Photo by @KingstonTiger
Chicken Fried Rice à la New Panda
This Chicken Fried Rice is inspired by the signature dish of New Panda Chinese Restaurant, bringing a delightful harmony of flavors to your home kitchen. Tender chunks of marinated chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy jasmine rice are expertly stir-fried with aromatic seasonings, creating an enticing blend of textures and aromas. The dish is finished with fresh spring onions and a drizzle of sesame oil, delivering an authentic taste that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
⏰ Cooking Timeline
🛒 Ingredients
Main Ingredients
For the Sauce/Marinade
Aromatics & Seasonings
For Cooking
To Serve & Garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
Mise en Place
15 minGather all ingredients and equipment. Dice the chicken, carrots, and onions; mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures a seamless process.
💡 Tip: Keep ingredients organized in small bowls for easy access while cooking.
Marinate the Chicken
10 minIn a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
💡 Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes if time allows.
Cook the Rice
10 minCook the jasmine rice according to package instructions, then spread it on a tray to cool, preventing clumping. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect fried rice texture.
💡 Tip: Use day-old rice for the best texture in fried rice.
Prepare the Aromatics
5 minIn a large frying pan or skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and the onions become translucent.
💡 Tip: Do not burn the garlic; it should be golden and fragrant.
Cook the Chicken
8 minAdd the marinated chicken to the aromatics and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and browned on the outside. This should take about 8 minutes.
💡 Tip: Ensure the chicken is in a single layer to facilitate even cooking.
Scramble the Eggs
3 minPush the chicken to one side of the pan, add 1 tsp of oil if needed, and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble until just set, then combine with the chicken.
💡 Tip: Cook the eggs gently to keep them tender.
Add Vegetables
4 minStir in the diced carrots and frozen peas, cooking until the carrots are tender and peas are heated through, about 4 minutes.
💡 Tip: Keep the heat high to maintain a crisp texture in the vegetables.
Combine Rice and Sauce
4 minAdd the cooled rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Pour in the remaining sesame oil and mix everything thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
💡 Tip: Use a spatula to 'flip' the rice gently to avoid mashing it.
Finish with Spring Onions
2 minStir in the sliced spring onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
💡 Tip: Reserve some spring onions for garnish for a fresh, crisp finish.
Serve and Garnish
2 minTransfer the fried rice to a serving dish and garnish with fresh coriander leaves and lime wedges. Serve with extra soy sauce on the side.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓ Use a large, well-heated pan to ensure the ingredients fry rather than steam.
- ✓ Avoid overloading the pan to maintain high heat and prevent sogginess.
- ✓ Rice should be cold before stir-frying to achieve the right texture.
- ✓ Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor if time permits.
- ✓ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a pan for best results.
- ✓ Garnish with fresh herbs at the last moment to maximize their flavor impact.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🪄 Equipment Needed
🔄 Variations to Try
🍽 Pairs Well With
This recipe was inspired by a plate submission on Plate Pic