Master the Art of Making Cuban Chinese Fried Rice
Picture this: you’re sitting down at a Cuban Chinese restaurant, and the smell of soy sauce and fried rice wafts over to your table. Suddenly, a dish is placed in front of you – a beautiful, steaming plate of Cuban Chinese fried rice. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, but the taste? It’s nothing short of pure bliss.
If you’ve never tried Cuban Chinese fried rice before, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious flavor combinations around. This recipe combines the best of both worlds to create a unique and utterly satisfying dish that will have everyone begging for seconds.
As a culinary explorer, I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with different recipes from all over the world. But I always come back to this one – there’s just something about the way the flavors meld together that keeps me coming back time and time again.
In this recipe article, I’m going to share with you my secret formula for making perfect Cuban Chinese fried rice every time. Trust me – once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to regular old fried rice again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to take your taste buds on an adventure they’ll never forget!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you always on the lookout for a new and exciting twist on classic recipes? Then you simply must try this Cuban Chinese Style Fried Rice recipe! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What makes this recipe so special? For starters, it’s an exotic fusion of two distinct culinary styles – Cuban and Chinese. This unique combination of flavors will transport you to another world with every bite. You’ll get the savory flavors of soy sauce and garlic cloves along with the tangy taste of smoked ham and scallions, all mixed with the comforting familiarity of fried rice.
But that’s not all! The secret ingredient in this recipe is the fresh ginger, which adds a whole new level of deliciousness to the dish. The ginger brings out the richness of the shrimp and cooked pork while adding a zesty flavor that’s hard to resist.
And let’s not forget about how simple it is to prepare! Once you have all of your ingredients, it comes together fast – only taking 30 minutes or less from start to finish. You can make it in large batches if you’re feeding a crowd or scale it down for a quick meal at home. Regardless of how much you make, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So whether you’re looking for a new side dish for your next family dinner or want something different for your weekly meal prep routine, this Cuban Chinese Style Fried Rice recipe is exactly what you need. Try it today and discover why it’s one of my all-time favorite recipes!
Ingredient List
Here are the necessary ingredients for our Cuban Chinese-style Fried Rice Recipe that will surely make your taste buds dance! Don’t worry, these ingredients are easy to acquire and can be found in most grocery stores. Check it out:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked white rice
- 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil (and additional oil to add later)
- 4 eggs (scrambled)
- salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/2 shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup of diced smoked ham or cooked pork cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 scallions, sliced thinly
Don’t hesitate to visit Asian Chinese restaurants for other secret ingredient ideas!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have introduced you to this flavorful dish, let’s dive into how to make this Cuban Chinese Fried Rice. As we have mentioned earlier, the secret ingredient in this recipe is the smoked ham which has a uniquely sweet and salty taste. This recipe also includes cooked shrimp, cooked pork, eggs, scallions, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, and of course, cooked white rice.
Steps:
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Heat up your wok or large frying pan on high heat until it begins to smoke. Add vegetable oil and wait for it to hot.
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Once the oil starts smoking, add in the diced cooked ham and sauté until lightly browned and crisp.
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Add in chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
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Next, add garlic and ginger and continue to stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add in the cooked pork and stir-fry for another minute.
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Now, push everything off to the side of your wok/pan and add beaten eggs to the empty side of the pan/wok.
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Let it scramble for about a minute or until it sets.
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Combine everything together and stir fry around the edges of the wok/pan.
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Pour in soy sauce all over everything as well as some chicken broth because you want every grain of rice to be coated with those flavors.
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Slowly add in cooked white rice (you can use leftover rice) continually stirring until it is heated through.
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Finally, sprinkle on some chopped scallions and serve immediately alongside your favorite protein.
