Rice is a staple in Chinese cuisine, and Cantonese rice dishes are renowned for their flavorful ingredients and delicate textures. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, preparing a delectable Cantonese rice dish for your first course is easier than you may think. In this article, we will guide you through creating a mouthwatering Cantonese rice dish that will impress both your family and guests.
One popular dish is Yangzhou Fried Rice, a flavorful and colorful rice dish that originated in Yangzhou, China. To make this dish, start by washing and cooking three cups of long-grain rice. Once cooked and cooled, spread the rice out on a tray and let it dry for about half an hour.
In a wok or a large frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add two beaten eggs and scramble them until they are just cooked. Remove the eggs from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and fry diced onions until they turn translucent. Then, add diced pork, prawns, and diced chicken to the pan and cook until they are almost fully cooked.
Next, add cooked peas, diced carrots, and thinly sliced spring onions to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until all the ingredients are well combined and cooked. Add the cooked rice to the pan and toss it with the ingredients to ensure everything is evenly mixed together.
To complete the dish, season with light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for a couple more minutes, making sure the flavors are well incorporated. Finally, add the scrambled eggs back into the pan and continue to stir-fry for another minute until everything is heated through.
Another delicious Cantonese rice dish to consider for your first course is Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage and Mushrooms. This dish has a rich, savory flavor that will leave you craving for more. To begin, soak two cups of sticky rice in water for at least two hours or overnight.
Drain the rice and place it in a steamer lined with cheesecloth or banana leaves. Steam the rice over high heat for about 20 minutes until it becomes tender and translucent. While the rice is steaming, soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for about 30 minutes until they become soft. Once soft, slice the mushrooms into thin strips.
In a wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat and sauté diced Chinese sausages until they release their flavorful oils. Add the sliced mushrooms to the wok and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender. Then, add the cooked sticky rice to the wok and stir-fry with the sausages and mushrooms.
Season the dish with a tablespoon of oyster sauce, a tablespoon of dark soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry everything together for another minute until the ingredients are well combined and heated through. Transfer the sticky rice to a serving dish and garnish with thinly sliced spring onions for an added touch of freshness.
In conclusion, Cantonese rice dishes are a delightful addition to any first course and are relatively simple to make. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can create mouthwatering dishes such as Yangzhou Fried Rice or Sticky Rice with Chinese Sausage and Mushrooms. So, why not embrace these Cantonese flavors and surprise your family and guests with a delicious and authentic first course that they will surely enjoy?