Yangchow Fried Rice

Yangchow fried rice is one of the classic dishes served at a Chinese banquet, customarily toward the end of the meal. YangZhou fried rice is a perhaps the most well-known dish of the city of YangZhou, JiangSu province. The recipe was invented by Qing China's Yi Bingshou (1754–1815) and the dish was named Yang Zhou fried rice since Yi was once the regional magistrate of Yangzhou.

What makes this rice distinct from Cantonese fried rice is that the individual grains of rice are cooked in the egg. It is lightly seasoned and deliberately does not have any soy sauce so that the rice grains remain white. Yangchow fried rice is prized for its clean and fresh flavors. The Cantonese make this rice with Chinese Barbecued Pork, in place of the ham.

3 large eggs
6 ounces ham (or Chinese Barbecued Pork)
4 ounces frozen medium shrimp

Shrimp Seasonings:
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch

Other:
5 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1/2 cup peas, fresh or frozen (if using frozen peas, thaw first)
4 cups cold cooked rice

Lightly beat the eggs and set aside.

Dice the barbecued pork. Rinse the shrimp under warm running water to thaw. Shell, devein, and finely chop. Toss the shrimp with the seasonings (the salt, pepper and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch).

Heat the wok and add 1 tablespoon oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink. Push the shrimp up to the side and add the roast pork. Stir-fry briefly, then remove both from the pan. Clean out the pan.

Heat the wok and add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Stir-fry until it begins to soften, then add the peas. Stir-fry until the peas turn bright green and remove from the pan.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in the wok. Add the cooked rice, stirring to separate the individual grains. Do not let the rice brown. Add the beaten egg, stirring so that all the rice grains are covered.

Add the roast pork, shrimp, onion and vegetables into the pan. Mix everything together. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot.