The Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice My Dad's Made 100,000 Times
Why this recipe
Most salted fish and chicken fried rice recipes online are tested only a handful of times. My dad used to make this dish multiple times a day, every day, for 60+ years and can make this in his sleep.
I know you'll love it as much as our community does! This recipe has over 176.7K views, 3.6K likes on YouTube.
Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice(鹹魚雞粒炒飯)is one of the most popular dishes at Cantonese restaurants. That's because its star ingredient—salted fish—is an essential part of the Cantonese diet.
On preserving ingredients
Salting and drying ingredients like fish to preserve it is a culinary practice that spans cultures and centuries. The process typically involves coating the fish in salt and letting it dry in the sun. This not only intensifies its flavor, but also extends its shelf life.
In Southern Chinese, salted fish became an essential food, especially for the less wealthy, who would eat a bit of fish with rice as a simple, yet filling meal. Since it's extremely salted, only a small amount is needed when adding it to dishes like this fried rice.
What to serve with Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice
Since this dish is full of umami saltiness from its star ingredient, we recommend pairing it with a lighter side dish, such as Choy Sum with Garlic, Stir Fried Bok Choy, or Broccoli Stir Fry.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cook rice
Wash the rice (12 oz) 2 to 3 times with clean water, draining out the water each time.
Add the rice and water (10 oz) to the rice cooker pot. Place the pot in the cooker, then activate it.
When the rice is cooked, use chopsticks to fluff the grains and release the steam.
Prep aromatics
Dice the green onions (1 oz), using both the green and white parts.
Wash the ginger (0.50 oz) (if needed), then cut into thin slices. Lay the down slices and cut them into strips.
Wash the lettuce (3 oz). Peel off leaves and stack them on top of each other, then cut into thin strips.
Prep chicken
Cut the chicken (4 oz) into slices. Turn them 90 degrees, then cut into small 1/2- inch cubes. Place the chicken in a bowl.
Add the oyster sauce (1 tablespoon), white pepper (0.13 teaspoon), cornstarch (1 teaspoon), and water (1 tablespoon) to the bowl.Mix to thoroughly combine.
Prep salted fish
Cut off head of the salted fish (2 oz) and save for use in other recipes, if preferred.
Use kitchen shears to trim off the dorsal fins on the back of the fish.
Rinse the fish in water, then pat dry with a paper towel.
It's time to debone the fish. Using a small knife, cut out the main spine and bones, separating into two halves if necessary. You can use the bones in other recipes.
(Chef's Tip: For safety, lay the fish down on the cutting board and use your knife to gently pry out any bones.)
Once all the bones have been removed, cut the fish into 1/4-inch thick strips. Rotate 90 degrees and dice into pea-sized pieces.
Stir fry proteins
Crack the eggs (2 large) into bowl.
Heat a wok on high, then add the oil (0.32 tablespoon).
Beat the eggs and add to wok, stir frying for 20 to 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.
Add more oil (0.32 tablespoon) to the hot wok.
Add the chicken. Lower the heat and stir fry until 90 percent cooked for about 1 minute, then remove and set aside.
Finish stir frying
Add more oil (1 tablespoon) to hot wok and use the wok spatula to spread it around the edges.
Add the ginger and salted fish, stir frying until aromatic, about 1 minute.
(Chef's Tip: You don't need to use all of the salted fish. Adjust the amount to match how much rice you have)
Add the rice and stir fry 1.5 to 2 minutes. Use the edge of the wok spatula to break up any clumps.
Add the cooked eggs and stir fry for 40 to 50 seconds.
Add the chicken, increase the heat, and stir fry for 40 to 50 seconds.
Add the green onions and white pepper (0.25 teaspoon), then stir fry for 40 to 50 seconds.
With heat off or on low, taste test for saltiness to see how much, if any, fish sauce and other seasonings to add.
Add the fish sauce (2 teaspoon), turn off the heat, then add the lettuce.
Turn the heat back on to high, stir fry for 1 more minute, adding the remaining oil (0.32 tablespoon) for shine.
For a pretty presentation, scoop the fried rice into a bowl and pack it in tightly. Place a plate on top of the bowl, press firmly, and flip.












