
Fujian fried rice is a classic Chinese rice dish topped with a rich, glossy gravy loaded with chicken, pork, shrimp, scallops, and shiitake mushrooms. The rice is lightly seasoned and fluffy, while the sauce brings deep umami flavor and plenty of texture. It is a great choice when you want restaurant-style fried rice at home.
Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in hot water for about 2 hours, or until fully softened. Drain, squeeze out excess liquid, and dice them. In a separate bowl, soak the dried scallops in hot water for at least 1 hour until tender, then shred them into small strands with your fingers.
If using freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a tray or large plate so it can cool and dry slightly. If using cold day-old rice, gently break up any clumps with damp hands. Beat the eggs, mince the shallot and garlic, and measure out the shrimp and peas and carrots so everything is ready before cooking.
Cut the pork into small bite-size pieces. Toss with the Shaoxing wine, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, five-spice powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch. Cut the chicken into small cubes and mix with 1 tablespoon water, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon neutral oil, and 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch. Let both meats sit while you prepare the sauces.
Make the rice seasoning sauce by stirring together 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons light soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons warm water until dissolved. In another bowl, mix the gravy base: chicken stock, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 tablespoons light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and white pepper. Prepare a cornstarch slurry with the remaining cornstarch and enough water to make a smooth mixture.
Heat a wok over high heat until lightly smoking, then add a little oil. Pour in the eggs and scramble just until nearly set, breaking them into small pieces. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Return the wok to high heat and add more oil. Add the rice and stir-fry until heated through and separated. Pour in the rice seasoning sauce and toss until the rice is evenly seasoned and steaming. Fold in the scrambled eggs, then transfer the fried rice to a large shallow serving dish.
Add a little more oil to the hot wok and spread in the pork. Sear briefly, then stir-fry until lightly browned but not fully cooked through. Remove to a plate. Repeat with the chicken, cooking just until lightly seared, then remove.
Add the remaining oil to the wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the shredded scallops for about 20 seconds until fragrant, then add the mushrooms and cook for another 20 seconds. Add the shallot and garlic and stir-fry briefly until aromatic.
Add the shrimp and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, just until the outside turns opaque. Stir the gravy base again and pour it into the wok. Bring to a simmer, then add the peas and carrots along with the pork and chicken.
Once the sauce returns to a gentle simmer, stir in the cornstarch slurry a little at a time until the gravy is thick enough to coat a spoon. Spoon the hot seafood and meat gravy over the fried rice and serve immediately.
Day-old rice works best because it fries up drier and fluffier. If you cannot find dried scallops, you can leave them out and add a little extra shrimp for a simpler version. Do not overcrowd the wok or the ingredients will steam instead of sear. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; store the rice and gravy separately if possible for the best texture.
