, diced
- 2 Green onions
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make three-delight rice in 5 steps
- Wash the rice under cold water and cook it with three cups of water until al dente. Let it cool.
- Dice the ham and cut the shrimp or prawns into fairly small pieces. Also cut the omelet into thin strips and slice the green onions.
- Heat a wok or deep skillet over high heat, add vegetable oil, and sauté the shrimp until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same wok, with a little more oil (if necessary), sauté the chopped bell pepper until slightly softened. Add the cooked rice, the ham pieces, the chopped omelet, the peas, and the shrimp again. Mix well to combine.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and the teaspoon of sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste (be careful, soy sauce is salty). Add the chopped green onions and stir again. Remove and serve hot.
