Choosing the Right Rice

Before we dive into the actual cooking, let’s talk about the most critical component of your homemade Young Chow fried rice: the rice itself. The type of rice you use could make or break your dish, so it’s crucial to choose wisely.

Jasmine rice is your go-to choice for this recipe. Known for its delicate fragrance and slightly sticky texture after cooking, it holds the flavors well and gives your fried rice that authentic touch. Remember, it’s always best to use a day-old rice for this recipe since freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist and may result in a mushy dish.

Got no day-old rice? Don’t fret! You can achieve a similar texture with freshly cooked rice by spreading it out on a baking sheet and letting it cool in your fridge for about 30 minutes. Giving the rice some time to dry out helps separate the individual grains and prevent clumping when you stir-fry it with the other ingredients.

Of course, if you’re adhering to a particular diet or have specific dietary preferences, you can substitute the jasmine rice with other types. Here are some alternative options:

Brown rice. Nuttier in flavor and packed with fiber, it’s a healthier alternative, though it may alter the traditional taste of the dish.
Basmati rice. Its long grains create a lighter texture in the final dish. Like jasmine rice, it has a distinct aroma that can enhance your Young Chow fried rice.
Cauliflower rice. For those going low carb or seeking a grain-free option, cauliflower rice is your top pick. It brings a different texture and flavor to the table but is an excellent way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Now that you’ve got your rice game sorted, let’s move on to the next part: preparing the ingredients. We’ll help you master the perfect balance of flavors your homemade Young Chow fried rice deserves.

Preparing the Ingredients

Let’s dive right into getting those ingredients ready! First you’ll need 3 cups of rice, preferably the day-old jasmine rice we’ve discussed. An important point to remember as you toss together your Young Chow fried rice is the protein. You’ll need 1 cup of diced ham, renowned for adding a unique savory touch to your dish.

But that’s not all. Don’t forget about the 4 oz. of cooked shrimp. Seafood lovers swear by the ocean-friendly addition it brings to the rich blend of flavors in your fried rice.

One of the vital components in Young Chow fried rice is its vibrant vegetables. Two diced red bell peppers will give your dish that quintessential burst of color and a tangy sweetness. In addition, half a cup of peas will add a pleasing pop of green and an earthy taste. Add an onion, diced of course, to layer on that extra flavor.

If you’re a fan of a bit of heat, feel free to add two sliced bird’s eye chilies to spike your dish up a notch. Three beaten eggs will mesh everything together, creating a glorious mix of tastes.

Remember, the garnish is the crowning glory of your dish. Keep some sliced spring onions and sesame seeds on hand. Also, 2 tbsp of sesame oil will be used for stir-frying your ingredients to perfection.

Perhaps you’re keeping an eye on your caloric intake or you’re interested in the nutritional profiles of your meals. If so, here’s a handy breakdown of what you’ll find in this recipe:

Ingredient	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
Rice	602	13g	134g	1g
Cooked Shrimp	112	24g	0g	2g
Diced Ham	123	17g	1g	4g
Red Bell Peppers	51	2g	10g	0g
Peas	62	4g	11g	0g

Cooking the Rice

The heart of Young Chow fried rice begins with perfectly cooked day-old Jasmine rice. If you’re wondering why day-old, it’s simple. Newly cooked rice tends to break apart easily, reducing the overall quality of your dish. With day-old rice, you’re guaranteed firmer pieces that can withstand the stir-frying process. Not to mention, it helps achieve that coveted restaurant-style texture.

To start, you’ll need approximately 3 cups of cooked and chilled Jasmine rice. Measure it out and allow it to reach room temperature before stir-frying.

Don’t fret if you don’t have Jasmine rice on hand. You can still create a stellar dish using other types. Long grain white rice or Basmati rice are excellent substitutes. Just remember to keep the golden rule in mind: it must be day-old rice.

Grab your wok or largest skillet. Opt for one that distributes heat evenly. It’s the secret to achieving well-cooked, yet non-greasy fried rice. Heat it up on high before adding 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Whirl it around to ensure the oil coats the wok evenly.

Before you proceed, here’s a pro tip: have all your ingredients within arm’s reach. Once the stir-frying commences, it’s a swift process. You won’t have time to dice an onion or scramble your eggs in the middle of it all.

