Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Chicken and Napa Cabbage Fried Rice






Fried rice is one of those wonderful dishes that is quick and easy to prepare and has universal appeal.  It's a great way to use bits of this and that in the fridge and will stretch a single chicken breast to serve 6.  I've tweaked this recipe over time and think this version is just about perfect.  The cabbage keeps the rice moist and there is enough chicken and egg to make this a satisfying entree if you are in the mood for a light and very tasty meal.  I served it with a small salad and mango sorbet for dessert.

Chicken and Napa Cabbage Fried Rice

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
6 tablespoons peanut oil
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
1 small head of Napa cabbage, core removed and finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces chicken, cut into very thin strips
Salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups cooked long-grain rice, cooked and chilled
1/2 cups peas
1/4 bunch green onions, sliced, for garnish
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped, for garnish.

Combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and sesame oil.  Set aside.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wok or large  nonstick skillet over medium high heat.  Give the oil a minute to heat up, then add the shallots and ginger and stir fry for 1 minutes. Add the cabbage and stir fry until the cabbage is wilted and soft, about 4 minutes.  Season with a pinch of salt.  Remove the vegetables to a side platter and wipe out the wok with a dry paper towel.

Put the pan back on the heat and coat with 2 tablespoons oil.  Add the garlic to the wok and saute gently until fragrant.  Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink.  Set aside on the platter with the vegetables.  Add remaining oil to the wok and when hot, crack the eggs into the center.  Scramble the eggs lightly, then let them set without stirring so that they stay in big pieces.  Fold in the rice and toss with the eggs until well combined, breaking up the rice clumps with the back of a spatula.  Return the sauteed vegetables and chicken to the pan along with the peas and add the soy sauce mixture.  Season with salt to taste.  Toss everything together to heat through.  Spoon the fried rice onto a serving platter and garnish with green onions and peanuts.

31 comments:

  1. That looks delicious, Cathy! I never think to use chicken in my fried rice, always do pork. Did some today in fact! I use water chestnuts instead of peanuts for the crunch. I know some people don't like them, but I do!
    It has been very hot here. Hard to work in the garden in this heat!

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  2. one of the kind rice dish...love the look of it...

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  3. Oh, that looks good, Cathy! I just had a chicken salad sandwich for supper, but seeing this makes me want to run to Publix! :-)

    XO,

    Sheila

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  4. The only thing I'll have to buy for this is the cabbage - looks like tomorrow's or Thursday's supper.

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  5. Cathy I really like fried rice, but seldom make it. Yours looks great. I am sure my family would like it. Joni

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  6. That sounds delicious! I love all of the ingredients. I saw your post on marilyns site. Here is my link. http://kryskirkpatrickdesign.blogspot.com/I I will come back and look at more of your recipes.

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  7. I'm amazed! The fried rice looks really tempting. You're making me hungry. Thanks for sharing.
    Blessings, Kristy

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  8. Cathy, we're headed to Florida to visit Rob and the kids- I think I'll bring this with me to try with Shaun- they have a GREAT farmer's market nearby
    xoxo Pattie

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  9. I love fried rice and that recipe sounds perfect!!
    Love,
    Lia.

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  10. This looks fantastic. We love fried rice in my house. I think my whole family would enjoy this. It always makes me happy when I find a recipe on a blog that seems simple to prepare and yummy enough that it will please everyone. I am putting the ingredients on my grocery list for next week...thanks!

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  11. I love fried rice. There are just so many delicious possibilities.

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  12. Very nice. This looks exactly like something we fix all the time.

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  13. I agree! I cook a lot of fried rice, so easy and tasty!

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  14. Yummmmm....this looks so delicious Cathy!
    Beautiful pics!

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  15. What a lovely dish! We are fans of fried rice in our family. As a matter of fact it is my breakfast of choice. Yours sounds delicious. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  16. That's a very economical dish to indeed...and using left over rice is best for frying rice...looks delicious Cathy:D

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  17. Simple and delightful, I'l eat this for my breakfast. YUM!

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  18. Looks really yummy. I love grated carrots in my stir-fry... such a pretty color to it.

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  19. Cathy, would you believe I've NEVER tried to make fried rice at home? *blush* We just go out for Chinese...its so close to home & easy. Pork &/or chicken Fried Rice is is one of DH's favorites so you know I'm going to try doing this for him.

    Thanks!

    Have a Happy 4th of July! (come see my table)
    The Gazebo House

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  20. wow this looks wonderful and your crab salad heavenly could i feature it on an Alaskan seafood co. blog and link to you??

    Rebecca

    rebeccasubbiah at yahoo dot com

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  21. Here's a conversation a friend of mine adn I had a couple weeks ago. M = me, F = my friend...

    F= Where does your Mom get the pictures of the food on her blog?

    M= She takes them.

    F= Nu, uh.

    M= yep

    F= get out!

    M= serious.

    F= you're lieing.

    M= I'm serious, she takes them.

    F= But the food looks so awesome.

    M= I know! That's what I've been sayin'.

    F= Really? She takes them of the actual food she makes?

    M= yes, you dork. That's what I'm saying.

    F= Holy heck. Your Mom makes great lookingn food!

    =o)

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  22. LOL, Erin. You made my day. Thanks.

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  23. Having grown up in New York, it never occurred to me that you can make Fried Rice at home! It was always available at the other end of the telephone, calling for take-out Chinese.

    I'm going to have to try this -- I need new inspiration for my cooking!
    Cass

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  24. Mmm. I love fried rice. I'd even have this for my breakfast in the morning! ;)

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  25. Looks like a great, easy recipe. What's not to love about a near perfect recipe.

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  26. This looks delicious! Fried rice is great and the mixture of ingredients sounds perfect. Yum!

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  27. Please pass the chopsticks! I am weak with hunger right now. Thanks for another winner in the recipe department!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  28. That is something I would not have thought of adding to fried rice. Napa cabbage; how smart is that. My husband is going to love this recipe and yes I will be making it soon.
    Rita

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  29. I've never made fried rice but it looks delicious and I love the way you describe it. Another must-try!

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  30. I could definitely get into that salad big time - it all looks so fresh and yummy! the fried rice is such a new addition -

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Thanks so much for visiting. I hope you enjoyed my blog and will leave a comment or two. And come back again of course ~ Cathy