Salted fish fried rice has a long and storied history, with its origins believed to lie in Southern Chinese cuisine. Traditionally, salted fish was used as a means of preserving fish during the fishing season, allowing it to be consumed throughout the year. Over time, this preserved fish found its way into various dishes, such as this salted fish fried rice.
The secret of salted fish fried rice lies in the unique flavours brought forth by the salted fish itself. The slices of salted fish give a subtle umami-kick when chewed, adding to the depth and complexity to the dish.
Alongside the salted fish, the dish typically includes vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, peas, and spring onions, as well as scrambled eggs. The ingredients are cooked together in a hot wok or skillet, allowing the flavours to meld into a harmonious medley with a contrast of textures.
While the classic recipe of salted fish fried rice has stood the test of time, culinary enthusiasts have embraced their creativity to introduce exciting variations. Some chefs experiment with adding pineapple chunks or cashew nuts to lend a hint of sweetness and crunch. Others infuse the dish with aromatic spices like curry powder or Sichuan peppercorns to create a fusion of flavors. The possibilities are endless, and each variation offers a unique twist to satisfy diverse palates.
Salted fish fried rice not only delights the palate but also holds cultural significance in many regions. In Southern China, it is often served during festive occasions or as a staple dish in family gatherings. The dish has also spread to other parts of Asia, such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong, where it has become a popular street food item.
Everybody loves fried rice, but the sprinkling of salted fish all over gives it the occasional exciting umami-punch! I’ve chosen to mix in chicken and prawns to make it a wholesome meal on it’s own for my kids and family, and also sprinkled some fried shallots on top for extra depth of flavour. So let’s get to it!
Watch How To Make It
Salted Fish Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups cooked rice
- 15 g salted fish sliced
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 white onion chopped
- 50 g prawns
- 40 g chicken chopped
- 90 g mixed vegetables
- 1 spring onion chopped
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in your pan, and cook the salted fish until it’s golden brown, then set it aside.
- Crack in 2 eggs, cook and scramble them. Then add in white onions and cook until they turn translucent.
- Add prawns, chicken, mixed vegetables and cook them through until the aroma fills the air.
- Then add the cooked rice and stir everything together. Crank up the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes to get some “wok hei”.
- Drizzle light soy sauce along the sides of the pan and stir for another minute for more fragrance. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Throw in the salted fish and spring onions, give it a final stir then serve!