Best Chao Fan Recipe Ever

Chao Fan is one of my favorite dishes in our Filipino cuisine. It is simple to make, and it uses simple, familiar ingredients you can find. Often using a day-old rice, this simple dish is a meal that needs to be in each household meal rotation.

You may also like these recipes: Best Turmeric Yellow Rice, Instant Pot tomato rice, Rice and Beans in the Instant Pot, and Jasmine Rice cooked in the Instant Pot.

What is Chao Fan

Chao Fan, which means “fried rice” in Chinese, has a rich history dating back centuries. It originated in China and has since spread worldwide. 

Chao Fan is a Chinese-inspired Filipino fried rice. Chao Fan has been made famous in the Philippines as Chowking Chao Fan, a Filipino food chain in the Philippines. Chao Fan uses various simple ingredients readily available in Filipino markets and groceries.

 

 

Why you’ll love this Chao Fan Recipe?

• Easy and Quick –this fried rice is done in thirty minutes or less. 
• Restaurant Quality– So simple yet at par with Chowking! I know. You are craving Chowking Chao Fan, which delivers with less effort and is ready in your kitchen.
• Popular with the family! My family loves this. I make a massive batch for packing lunch throughout the week.
• Left0ver Friendly– yup! Make a massive batch for future consumption. You can freeze this, or you can store it in the fridge.

 

 Ingredients

To make this delicious Chao Fan, you need a selection of premium ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jasmine Rice–Use long-grain jasmine rice for its aromatic fragrance and ideal texture.
• Protein– Choose your preferred protein source, such as chicken, shrimp, pork, or tofu, to customize your Chao Fan.
• A fresh Vegetable medley of carrots, bell peppers, peas, and green onions adds color and flavor.
• Aromatics–Garlic and ginger provide that quintessential Asian zest.
• Sauces and Seasonings- sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil elevate the flavor profile.

How do you make a Chao Fan?

• Heat oil on medium heat and add the beaten egg. Cook the egg and shred it into medium-sized pieces. Remove the cooked egg and add in the remaining oil.

• Cook the meat- using the same pan, add oil and cook it until it is no longer pink.

• Add the oyster and soy sauce to season. Add more or less, according to your liking.

• Add the frozen peas and carrots. Mix and add the rice. Add the egg.

• Add the cooked egg and add a dash of Roasted Sesame Oil.

Serving and Enjoying

Your homemade Chao Fan is now ready to be savored. Garnish it with sliced green onions and a drizzle of additional soy sauce if desired. Serve it as a standalone delight or a delightful accompaniment to your favorite Asian dishes.

How do You Store?

• You can make a massive batch of this Filipino Fried rice and store it in the fridge or freeze it. Thaw on the counter and microwave, covered with a damp paper towel for two minutes.

 

Fried Rice Common Questions

• Why can’t I use freshly cooked rice?

Freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and yields a bowl of wet fried rice. Using day-old rice produces a dry rice texture and not soggy fried rice.

• Can I use frozen rice for my fried rice?

Yes, you can. Thaw the frozen rice before adding it to the meat and veggies mixture.

 

• Can I use a different type of meat or none at all

You can use any meat you want. Or skip the meat in this fried rice

• Can I make this vegan?

Yes. Skip the meat and egg and replace them with tofu.