There can be no denying the appeal of fried rice. It has variations for everyone: vegetarians, non-vegetarians, eggetarians as well as vegans. Depending on your needs, fried rice can be a quick meal or a part of a sumptuous feast with fancy ingredients. When learning how to cook, many beginners try their hands at fried rice. At the same time, a seasoned cook also recognizes the possibilities this simple dish can present. Fried rice is well-known for being tasty even when made using the least possible ingredients. But eating the same basic variety over and over again is bound to make you tired of it. Are you looking to upgrade your fried rice in a simple yet flavourful way? How about you try adding XO sauce to it? Here's all you need to know about this incredible ingredient.
What is XO Sauce?
XO sauce is believed to have originated in Hong Kong. Although it is traditionally a seafood-based sauce, many cooks today have also come up with vegan versions. The original recipe of the sauce typically includes dried scallops, dried shrimp, Jinhua ham, garlic, chillies, shallots, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine may also be added to heighten the flavour. XO sauce has a distinctive texture because it is not supposed to be smooth as syrup. Rather, it tends to be dense and thick with small chunks of the ingredients.
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XO Sauce has a unique flavour and texture. Photo Credit: iStock
How to use XO sauce?
XO Sauce can be used in a wide variety of dishes or even simply as a dipping sauce. If you have never tried it before, we recommend using it for cooking fried rice first. This is the simplest way to get acquainted with its lovely umami flavour. It is possible to make XO sauce at home, but the ingredients of the authentic version can be quite expensive and/or difficult to source. Hence, you can consider opting for a store-bought version. Here's how you can make mouth-watering fried rice with XO sauce:
Chicken Fried Rice can be taken to a whole new level with XO sauce. Photo Credit: iStock
How to make Restaurant-Style XO Chicken Fried Rice at home?
XO fried rice can itself be customised to your taste. You can add chicken, eggs, seafood, or none of them. The most classic choice is good old chicken fried rice. To make this dish, you first have to scramble eggs until almost done and remove them from the wok. Next, you add the diced ginger, garlic and onions, followed by shredded chicken pieces. Stir fry these ingredients before adding the cooked rice to the wok. Add the soy sauce, salt and sugar and then the XO sauce. Finally, add the scrambled eggs and continue to stir fry lightly. Sprinkle some spring onions on top and serve hot. Click here for the full recipe
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The next time you want XO Fried Rice, you don't have to go out to a fancy restaurant. With the above recipe, you can make it from the comfort of your home. Try it out and let us know in the comments!