Enjoy your delicious Cuban Chinese Fried Rice!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, experimenting with different ingredients can lead to some truly delicious results. In this recipe for Cuban Chinese-style fried rice, there are a few key ingredients that give it its unique flavor, but there are also some substitutions and variations you can try if you want to mix things up.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily swap it out for another protein such as chicken, beef or tofu. If using tofu, make sure to press out the excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
If you don’t have smoked ham on hand, diced cooked bacon or pancetta could be used instead for a similar smoky flavor. Sliced or diced cooked pork also works well in this recipe and is often used traditionally in Chinese fried rice dishes.
For those who prefer brown rice over white rice, it’s possible to use brown rice in this recipe with just a few adjustments. Simply increase the amount of chicken broth used by half a cup and allow the brown rice to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until tender.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, feel free to skip the eggs and swap vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Additionally, using olive oil or vegetable oil instead of peanut oil will still give you a great result.
For a spicier version of this dish, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the cooking process or drizzle with some hot sauce before serving.
The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and make this dish your own.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Cuban Chinese fried rice is ready, it’s time to explore how you can serve and pair it. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, filling, and easy to prepare. You can serve this rice as a main dish, or as a side dish with some grilled or roasted chicken.
For a complete meal, you can top your hot Cuban Chinese fried rice with some cooked pork or shrimp, and garnish it with some sliced scallions. The smoky flavor of the smoked ham pairs well with the ginger and garlic flavors of the dish. The shrimp adds a perfect seafood twist to this classic recipe. The freshness of steamed broccoli or green beans can also make an excellent topping.
If you want to enjoy this dish with a refreshing drink, go for iced tea with lemon wedges or cold beer. The lightness of iced tea pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors in the rice while a cold beer compliment its spicy kick.
This fried rice recipe is also versatile enough to pair well with other cuisines. You can serve it alongside Mexican dishes like tacos or burritos, which will equally balanced the heat of rice thus making it more tolerable for people who do not like too much spice.
Finally, Cuban Chinese fried rice is also an excellent leftover alternative for a tasty and convenient lunch. Reheat it in the microwave and sprinkle some soy sauce over it to maintain its delicious flavor.
Whatever way you choose to enjoy this savory meal, remember that its hearty combination of cooked white rice and fresh ingredients will leave your taste buds happy and belly grateful!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made this delicious Cuban Chinese Fried Rice, you may want to keep it for later or reheat it for leftovers. Fortunately, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals, storing and reheating.
To make ahead of time, simply prepare the entire recipe as directed and let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the fried rice into an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to three days.
When it’s time to eat, simply remove from the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with some additional oil. If you find that the rice is a bit dry after refrigeration, you can add some chicken broth or soy sauce to moisten it up.
If you have leftover rice from a previous meal that you want to use instead of freshly cooked rice, this is also possible. Just make sure to heat up the leftover rice before adding it to other ingredients. Keep in mind that if you’re using leftover rice, it may be less fluffy due to sitting in the fridge. Don’t worry though – this will not affect the flavor of your dish.
Another option is to freeze your Cuban Chinese Fried Rice for later consumption. Simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop with some additional oil.
In terms of storing your ingredients, keep your cooked white rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; pre-cooked pork or cooked shrimp should be consumed within two days of preparation.
With this recipe, you don’t need to worry about throwing out leftovers ever again. Enjoy a fresh plate or reheated bowl of this delicious Cuban Chinese Fried Rice time and time again.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to fried rice, there are a few tips and tricks that can make all the difference between a clumpy, flavorless mess and a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish. Here are some tips for achieving perfect results with this Cuban Chinese-style fried rice recipe.
First and foremost, it is important to use cooked white rice that has been cooled in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps to dry out the grains and prevent them from clumping together when stir-fried with the other ingredients. Using leftover rice is also a great option.
Another key tip is to stir-fry each ingredient separately before adding them all together in the pan. This ensures that they each have a chance to cook properly and develop their own flavors before being combined with the rest of the ingredients. It also prevents overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking.
When cooking the eggs for this dish, it is important to scramble them first before adding them to the wok or frying pan. This helps to ensure that they are cooked evenly and don’t form clumps when added to the other ingredients.
