Introduction
Chahan, or Japanese Fried Rice, is a quick and flavorful rice dish influenced by Chinese cuisine but adapted to Japanese tastes. It’s typically made with leftover rice, eggs, green onions, and small pieces of meat or vegetables, all seasoned with soy sauce for a savory finish. Simple yet satisfying, it’s a staple of Japanese home cooking and ramen shop menus.
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, leftover rice)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 100g char siu pork or ham, diced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for aroma)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the rice
- Loosen cold rice with a spoon so grains separate.
- Cook eggs
- Heat oil in a wok or frying pan. Add beaten eggs, scramble lightly, and set aside.
- Stir-fry ingredients
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Stir-fry onion (if using) and diced pork until fragrant.
- Add rice and stir quickly over high heat.
- Season
- Return scrambled eggs to the pan. Mix everything evenly.
- Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss quickly so the rice absorbs flavor.
- Serve
- Transfer to a plate and garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture; freshly cooked rice tends to clump.
- Cook over high heat and stir quickly to give the rice a light, fluffy finish.
- For variations, try adding shrimp, peas, or pickled takana greens.
Closing
Enjoy Chahan’s savory aroma and fluffy texture — a Japanese fried rice that’s easy to make and endlessly adaptable to your favorite ingredients.
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