Easy Shanghai-Style Rice: A Flavorful Side Dish

Craving a vibrant and flavorful rice dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than Thai Fun Rice! This recipe delivers a burst of authentic Thai taste in a single pan, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend project. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; this dish utilizes readily available pantry staples to create a symphony of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and chilies complements the perfectly cooked rice, creating a dish that's both comforting and exciting.

Imagine the aroma of sizzling garlic and the vibrant hues of colorful vegetables mingling with fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice. Ready to transform a simple side dish into a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and unlock the secret to creating this unforgettable Thai Fun Rice.

Tools Needed

  • wok
  • saucepan
  • rice cooker (optional)

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Separate the stems and leaves. Dice the stems finely and roughly cut the leaves lengthwise, then dice them.
  • Dice the ham finely.
  • Rinse the rice several times to remove impurities and excess starch. Drain thoroughly.
Prepare the Jingua Ham (or substitute): Dice the ham finely.Rinse the rice several times to remove impurities and excess starch. Drain thoroughly.
Prepare the Ingredients

Step 2. Sauté the Ham and Choi Sum

  • Heat pork lard in a wok over high heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and diced Choi Sum stems to the wok. Stir for a couple of minutes.
  • Toss in the Choi Sum leaves and stir until the volume decreases. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté the ham: Heat pork lard in a wok over high heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for 1-2 minutes.Add garlic and Choi Sum stems: Add minced garlic and diced Choi Sum stems to the wok. Stir for a couple of minutes.Add Choi Sum leaves: Toss in the Choi Sum leaves and stir until the volume decreases. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté the Ham and Choi Sum

Step 3. Cook the Rice

  • In a saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes.
Cook the rice: In a saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes.
Cook the Rice

Step 4. Combine and Serve

  • Fluff the cooked rice with a spatula. Add the sautéed vegetables and ham. Mix well.
Combine rice and vegetables: Fluff the cooked rice with a spatula. Add the sautéed vegetables and ham. Mix well.
Combine and Serve

Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use any green leafy vegetables with crunchy stems for added texture.
  • Prosciutto or bacon can be used as substitutes for Jingua Ham.
  • Adjust salt according to the ham's saltiness.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rice works perfectly. Just make sure it's not too dry; add a tablespoon or two of water if needed.

2. What can I substitute if I don't have soy sauce?

Tamari or coconut aminos are great substitutes for soy sauce, offering similar savory depth.


So there you have it – a simple yet incredibly flavorful Shanghai-style rice dish that's ready in minutes. This recipe is perfect for weeknights or as a vibrant addition to any meal. Enjoy the delicious results and impress your friends and family with this easy-to-master side!