Schezwan Fried Rice brings a burst of Indo-Chinese flavors to your table, combining Basmati rice with a vibrant mix of vegetables, eggs, and chicken. The distinct use of Szechuan and soy sauces sets this dish apart from typical fried rice recipes, making it an exceptional choice for both lunch and dinner.
Place bite-sized boneless chicken pieces in a glass bowl. Add ginger-garlic paste, chili powder, pepper powder, Schezwan sauce, soy sauce, corn starch, and a pinch of salt.
Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the spices and sauces. Let it marinate briefly before frying (you can fry the chicken immediately if preferred).
To Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the pan, spreading them out.
Fry the chicken until it achieves a golden color on both sides, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once done, remove the chicken pieces from the oil and set them aside for later use.
To Prepare Schezwan Fried Rice
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and spring onions, sautéing until aromatic.
Toss in green beans, carrots, green bell pepper, cabbage, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry these for 2 minutes.
Create a space in the center of the pan by pushing the veggies to the sides, and pour in the beaten, frothy eggs.
Scramble the eggs, and vegetables together until they become soft and fluffy, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Add the cooked rice, Schezwan sauce, soy sauce, pepper powder, additional spring onions, and the previously fried chicken.
Gently mix everything together. Your delicious Chicken Fried Rice is now ready to be savored and enjoyed.
To Serve
Serve the warm Chicken Fried Rice alongside your choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian dry dishes, or simply enjoy it with ketchup for a quick and tasty option.
Notes
Tips to Make Perfect Schezwan Fried Rice:
Choosing the Right Rice: For the best texture in Schezwan fried rice, use cold, cooked rice to prevent it from becoming mushy or clumpy. While Basmati rice is preferred for its aroma and texture, white, brown, or jasmine rice, especially if it's day-old, also works well for this dish. If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool for 2-3 hours to achieve a similar consistency.
Iron Wok for Authentic Flavor: In professional settings, a large iron wok is preferred to achieve a unique, exotic flavor. At home, you can use an iron pan, Kadai, or skillet to replicate this taste.
Enhance with Sesame Oil and Aromatics: Adding sesame oil, along with a generous amount of green onions and garlic, can significantly enhance the flavor of your Indo-Chinese chicken fried rice.
Cornstarch for Juicy Chicken: When marinating chicken, add cornstarch. This helps in keeping the chicken pieces juicy and succulent.
Avoid Overcooking Garlic: Be cautious not to overcook or burn the garlic, as it can significantly alter the flavor of the fried rice.
Saute Veggies Briefly: To retain the crunchiness of vegetables, sauté them only until they are half-cooked. Overcooking will lose their crisp texture.
Sauce Variations: While homemade schezwan sauce and soy sauce are used in this recipe, feel free to skip or substitute them with chili sauce or sriracha sauce for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with Variations: Traditional Chinese fried rice might include sesame flavor, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili sauce. Ingredients like chicken, beef, egg, shrimp, and various vegetables can be added for diverse flavors.
Incorporate Fruits for a Twist: In some Asian versions, fruits like pineapple, apple, and mango are added, giving a sweet and tangy taste to the fried rice.
Indian Style Adaptations: The Indian version often includes masala powders and onions to cater to local taste preferences.
Vegan Options: For a vegan-friendly meal, use vegan sauces and plant-based proteins instead of chicken and other non-vegan ingredients.