Young Chow Fried Rice (also known as Yangzhou Fried Rice) is a Cantonese takeout classic that’s savory, satisfying, and quick to make. While the original Yangzhou version is luxurious with sea cucumber and dried scallops, the Hong Kong-style we’re making today features juicy shrimp, sweet char siu pork, and fluffy egg-fried rice. It’s comfort food at its best—perfect for a weeknight meal or weekend gathering.
Young Chow Fried Rice Recipe
Serves: 2 to 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup jasmine rice
1 cup water
3 tablespoons cooking oil, separated
1/2 cup small shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup char siu pork, diced
1/4 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup peas, steamed
1/4 cup carrots, diced and steamed
2 eggs, whisked
Pinch of salt
Pinch of white pepper
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 stalk scallion, finely chopped
Young Chow Fried Rice Instructions
1. Steam the rice:
- Use a 1:1 ratio of jasmine rice to water in your rice cooker.
- Cook using the rice setting until done.
2. Chill the rice:
- Transfer to a plate or tray, let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before stir-frying.
3. Cook the shrimp:
- In a wok over high heat, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
- Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink, about 1 minute. Remove and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the vegetables and char siu:
- In the same wok over high heat, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Add the onion, peas, carrots, and char siu. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.
5. Scramble the eggs:
- In the same wok over high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Pour in the eggs and scramble until they are partially cooked.
6. Add the rice:
- Transfer the steamed rice into the wok. Stir-fry until the rice is hot and each grain is separated.
7. Combine everything:
- Return the vegetables and char siu to the wok. Season with salt, white pepper, and soy sauce.
- Mix thoroughly and return the shrimp. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add scallions and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. Serve hot.
Tips & notes
- Use overnight rice: Cold, day-old rice has less moisture and makes better fried rice with distinct grains.
- Want to use fresh rice? Air it out on a plate for at least 30 minutes to reduce moisture before stir-frying.
- No char siu: You can substitute with cooked ham, roasted pork, or omit entirely for a shrimp-only version.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and char siu and add tofu or more veggies like corn, mushrooms, or edamame.
6 thoughts on “Young Chow Fried Rice Recipe (Hong Kong Style)”
I lire chinese food so much
Hi Suzette, Cheers to yummy Chinese food! 😀
I Love it. I am Chinese.
Thanks so much!
Nice good one! Really good!:))
Hi Maryse,
Thanks so much!
CiCi