Next, slide in your room-temperature rice. Stir-fry it briskly to avoid any sticking or burning. Then, push your rice to the side to create ample space for your eggs, diced ham, cooked shrimp, red bell peppers, peas, onions, and bird’s eye chilies.

As each ingredient hits the pan, you’ll be engulfed by an enticing blend of aromas. It’s not just about making a meal – you’re creating an experience. And what could be better than that?

Stir-Frying the Ingredients

Now that you’ve got your day-old Jasmine rice and prepped ingredients ready, it’s high time to toss them into the heated wok. Varying your ingredients can put a unique spin on this classic recipe. Yet, purely for guidance, let’s focus on the standard set of ingredients most commonly found in a flavorful Young Chow fried rice.

Below is the list of required ingredients:

Ingredients	Quantity
Sesame oil	2 tbsp
Eggs	3 medium
Ham	1 cup, diced
Shrimp	1/2 cup, peeled and deveined
Veggies	1 cup, assorted/diced
Chilies	1 tbsp, chopped
Day-old Rice	3 cups

Keep in mind, your stir-fry process needs to be swift. Remember – you don’t want your ingredients to lose their vibrant color and crispy texture. Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of sesame oil into the wok, ensuring it’s coated evenly as it heats up. A wonderful appetizing aroma should hit you around this time.

Crack three medium eggs into the wok and stir briskly with a spatula. You want the eggs scrambled and not completely cooked through – they’ll have enough time to cook as you add in the rest of the ingredients.

Next up is the diced ham and peeled shrimp. Stir them with the eggs until they’re slightly browned. This step bathes your proteins in the wok’s intense heat, nurturing a distinct, complex flavor in each bite of your fried rice.

Chopped chilies and veggies are your next addition to the wok. Their sizzle and splash of color liven up the dish adding a touch of heat and a pleasant crunchy texture. Crunchy, right? That’s what you want.

Finally, slide in your day-old Jasmine rice. Now, this is where it all comes together. Continue stir-frying, ensuring the rice absorbs the mix of flavors exuded by the other ingredients. Voila! In just a few steps, you’re already immersing yourself in a homemade Young Chow fried rice experience.

Assembling the Dish

Your journey of creating a tantalizing bowl of Young Chow fried rice isn’t far from completion. So grab your spatula, let’s jump right back into the thick of things.

The next step involves the main star of your dish – day-old Jasmine Rice. Why day-old, you might ask? The answer lies in its texture. Older rice firms up, making it an ideal candidate for a good stir-frying session. It does well with absorbing the flavors, and doesn’t turn mushy.

Toss in the rice with round-about four cups for this recipe. Pro tip: If day-old rice isn’t handy, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a tray, let it cool and then refrigerate it for a few hours. This process dries the grains, making them ready for a fine stir-fry.

As you stir-fry the rice, make sure to break any lumps that have formed. Your goal is to get a beautiful, savory, and glossy blend. After mastering this, well your home-cooked Young Chow fried rice is virtually done.

But wait, if you’re inclined to give this dish a little extra kick, simply add a touch of chili oil for that lip-smacking flavor. It’s not conventional, but then who says you can’t offer a twist.

Let’s pause for a quick nutrition snapshot. We all know it’s important to keep tabs on our food intake. So here’s the rundown.

Component	Per Serving Count
Calories	467.3 kcal
Carbohydrates	55.6 g
Protein	23.8 g
Fat	16.7 g
Dietary Fiber	3.9 g

You’ve almost achieved a tasty triumph with your homemade Young Chow fried rice. With the right ingredients, the proper technique, and, most importantly, your passion, you’ve whipped up not just a dish, but an experience to relish. So take a moment, admire your work, relish the aroma, and brace yourself for a feast to remember, with every spoonful cooked with love and care, bursting with taste and tantalizing flavors.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. With day-old Jasmine rice, a hint of chili oil, and your passion for cooking, you’re all set to create a delicious Young Chow fried rice dish right at home. Remember, it’s not just about the ingredients but also the technique. Breaking up those rice lumps during stir-frying is key to achieving that perfect savory blend. Don’t forget, freshly cooked rice can also be used if prepared correctly, ensuring you never have to put your fried rice cravings on hold. With its rich flavors and nutritional benefits, this homemade Young Chow fried rice recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Now, go ahead, give it a try, and let the magic of home cooking unfold.