Yangzhou Fried Rice: Ultimate Secret to Perfectly Separated Grains

Hello everyone, I’m Xiao Mi Zhou. Today I’m sharing the Huaiyang cuisine classic Yangzhou Fried Rice! While this fried rice seems simple, achieving perfectly separated grains, golden-coated rice, and flavorful ingredients requires careful attention. After consulting with master chefs and numerous experiments, I’ve summarized secrets to achieve restaurant-quality fried rice and I’m excited to share them with you!

First, admire this plate of golden-coated Yangzhou fried rice!

Golden plump rice grains, abundant ingredients - this is perfect Yangzhou fried rice!

Detailed Steps

Step 1: Prepare Rice (Secret #1)

1. Use overnight refrigerated rice with less moisture
2. Key technique: Pour rice into large bowl, gently break apart with hands
3. Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil, mix evenly with hands
4. Ensure each grain is evenly coated with thin oil layer

Overnight rice has less moisture, oil coating prevents sticking during frying

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients (Secret #2)

1. Marinate shrimp with some salt and cooking wine, blanch until color changes
2. Dice ham and char siu into 0.5cm cubes
3. Exclusive technique: Blanch carrot and peas for 1 minute to maintain vibrant color
4. Beat eggs, add some salt and cooking wine

Uniform size ensures coordinated texture, blanching maintains vegetable brightness

Step 3: Scramble Eggs (Secret #3)

1. Heat generous oil in wok, pour eggs at 50% oil heat
2. Key technique: Quickly separate with chopsticks, forming fluffy texture
3. Remove at 80% doneness to maintain tenderness
4. Use remaining oil to fry garlic until fragrant

Generous oil quick-frying makes eggs fluffier, fluffy texture better

Step 4: Fry Ingredients

1. Add shrimp first, quick stir-fry to release aroma
2. Add ham and char siu dice, stir-fry evenly
3. Add carrot dice and peas, stir-fry
4. After all ingredients fragrant, push to wok sides

Seafood and meat first to release umami and oils

Step 5: Fry Rice

1. Add some oil to wok, add prepared rice
2. Exclusive technique: Use spatula back to press and separate rice
3. High heat quick stir-fry, listen for rice grains jumping in wok
4. Fry until rice completely heated, grains separated

Pressing method separates clumped rice, high heat creates wok hei

Step 6: Mix and Season

1. Mix ingredients with rice, stir-fry evenly
2. Pour light and dark soy sauce along wok sides
3. Add sugar, white pepper, quick stir-fry
4. Finally add scrambled eggs and chopped scallions

Wok-side sauce pouring releases aroma, eggs last to maintain tenderness

Step 7: Plate and Serve

1. Drizzle sesame oil, quick stir-fry to combine
2. Transfer to preheated plate
3. Key technique: Gently flatten surface with spoon back
4. Can serve with Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar

Preheated plate maintains temperature, flattened surface more attractive

Exclusive Three Secrets

🎯 Secret #1: Rice Pre-treatment

• Overnight refrigeration: Reduces moisture content
• Hand separation: More even than chopsticks
• Oil coating: Forms protective layer against sticking

🎯 Secret #2: Golden-Coated Egg Method

• Generous oil quick-fry: Makes eggs fluffier
• Fluffy texture: Richer mouthfeel
• 80% doneness: Allows residual heat cooking

🎯 Secret #3: Step-by-Step Frying

• Ingredients first: Releases individual flavors
• Rice separately: Ensures grain separation
• Final combination: Maintains optimal texture

Advanced Techniques

🌟 Ingredient Selection:

• Rice choice: Thai jasmine or Japanese rice best
• Shrimp choice: Fresh shrimp sweeter than frozen
• Ham choice: Jinhua ham more flavorful

🌟 Heat Control:

• Frying ingredients: Medium heat for thorough aroma
• Frying rice: High heat for quick drying
• Combining: High heat to activate wok hei

🌟 Authentic Requirements:

• Three meats, three vegetables: Traditional Yangzhou fried rice standard
• No MSG: Relies on natural ingredient umami
• Golden grains: Each rice grain evenly colored

FAQ

Q: Why does my rice clump together? A: Possibly rice too moist or not pre-mixed with oil

Q: How to make rice more golden? A: Increase dark soy sauce or slightly longer frying time

Q: Can I use fresh rice? A: Yes, but spread to cool and reduce moisture

Nutritional Value

• ✅ Carbohydrates: Rice provides energy
• ✅ Quality protein: Shrimp, eggs, ham provide
• ✅ Vitamins: Peas and carrots rich in vitamins
• ✅ Nutritional balance: Balanced meat-vegetable combination

Serving Suggestions

• 🍲 With clear soup: Like West Lake beef soup
• 🥬 With side dishes: Like Zhenjiang cured meat
• 🍵 With green tea: Refreshing and cuts grease
• 🍶 With yellow wine: Jiangnan flavor pairing

This Yangzhou fried rice is not just a main course, but a work of art. Master these techniques to easily recreate classic restaurant-quality deliciousness at home!