Huaiyang-style Crispy Rice

Ingredients

In Huaiyang cuisine, the focus is on light and delicate flavors, as well as the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients. This adaptation of the original Chinese Pop Rice recipe incorporates the principles of Huaiyang cuisine by using locally available ingredients and traditional Huaiyang seasonings. The dish also highlights the unique technique of popping rice, which adds a crispy texture and enhances the overall taste experience. We alse have the original recipe for Pop Rice, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice
• 3 cups (710ml) vegetable broth 3 cups (710ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (150g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup (150g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (150g) snow peas, trimmed 1 cup (150g) snow peas, trimmed
• 1 cup (150g) carrots, julienned 1 cup (150g) carrots, julienned
• 1 cup (150g) bamboo shoots, sliced 1 cup (150g) bamboo shoots, sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 56g, 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and cook until it is tender and fully cooked.
3. 3.
   Spread the cooked rice on a baking sheet and let it cool completely.
4. 4.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same wok, add the snow peas, carrots, and bamboo shoots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
6. 6.
   Add the cooled popped rice to the wok and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the rice and vegetables in the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes to coat everything evenly.
8. 8.
   Return the cooked shrimp to the wok and toss gently to combine.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and transfer the Huaiyang-style Crispy Rice to a serving dish.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Jasmine rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy cooked rice.
• Snow peas — Trim the ends and remove any tough strings before stir-frying.
• Shrimp — Ensure the shrimp is peeled and deveined before cooking for a better texture and taste.
• Bamboo shoots — If using canned bamboo shoots, rinse them well to remove any brine or excess salt.
• Soy sauce — Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve perfectly popped rice, make sure the cooked rice is completely cooled before stir-frying.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more soy sauce or salt if desired.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
• For a spicier version, add a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes during the stir-frying process.
• Serve the Huaiyang-style Crispy Rice as a main dish or as a side dish alongside other Huaiyang delicacies.

Serving advice

Serve the Huaiyang-style Crispy Rice hot as a standalone dish or as part of a larger Huaiyang-style meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Huaiyang-style Crispy Rice on a serving platter, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the vegetables and shrimp are visible. The golden hue of the popped rice will add visual appeal to the dish. Consider using a traditional Chinese-style serving bowl or plate to enhance the presentation.