Chahan (Japanese Fried Rice)

Light, fluffy fried rice with egg, ham and spring onions, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil.

TIME BREAKDOWN
Prep: 40 min
Cook: 25 min
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
Vegetarian
❌
Nuts
❌
Serves
4 people
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

  • 300g short-grain or sushi rice
  • 360ml cold water
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 3 large eggs, beaten
  • 4 slices cooked ham, diced
  • 4 spring onions, finely sliced
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Method

  1. Rinse 300g short-grain or sushi rice in a sieve under cold running water until the water runs almost clear, then drain.

  2. Put the rice and 360ml cold water in a lidded saucepan and soak for 20 minutes. Bring to the boil, cover tightly, reduce to the lowest heat and cook for 12 minutes without lifting the lid, then rest, covered, for 10 minutes.

  3. Spread the cooked rice onto a large tray and leave to cool completely, then chill for at least 20 minutes. Cold rice gives the best, non-sticky result.

  4. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large wok or frying pan over a high heat. Pour in the eggs and stir for 20 seconds until barely set, then add the rice, breaking up any lumps.

  5. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the grains are hot and separate. Add the remaining oil, ham, and half of the spring onions and stir-fry for 2 minutes.

  6. Season with the soy sauce, salt and pepper, drizzle over the sesame oil and toss. Serve topped with the remaining spring onions.