Chao Fan, or Filipino fried rice, is a popular dish that showcases the versatility of rice in Filipino cuisine. This easy Filipino fried rice can be customized with various proteins like pork or chicken, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
In this chao fan recipe, you’ll learn how to make chao fan at home using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. It’s a delicious way to use leftover rice and create a satisfying dish that embodies the flavors of Filipino-style fried rice.
Understanding Chao Fan
Chao Fan, commonly known as Filipino fried rice, is a beloved dish that highlights the adaptability of rice in Filipino cooking. This easy Filipino fried rice can be tailored with various proteins, such as pork or chicken, making it suitable for any meal.
In the chao fan recipe, you will learn how to make chao fan at home using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques. It’s an excellent way to repurpose leftover rice into a satisfying dish that embodies the flavors of Filipino-style fried rice.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
To create a vibrant plate of Chao Fan, gather essential ingredients that bring the dish to life. The foundation is day-old cooked rice, which provides the perfect texture for frying.
Incorporate diced pork or chicken, depending on your preference, along with a mix of colorful vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers. Aromatics such as garlic and onion add depth to the flavor, while soy sauce and optional oyster sauce enhance the overall taste.
Preparation Steps
Preparation is key to achieving the perfect Chao Fan. Start by ensuring your cooked rice is cold and separated to prevent clumping during cooking. Dice your chosen protein and chop the vegetables to streamline the cooking process.
Heat cooking oil in a large skillet or wok, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. This step sets the stage for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cooking the Protein and Vegetables
Once the aromatics are ready, add the diced pork or chicken to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, typically taking about 5-7 minutes.
Next, stir in the mixed vegetables and allow them to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender. This combination of protein and vegetables creates a colorful and nutritious base for your fried rice.
Frying the Rice
Now it’s time to fry the rice. Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet, ensuring it breaks apart easily. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, if using, and stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes.
This step is crucial for ensuring the rice is heated through and well combined with the other ingredients, resulting in a delicious and cohesive dish.
Final Touches and Serving
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, bringing all the flavors together. Garnish your homemade Chao Fan with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Serve this delightful dish warm, accompanied by chopsticks and a small bowl of soy sauce for dipping. The inviting atmosphere of a rustic wooden table enhances the overall dining experience, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Simple and Delicious Chao Fan
This Filipino-style fried rice features a mix of cooked rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein, all stir-fried together for a flavorful meal. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup diced pork or chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Ensure the cooked rice is cold and separated. Dice the pork or chicken and chop the vegetables.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
- Cook the Protein: Add the diced pork or chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
- Fry the Rice: Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and well combined with the other ingredients.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
