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Homemade Chao Fan: A Flavorful Fried Rice Favorite You Can Make Anytime

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Chao Fan, or Chinese fried rice, is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that delivers vibrant flavors with minimal effort. The key to a great fried rice lies in using cold, day-old rice and cooking it over high heat, which creates a slightly crispy texture without making the rice soggy. This recipe is fully customizable, with eggs as the primary protein, and can be made with options like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a way to use up leftover rice, or a tasty side dish, this fried rice recipe is sure to impress.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old and cold)

2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil

2 eggs, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup diced carrots

½ cup frozen peas

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or firm tofu, diced (optional)

3 green onions, sliced

23 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian mushroom sauce)

½ teaspoon ground white or black pepper

Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
  2. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.
  3. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces.
  4. Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or over a gas flame for 20–30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred.
  5. Layer the sliced chicken into the tortillas and top with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add any optional toppings you like, such as avocado, cotija cheese, pickled red onions, or salsa verde.

Notes

For a leaner option, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.

Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and onions for a tasty vegetarian version.

Try adding grilled pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.

  • Author: Chloe Mae
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg