A Brief History of Cơm Chiên Dương Châu
Despite being a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, Cơm Chiên Dương Châu actually has Chinese origins. It is inspired by Yangzhou Fried Rice (扬州炒饭), a famous dish from China’s Jiangsu province. Over time, Vietnamese chefs adapted it to local tastes, adding their own unique ingredients such as lap cheong (Chinese sausage) and fish sauce.
Today, Vietnamese-style Combination Fried Rice is widely enjoyed in restaurants and homes across Vietnam and beyond.
Ingredients for Cơm Chiên Dương Châu
To make Combination Fried Rice at home, you’ll need:
- Rice (Cơm)
- 2-3 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old rice)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (to coat the rice)
Tip: Using day-old rice is crucial for making perfect fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, making it clump together when fried. If you don’t have leftover rice, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before using.
- Protein Choices (Thịt và Hải Sản)
- ½ cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup Chinese sausage (lap cheong), thinly sliced
- ½ cup char siu (roast pork), diced
- 2 eggs, beaten
Alternative Proteins: You can also use diced chicken, beef, or tofu for a different twist.
- Vegetables (Rau Củ)
- ½ cup peas
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- Seasonings & Sauces (Gia Vị)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra aroma)
Fish sauce gives the dish an authentic Vietnamese flavor, but you can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- Garnishes (Trang Trí)
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes (for serving)
- Fried shallots (optional, for extra crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Combination Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
If using day-old rice, take it out of the fridge and break it apart with your hands or a fork. If the rice feels dry, sprinkle a teaspoon of vegetable oil over it to help loosen the grains.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and stir gently until they are softly scrambled.
- Remove the eggs from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Proteins
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok.
- Toss in the shrimp, cooking for 1-2 minutes until they turn pink.
- Add the Chinese sausage and char siu (roast pork), stir-frying for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove everything from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Using the same wok, add a little more oil and stir-fry the onions, carrots, peas, and corn for about 2 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Fry the Rice
- Add the rice to the wok, spreading it out evenly.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, pressing down with a spatula to help separate the grains.
- Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper, mixing well.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked proteins and scrambled eggs to the wok.
- Stir everything together for another 2 minutes to ensure even seasoning.
- Add the chopped green onions and mix well.
Step 7: Final Touches & Serve
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Turn off the heat and drizzle with sesame oil for extra fragrance.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and fried shallots.
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Serve hot with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes on the side.
Expert Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat prevents the rice from becoming soggy. A wok works best, but a large frying pan can also do the job.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If you have too many ingredients in the wok at once, the rice will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out proteins and vegetables based on what you have at home. Leftover roast chicken, ham, or even tofu works well.
Season Gradually: Add sauces a little at a time, tasting as you go. Different brands of soy sauce and fish sauce have varying levels of saltiness.
Use Day-Old Rice: Fresh rice can be too wet, making it difficult to achieve the right texture. If you must use fresh rice, let it cool and dry out first.
Serving Suggestions
Cơm Chiên Dương Châu is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- Sweet Chili Sauce or Soy Sauce for dipping
- A side of Vietnamese Pickles (Đồ Chua) for extra crunch
- A light bowl of soup to balance the meal
Final Thoughts
Making Combination Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên Dương Châu) at home is simple, fun, and rewarding. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can recreate the flavors of an authentic Vietnamese restaurant in your own kitchen.
Now, it’s time to grab your wok and start cooking! Happy frying!
Here are some delicious food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:
Stir Fride Beef on Sizzling Plate
Stir Fried Shrimp on Sizzling Plate
Stir Fried Chicken with Lemongrass (Cơm Gà Xào Sả Ớt)
Stir Fried Vegetable with Assorted Meat and Seafood (Cơm Rau cải Xào Thập Cẩm)
Stir Fried Shrimp with Cashew (Cơm Tôm Xào Hạt Điều)
Grilled Chicken and Spring Roll Vermicelli (Bún Gà Chả Giò)
Grilled Chicken Vermicelli (Bún Gà Nướng)
Spring Roll Vermicelli (Bún Chả Giò)
