Go Back
Chinese bàn fàn

Savory Chinese Bàn Fàn: Quick Comfort in a Bowl

Experience the comforting delight of Chinese bàn fàn, a quick and versatile mixed rice bowl perfect for using up leftovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce Substitute with hoisin sauce for a sweeter alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Honey or agave can be a substitute.
  • 1 clove garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is best, but powdered can be a backup.
  • 2 tablespoons scallion (chopped) Green onions can serve as a substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped) Omit if not a fan, using parsley instead if desired.
Toppings
  • 2 eggs eggs Adjust cooking style (scrambled or fried) as preferred.
Base
  • 2 cups cooked rice Leftover rice works best, but freshly cooked is fine.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Any neutral oil such as canola or sunflower oil is perfect.

Equipment

  • medium heatproof bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Add chopped scallions and cilantro, mixing thoroughly until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Pour vegetable oil into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat for about 1-2 minutes until the oil shimmers.
  3. Drizzle the hot oil over the prepared sauce in the bowl and stir vigorously to ensure everything is well combined.
  4. In the same saucepan, crack the eggs and fry them to your preference for about 2-3 minutes until the whites are set.
  5. Add warmed cooked rice into the bowl with the saucy mixture and mix gently until the rice is well-coated.
  6. Top the rice mixture with the cooked eggs and an extra sprinkle of scallions and cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

This recipe is easy to customize with leftover proteins or seasonal vegetables. Serve with pickled vegetables for added crunch.