I bought these Chinese foo dogs at an estate sale:
Also known as guardian lions, I hoped they would help protect my palace from harmful spirits and people. So far, so good.
Foo dogs, which originated in China, are thought to resemble chow chows and shih tzus. They were often found in front of palaces and temples. They’re meant to be displayed in pairs, one female (representing yin) and one male (representing yang).
After nearly a month of kids and their significant others in and out of the house over the holidays, the last one headed back to college today. To which I say, “oh foo.” Inspired by the foo dogs, and the upcoming Chinese New Year, I made fried rice, one of the first dishes I showed my son how to make, and a favorite of his.
This fried rice is easy to make and is best made with leftover rice. We add whatever protein we have on hand — cooked chicken, Canadian bacon, or, on this occasion, roast pork from a shop in Chinatown.
Other than soy sauce and sesame oil, the only other seasoning is black bean garlic sauce:
Have everything handy, and this comes together in about 15 minutes.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided use
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ c. diced chicken, Canadian bacon, roast pork, or any combination
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black bean garlic sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add egg and cook for 1 minute, then flip and cook for 1 minute more. Remove egg from skillet, coarsely chop, and set aside.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet. Add the chicken, Canadian bacon, or roast pork, and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, until beginning to brown slightly. Add the onion and stir fry for approximately 5 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the peas and carrots, rice, soy sauce, black bean garlic sauce, and sesame oil, and stir fry for 3-4 minutes, until thoroughly combined and heated through. Stir in the reserved egg and serve hot.
Better than take out
Oh foo, no one to share it with
Asian inspired dishes are my favorite. I will have to try black bean sauce
We love fried rice! This looks so good.