Connie’s notes
Why does the combination of salty Chinese ham and sweet Japanese sausage work? Because instead of a one-dimensional dish, you get contrast in flavors. And since both ham and sausage are cured meats, the richness is simply incredible.
When choosing the vegetables, try for variety in color, shape and texture. While carrot, peas and bell peppers are usual choices, you may opt for broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, corn or asparagus. Just remember to cut them into really small pieces.
To make this dish a true own bowl meal, try not to scrimp on the ingredients. Use generous amounts of meat, vegetables and eggs.
You want the flavors of the ham, sausage and vegetables to shine so season the rice very simply (soy sauce works well) and resist the urge to add oyster sauce or anything too rich.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil divided
- ½ cup chopped shallot
- ½ cup chopped carrot
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- salt
- pepper
- 1 cup chopped Chinese ham
- 1 cup chopped Japanese sausage or any sweet Asian sausage
- ½ cup sweet peas
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- 6 cups day-old rice
- 3 to 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
Instructions
- In a large wok or frying pan, heat two tablespoons cooking oil.
- Add the bell pepper, sprinkle in a little salt and pepper, and stir fry for another half a minute.
- Add the ham and sausage, and stir fry for a few minutes until the pieces of meat are starting to brown along the edges.
- Add the peas, stir fry for half a minute, and scoop out the meat and vegetables into a bowl.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Sprinkle in salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring, until no longer wet. Using your spatula, break into small pieces without removing from the pan.
- Add the rice to the eggs and pour the soy sauce over the rice.
- Stir fry until the rice is heated through.
- Take the cooked ham, sausage and vegetables and add to the rice and eggs.
- Stir fry for a minute then taste and adjust the seasonings, if needed.
- Off the heat, drizzle in the sesame seed oil, toss everything thoroughly and serve.
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