Hey guys! Ever craved that amazing Hong Kong Fried Rice you see on food vlogs? Well, today we’re diving into a super easy and delicious recipe inspired by the one and only Nex Carlos! Get ready to whip up a batch of this flavorful fried rice that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. This recipe captures the essence of authentic Hong Kong fried rice, bringing together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect dish every time. So, grab your wok and let’s get cooking!

Why This Hong Kong Fried Rice Recipe Rocks

Okay, so why should you even bother with this particular recipe? What makes it so special? First off, it's incredibly simple. Nex Carlos always keeps it real with easy-to-follow instructions, and this recipe is no different. You don't need to be a culinary genius to nail this dish. Secondly, the flavor profile is on point. We're talking that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and umami that makes Hong Kong fried rice so addictive. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving this harmonious blend, from the premium soy sauce to the subtly sweet char siu pork. Furthermore, the texture is just right – fluffy rice, tender proteins, and crisp vegetables come together to create a symphony of sensations in every bite. And let's not forget the speed – you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Lastly, this recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables to create your unique version of Hong Kong fried rice. So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious meal, this Nex Carlos-inspired recipe is definitely worth a try!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients. Don't worry, most of these are pantry staples, and anything else is easily found at your local Asian grocery store. Getting the right ingredients is half the battle, so pay attention to the quality and freshness of each component.

• Cooked Rice: About 3 cups of day-old cooked rice. Day-old rice is crucial because it’s drier and fries up better without clumping. Using freshly cooked rice will result in a mushy, undesirable texture. The type of rice also matters; long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati works best for fried rice. These varieties have a lower starch content, which helps prevent stickiness. Make sure to fluff the rice before adding it to the wok to ensure even cooking.
• Char Siu Pork: Roughly 1 cup, diced. This is the star of the show! Char Siu Pork brings that signature sweet and savory flavor. Look for it at your local Chinese BBQ shop. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even make your own Char Siu at home. The key is to get a good balance of lean and fatty pieces to add both flavor and texture to the fried rice. Cut the pork into small, uniform cubes for even distribution throughout the dish.
• Shrimp: About 1/2 cup, peeled and deveined. Adds a lovely seafood element. Make sure they're fresh for the best taste. Small to medium-sized shrimp are ideal, as they cook quickly and evenly. Pat them dry before adding them to the wok to prevent them from steaming instead of frying.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. These add richness and help bind everything together. Beat the eggs thoroughly with a pinch of salt to ensure a smooth and even texture. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to make them extra fluffy.
• Green Onions: 2-3 stalks, chopped. For that fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color. Slice the green onions thinly on a bias to maximize their surface area and release their aromatic oils. Reserve some of the green parts for garnish.
• Peas and Carrots: About 1/2 cup. Adds a touch of sweetness and some veggies! You can use frozen peas and carrots for convenience, but make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the wok. Freshly diced carrots add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons. The backbone of the savory flavor. Opt for a high-quality light soy sauce for the best taste. Light soy sauce is thinner and saltier than dark soy sauce, providing a clean and bright flavor to the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds depth and umami. A little goes a long way! Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce made from oyster extracts. It adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fried rice. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. For that nutty aroma. Just a touch is all you need. Sesame oil has a strong, distinctive flavor, so a little goes a long way. Drizzle it over the fried rice at the end of cooking to add a fragrant aroma and a subtle nutty taste.
• White Pepper: A pinch. Adds a subtle warmth. White pepper has a milder, more delicate flavor than black pepper. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish without overpowering the other flavors. Use it sparingly, as too much can make the fried rice taste bitter.
• Cooking Oil: Vegetable or canola oil. For stir-frying. You'll need enough oil to coat the bottom of the wok or pan to prevent sticking. Vegetable or canola oil are neutral-flavored oils that won't interfere with the other flavors in the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! Let's get cooking. Follow these steps closely, and you'll be enjoying a plate of delicious Hong Kong Fried Rice in no time.