Additionally, using high heat is crucial when making fried rice. Stir-frying over high heat allows for quick cooking and also helps to develop a smoky, charred flavor in the rice that is characteristic of Chinese fried rice.
For added flavor, be sure to use a good quality soy sauce such as Kikkoman or Tamari. These brands are widely available at most grocery stores and pack a lot of umami-rich flavor into your dish.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of this recipe – try adding in your favorite proteins such as chicken or beef, or swapping out some of the vegetables for ones that you prefer. With these tips in mind, you are well on your way to mastering this Cuban Chinese-style fried rice recipe!
FAQ
Okay, let’s dive into some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about this Cuban Chinese-style fried rice recipe. Hopefully, these will clear up any uncertainties you may have and make your cooking experience as smooth as possible.
What gives Chinese fried rice it’s flavor?
When it comes to making fried rice, the key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors is by adding soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. These three sauces are crucial in enhancing the taste of the rice, meat, and vegetables. However, it is important to exercise caution in using these sauces, as overdoing it can easily ruin the dish. Use small amounts of each sauce and taste the rice frequently. The goal is to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients rather than overpowering them with too much sauce.
Why does Chinese fried rice taste different?
Masterful manipulation of high heat, deft tosses, and the elusive “wok hei” are the secrets behind the unparalleled taste of Chinese restaurant-style fried rice. This level of expertise can only be achieved by cooking with a wok on a gas range, according to J. Kenji López-Alt’s piece for Serious Eats. While it may be challenging to replicate at home, it is the reason why restaurant fried rice beats homemade every time.
What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?
When it comes to cooking fried rice like the ones you get at hibachi restaurants, there’s a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level: butter. Since I started using it, the flavor of my fried rice has significantly improved, and it also helps the rice to become more evenly browned. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. So if you want to elevate your fried rice game, don’t hesitate to add a dollop of butter.
What kind of rice do Chinese restaurants use for fried rice?
Jasmine rice is a variety of long-grain rice that is well known for its subtle flavor and slightly sticky texture. This type of rice is popularly used in Chinese cuisine and is named after the aromatic Jasmine flower.
Bottom Line
As I conclude this article, I must say that the Cuban Chinese Style Fried Rice recipe is a delightful fusion of both Cuban and Chinese cultures. With its rich flavors and unique blend of ingredients, this recipe will definitely excite your taste buds.
I highly recommend giving this recipe a try! Not only is it easy to make, but it is also versatile and can be customized to your liking. From substituting the protein to adjusting the seasoning, there are endless possibilities with this dish.
And don’t just take my word for it. Try it out for yourself and see why this dish has become a favorite in both Cuban and Chinese restaurants around the world. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
With the secret ingredient being scallions and the addition of soy sauce, eggs, fresh ginger, garlic cloves, shrimp, smoked ham, cooked pork, or cooked white rice, you can create a flavorful Chinese style fried rice. And with this recipe’s Cuban twist, it adds an extra layer of flavor that truly sets it apart from other fried rice dishes.
So go ahead, grab your apron and wok or frying pan, and give this delicious Cuban Chinese Style Fried Rice Recipe a try! You won’t regret it!
Fried Rice, Cuban Chinese Style Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice (without salt)
- 1 lb cooked pork, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 lb smoked ham, cut into small strips
- 1/2 lb shrimp (small)
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 3 garlic cloves, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 6 eggs
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 bunches scallions, chopped (including green part)
Instructions
- Peel, devein and boil shrimp.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in large skillet.
- Beat eggs, and pour into skillet and make a very thin omelette. Cut omelette into strips like the ham. Set aside.
- Heat rest of oil. Fry garlic until golden and discard.
- Add rice to oil and stir with a large two tined fork until rice is well coated.
- Add pork, ginger, shrimp, ham and egg. Stir well, add soy sauce and stir in scallions.
- Serve immediately.
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.