Craving the vibrant flavors of authentic Chinese takeout, but without the delivery fees or compromised quality? This recipe delivers the ultimate indulgence: Roast Duck & Char Siu Fried Rice. Forget bland, generic fried rice; this dish bursts with the rich, savory notes of perfectly crisped roast duck and sweet, smoky char siu. We'll elevate your fried rice experience beyond takeout, using simple techniques to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Imagine the succulent duck, tender char siu, and perfectly cooked rice all mingling together in a symphony of textures and tastes.
This isn't your average fried rice; we're building layers of flavor from scratch, using readily available ingredients. Prepare for an explosion of umami, a delightful contrast of textures, and a taste experience that will transport you straight to a bustling Chinese kitchen. Ready to create this masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and transform your weeknight dinner into a truly memorable culinary adventure.
Tools Needed
- fridge
- pot
- wok
- sieve or colander
- knife
- whisk
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Mix cooked rice with dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, and salt. Refrigerate overnight (or for at least 2 hours).
- Cut the pork into slices against the grain. Marinate with dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, salt, MSG, cassia/cinnamon, cloves, fennel powder, crushed garlic, garlic powder, aged garlic puree, white pepper, five-spice powder, tomato paste, red bean curd, sugar, red food coloring, Chinese rice wine, and water. Simmer for 45 minutes.
- Pan-fry the duck skin-side down until crispy. Let it rest.
Step 2. Cook the Proteins and Rice
- Shallow fry the marinated pork until browned and piping hot.
- Whisk an egg with salt and MSG. Pour into a hot wok with oil, stirring to create ribbons. Remove from wok.
- Add the seasoned rice to the wok and stir-fry until piping hot and slightly charred.
Step 3. Prepare the Char Siu Sauce
- This becomes your BBQ sauce. Season with salt and MSG to taste. Thicken with potato starch.
Step 4. Assemble and Serve
- Add spring onions to the fried rice. Arrange the duck and pork over the rice, and drizzle generously with the BBQ sauce.
Read more: Crispy Salt & Pepper Shrimp: A Simple Chinese Prawn Recipe
Tips
- Using high-grade long grain rice or a blend with Jasmine rice is crucial for the best texture in fried rice.
- Refrigerating the rice overnight helps to dry it out and intensify the flavors.
- Pork neck or collar is ideal for char siu; pork loin can be used but requires braising to prevent dryness.
- Use red bean curd sparingly, as it has a strong flavor.
- When making the BBQ sauce, ensure the sugar is semi-dissolved before simmering to prevent burning.
- Stir the potato starch slurry into the BBQ sauce gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- For perfectly fried rice, ensure the rice is piping hot and moves like molasses.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover roast duck and char siu?
Absolutely! Using leftover roast duck and char siu is a great way to minimize food waste and maximize flavor. Just make sure to shred or chop the meat before adding it to the rice.
2. What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
Day-old, cooked long-grain rice is ideal. The slightly drier texture prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
This Roast Duck & Char Siu Fried Rice recipe elevates a classic takeout dish to a homemade masterpiece. Enjoy the satisfying crunch, the rich flavors, and the pride of creating an authentic Chinese experience in your own kitchen. Now go forth and impress your family and friends with your newfound culinary skills!