Dive into the essence of Chinese celebratory cuisine with the Chinese festive fried rice, minus the extensive dining affair. Celebrated for its presence at grand events, from weddings to significant birthdays of elders, this rice often marks the finale in a lavish banquet array.
A Time-Honored Culinary Tradition
Imagine an expansive restaurant in the heart of Chinatown, filled with laughter and clinking glasses. Tables are generously laden with an extensive 10 to 12-course feast, showcasing an array of dishes from a refreshing cold appetizer to lavish items like roasted duck, lobsters, and sumptuous steamed fish. While the sequence remains relatively constant, the chosen dishes may differ, occasionally offering delightful surprises like a succulent steak that elevates the occasion.
Yet, amidst this grandeur, two timeless dishes inevitably make their appearance as the grand finale: the auspicious long life noodles and the delightful festive fried rice. Often, after indulging in the preceding feast, there’s scarcely room for these starchy delights. One might even jest about leaving the venue feeling as inflated as Violet-Beauregarde from the iconic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”.
The practical solution? Packing up the remaining treasures to savor at leisure the following day. And while this rice, when reheated, pairs beautifully with spicy chili oil, its allure lies in its simplicity and the joy of relishing it freshly made from the comfort of home.
Gather Your Ingredients:
- 3 cups of already-cooked rice
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- 2 eggs, whisked
- A handful each of diced carrots, onions, and ham
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- A pinch of salt and white pepper
- 2 teaspoons of rich soy sauce
- 1 freshly chopped scallion
Master the Festive Flavors:
1. Drizzle some vegetable oil into your wok and set it on medium-high heat. Scramble the eggs and set them aside.
2. Introduce a touch more oil and sauté the onions and carrots for roughly 2 minutes, ensuring they soften.
3. Add the ham, sautéing for another 2 minutes to merge the flavors.
4. Bring in the peas and rice, stir-frying to infuse warmth throughout.
5. Season with salt, white pepper, and soy sauce before folding in the chopped scallions.
6. Continue the stir fry for an added 3 minutes. Dish out, savor, and revel in the rich heritage of this meal!