Description
A hugely popular fried rice in HK diners. 'Xian Yu' is salted, fermented, and dried fish boasting an intense odor and umami akin to anchovies or blue cheese. Minced and fried with chicken, it's a maximally addictive dish.
Restaurants serving Salted Fish and Chicken Fried Rice
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Xian Yu(Salted fermented fish)
- Chicken thighs
- Rice
- Eggs
- Lettuce
- Scallion
- White pepper
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- Mince the highly pungent Cantonese 'Xian Yu' (salted fermented fish).
- Dice chicken thighs and velvet. Julienne lettuce.
- Fry chicken and remove.
- Fry the minced salted fish on low. *Intense fermented odor transforms into premium aroma.
- Add beaten eggs and warm rice, tossing on max heat until crumbly.
- Return chicken, season with white pepper (hold the salt as the fish is very salty).
- Fold in crisp lettuce and scallions to finish.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Intense amino acid umami and fermented odor of Xian Yu
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Substitute with minced anchovy paste or dried fermented fish
Pairing
Cold HK Milk Tea / Iced Lemon Tea
Trivia
Before refrigerators, Cantonese fishermen made salted fish as 'poor man's food'. Its ultimate umami was re-evaluated, and it's now an HK soul food served even in high-end restaurants.
Eating tips & etiquette
You'll be surprised by the pungent fermented odor when served, but the depth of umami makes your spoon unstoppable. The crisp lettuce plays a brilliant role in neutralizing the saltiness.
Allergen
Seafood, Poultry, Eggs, Soybeans, Wheat