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before you even turn on the stove, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Dice the Char Siu Pork, peel and devein the shrimp, chop the green onions, and thaw the peas and carrots if using frozen. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother and faster.
2. Scramble the Eggs: Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in your wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until they're cooked but still slightly soft. Remove the eggs from the wok and set aside. Don't overcook the eggs, as they will continue to cook when you add them back to the fried rice later. The goal is to have fluffy, tender pieces of egg throughout the dish.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add another tablespoon of cooking oil to the wok. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the wok and set aside. Make sure not to overcrowd the wok, as this will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of fry. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the peas and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until they're slightly softened. You can also add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms if you like. Stir-frying the vegetables before adding the rice helps to bring out their natural sweetness and adds a nice texture to the dish.
5. Add the Rice: Now, add the day-old cooked rice to the wok. Break up any clumps with your spatula and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted. Make sure to spread the rice out evenly in the wok to ensure that it cooks evenly. Use a spatula to toss the rice frequently, preventing it from sticking to the bottom of the wok.
6. Add the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce over the rice. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is evenly distributed and the rice is nicely coated. The soy sauce and oyster sauce will add a savory, umami flavor to the fried rice. Adjust the amount of sauce to your liking, depending on how salty you want the dish to be.
7. Combine Everything: Add the scrambled eggs, cooked shrimp, and Char Siu Pork back into the wok. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through. Make sure to gently toss the ingredients together to avoid breaking up the eggs or shrimp.
8. Finish with Aromatics: Stir in the green onions and sesame oil. Give it a final toss. The green onions will add a fresh, vibrant flavor, while the sesame oil will add a nutty aroma. Stir-frying them in at the end of cooking will help to preserve their flavor and texture.
9. Serve Immediately: Transfer the fried rice to plates and serve immediately. Sprinkle with a pinch of white pepper for an extra layer of flavor. Garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade Hong Kong Fried Rice!

Tips for the Perfect Fried Rice

Want to take your Hong Kong Fried Rice game to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you achieve fried rice perfection:

• Use Day-Old Rice: This is the golden rule of fried rice. Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in sticky, clumpy fried rice. Day-old rice, on the other hand, has had time to dry out, which allows it to fry up beautifully without sticking together. If you don't have day-old rice on hand, you can spread freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for a few hours to dry it out.
• Hot Wok, High Heat: A hot wok and high heat are essential for achieving that signature smoky flavor and preventing the rice from sticking to the wok. Make sure your wok is properly heated before adding any ingredients. If you don't have a wok, a large cast-iron skillet will also work.
• Don't Overcrowd the Wok: Overcrowding the wok will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of fry. Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary to ensure that they cook properly.
• Prep Everything in Advance: Fried rice is a quick-cooking dish, so it's important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This will help to ensure that everything cooks evenly and that you don't burn anything.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your fried rice. Use high-quality soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil for the best results. Fresh, high-quality proteins and vegetables will also make a big difference.
• Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: Don't be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like your fried rice saltier, add more soy sauce. If you like it sweeter, add a touch of sugar or honey. Experiment with different flavors and find what works best for you.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of fried rice is that it's incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Protein: Try adding different types of protein, such as chicken, beef, tofu, or roast duck. Each protein will add a unique flavor and texture to the fried rice.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, or bok choy. These vegetables will add color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
• Sauces: Experiment with different sauces, such as hoisin sauce, black bean sauce, or chili garlic sauce. These sauces will add a different dimension of flavor to the fried rice.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick. Be careful not to add too much, as a little goes a long way.
• Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Toasted nuts will add even more flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! A super easy and delicious Hong Kong Fried Rice recipe inspired by Nex Carlos. I promise, once you nail this, you'll be making it all the time. It's quick, it's satisfying, and it's a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking, and don't forget to share your creations! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with your own variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, have fun! And remember, the best meals are those made with love and shared with friends and family. Bon appétit!