How to Make Yangzhou Fried Rice – A Classic Chinese Fried Rice Recipe

If you’re a fan of Chinese takeaway dishes, you’ve likely heard of Yangzhou fried rice—a colourful, satisfying stir-fried rice dish that’s popular across the world. Known for its combination of egg, prawns, vegetables, and roast meats, Yangzhou fried rice (扬州炒饭) is a versatile and delicious recipe that you can recreate at home using ingredients easily found in the UK.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make Yangzhou fried rice using British English, complete with SEO-friendly tips, all under 1000 words.

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🍚 What Is Yangzhou Fried Rice?

Yangzhou fried rice, also known as Yeung Chow fried rice, originates from the Jiangsu province of eastern China. It’s famous for its balanced mix of proteins (like prawns, Chinese BBQ pork, and egg), colourful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings—all tossed together with day-old rice for that perfect fried rice texture.

Unlike basic egg fried rice, Yangzhou fried rice offers a richer taste and more complex textures, making it a favourite for both everyday meals and special occasions.

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🔍 Why You’ll Love This Yangzhou Fried Rice Recipe

Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes

Great use for leftover rice

Packed with protein, fibre, and flavour

Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners

Can be adapted to suit vegetarian or gluten-free diets

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

Main ingredients:

2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain rice (preferably chilled overnight)

2 eggs, lightly beaten

100g cooked prawns (peeled and deveined)

100g Chinese BBQ pork or leftover roast pork, diced

½ cup frozen peas and diced carrots (defrosted)

2 spring onions, finely chopped

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Salt, to taste

White pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon light soy sauce (optional)

A dash of sesame oil (optional)

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🍳 How to Make Yangzhou Fried Rice – Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Rice

Use cold, cooked rice from the day before. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and let it cool completely. Cold rice separates easily, giving you that classic fried rice texture.

2. Cook the Eggs

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Protein and Veg

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the prawns and pork and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until heated through. Add the peas and carrots and cook for another minute.

4. Add the Rice

Turn the heat up slightly and add the rice to the wok. Break it up with a spatula and mix well so that it evenly combines with the other ingredients. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the rice is hot and slightly golden.

5. Finish the Dish

Return the scrambled eggs to the wok. Season with a pinch of salt, white pepper, and soy sauce if desired. Mix thoroughly. Toss in chopped spring onions and a dash of sesame oil before serving.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Yangzhou Fried Rice

Always use day-old rice – freshly cooked rice is too moist and sticky for frying.

Don’t overload the wok – cook in batches if needed to keep the rice fluffy.

Customise your proteins – try diced chicken, tofu, or mushrooms for variety.

Keep it hot – a high flame gives you that authentic wok-fried taste.

Garnish for colour – sliced cucumber or extra spring onions make a great finishing touch.

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🥗 Suggested Accompaniments

Yangzhou fried rice is a meal in itself, but you can serve it alongside:

Sweet and sour chicken

Chinese hot and sour soup

Vegetable spring rolls

Stir-fried greens with garlic

It also pairs well with green tea or a cold, sparkling drink for balance.

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🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a frying pan over medium heat with a splash of water or oil.

Not recommended for freezing as rice can become mushy upon thawing.

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🔍 

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Use them in image alt tags, meta descriptions, and subheadings for better Google rankings.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make Yangzhou fried rice, you can skip the takeaway and cook this classic dish at home. It’s a brilliant way to repurpose leftover rice and enjoy a wholesome, flavourful meal that everyone will love.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing your guests, Yangzhoufried rice is a must-have in your recipe collection.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

Tried this recipe? Share your photos using #YangzhouFriedRiceUK and show us your delicious creations!