Fried rice is a staple food of many cuisines and cultures, prized for its versatility and economy. Although fried rice has Chinese roots, American, Cuban, Indonesian and Hawaiian versions are popular today. Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice, vegetables, meats, condiments and even fruit.
History
Fried rice most likely originated in China as a method of using up leftover rice. The normal proportions of rice to meat/vegetables in fried rice indicate that it is a food normally eaten by the poor, who cannot afford generous portions of meat. Fried rice is considered a peasant food in China and would never be included on a formal banquet menu.
Types
There are many styles of Chinese fried rice today. The fried rice typically served at Chinese restaurants in America is comprised of leftover rice, egg, a small amount of meat, a few vegetables, soy sauce and green onions. However, other Chinese variants, like Yuan Yang fried rice (which is topped with white sauce on one half and red sauce on the other), Yangchow fried rice (with shrimp and barbecued pork) and Fukien fried rice (topped with a seafood sauce) are available in more authentic Chinese restaurants.
Types
Other Asian countries have created their own individual fried rice dishes as well. Thai fried rice, or Khao Pad, includes shrimp, pork, crab meat and thai fish sauce for a distinctly different flavor. A Malaysian version, called Nasi Goreng, uses kecap manis (a sweet soy sauce) as its primary condiment--this style is popular throughout southeast Asia. Cambodians make Bai Cha, with Chinese sausage, garlic and herbs. Kimchi fried rice is popular in Korea.
Types
Latin countries make fried rice as well, including Peruvian Chaufa rice, which is an adaptation of Chinese style fried rice created by Chinese immigrants. This dish incorporates ingredients native to Peru with Chinese techniques and ingredients. Cuban fried rice, which is similar to Yangchow fried rice, is also a staple on Cuban restaurant menus.
Types
American fried rice is not actually an American invention at all--this dish of hot dogs, fried chicken, eggs, rice and ketchup was a Thai creation served to American soldiers during the Vietnam war. It is quite similar to Nasi Goreng, with ketchup instead of kecap manis. Hawaiian fried rice, incorporating rice, peas and carrots and cubed Spam, might be considered a more "American" invention but the presence of Spam makes it uniquely Hawaiian.
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