CHINESE FRIED RICE WITH CHICKEN RECIPES

To make the steamed rice:

Put the rice into a large bowl and wash it in several changes of water until the water becomes clear. Drain the rice and put it into a heavy pan with 600ml (1 pint) of water and bring it to the boil. Continue boiling until most of the surface liquid has evaporated – about 15 minutes. The surface of the rice should have small indentations, like a pitted crater. At this point, cover the pan with a lid, turn the heat as low as possible, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. Let it rest on the turned-off heat for 5 minutes before serving.

To make the chicken fried rice: 

Allow the cooked rice to cool thoroughly by spreading it on a baking sheet. When it is cool, refrigerate. When the rice is cold, proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Cook the fresh peas in a pan of boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain them in a colander. If they are frozen, simply thaw them.

Heat a wok or a large frying pan over a high heat until it is hot. Add 1½ tablespoons of the oil, and when it is very hot and slightly smoking, add the shallots, garlic, ginger and white spring onions and stir-fry for 1 minute. Then add the chicken, 2 teaspoons of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper and continue to stir-fry for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and put the contents of the pan into a bowl. Wipe the pan clean.

Combine the eggs, sesame oil and a pinch of salt in a small bowl and set aside. Reheat the wok or pan over a high heat until it is hot. Add the remaining 1½ tablespoons of oil, and when it is very hot and slightly smoking, turn the heat to moderate and add the eggs. Stir-fry the eggs for 2 minutes, then add the cooked rice and stir-fry it for 3 minutes, mixing well. Add the peas, cooked chicken, chilli bean sauce and shrimp paste and continue to stir-fry for 5 minutes over a high heat. Add the green spring onion tops and stir-fry for a further 2 minutes, then turn the mixture on to a plate and serve at once.