If you love dishes that are vibrant, comforting, and bursting with flavors, then you are going to adore this Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly cooked jasmine rice topped with tender shredded chicken or pork, fresh and sautéed vegetables, and a luscious egg, all brought to life by a savory, aromatic sauce. It’s a feast of textures and colors in one bowl that feels both nourishing and indulgent. What’s truly wonderful about Ban Fan is its simplicity and versatility, making it an approachable yet impressive meal any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where the magic starts. Each ingredient in this Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe plays a vital role, whether adding color, flavor, texture, or that essential umami punch. These essentials combine to give you a balanced, satisfying bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice: The fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up all the wonderful toppings and sauce.
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken or pork: Provides protein and that meaty heartiness to balance the bowl.
- 1/2 cup sautéed bok choy or spinach: Adds a tender, slightly bitter green that’s perfect for freshness and nutrition.
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots: Brings a sweet crunch and bright color to the mix.
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers: Offers cool crispness to contrast the warm rice and sautéed veggies.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth of savory flavor with a gentle saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the dish with its rich, nutty aroma and taste.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: A touch of acidity to brighten and balance the flavors.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Gives that essential aromatic bite that ties the sauce together.
- 1 egg (fried or soft boiled): The creamy, rich topping that elevates every spoonful.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Adds freshness and a mild oniony crunch as garnish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Sprinkle on top for an extra toasty flavor and texture.
- Chili oil or sauce to taste (optional): For a spicy kick that can be adjusted to your liking.
How to Make Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base
Start with warm, fluffy jasmine rice as your bowl’s foundation. Using freshly cooked rice makes a big difference in texture, so aim for rice that’s just steamed and still light and airy.
Step 2: Arrange the Toppings
Neatly place the shredded chicken or pork in one section of the bowl. Then add the sautéed bok choy or spinach in another. Next, arrange the shredded carrots and cucumber slices separately on the rice so you have a colorful, inviting presentation.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. This simple but flavorful sauce will tie all the ingredients together with a balance of savory, nutty, and tangy notes.
Step 4: Drizzle Sauce and Add Egg
Pour the sauce evenly over the arranged toppings and rice. Then, carefully place your fried or soft-boiled egg right on top — this adds a creamy texture and richness that makes every bite extraordinary.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over everything, and if you like a bit of heat, add a drizzle of chili oil or your favorite chili sauce. This last touch gives your Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe that extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced green onion and toasted sesame seeds are must-haves for authentic texture and flavor. Chili oil or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts can also add wonderful layers and a bit of heat if you crave it.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can pair it with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, simple steamed dumplings, or tangy pickled vegetables to add variety without overwhelming the bowl’s delicate balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Ban Fan in individual stone bowls to keep the rice warm longer, or use bento-style lunch boxes for a beautiful, packed meal on the go. Topping with different proteins or vegetables is encouraged — this recipe is so flexible that your creativity can shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ban Fan components separately in airtight containers so the textures stay fresh. Cooked rice and proteins keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated.
Freezing
While the cooked rice and proteins freeze well, fresh veggies and eggs are best added fresh. Freeze the meat or chicken in portions for up to 1 month to use anytime you crave this dish.
Reheating
Reheat the rice and protein in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist. Fresh veggies and eggs should be added after reheating to maintain their best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Ban Fan vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the shredded meat for tofu or tempeh, and skip the egg or replace it with a vegan alternative to make a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.
What kind of rice is best for Ban Fan?
Jasmine rice is ideal due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture, which complements the toppings well, but you can also use other medium-grain rice if preferred.
Is Ban Fan spicy?
Traditionally, Ban Fan is not very spicy, but adding chili oil or sauce is optional and customizable to your taste, letting you control the heat level.
Can I use leftovers in the Ban Fan?
Yes, one of the beauties of Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe is how flexible it is with leftovers, making it a perfect solution to use up cooked meats and vegetables in a delicious way.
How long does it take to make Ban Fan?
This recipe is wonderfully quick, typically taking around 20 minutes total from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to give this Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe a try. It’s not only a feast for the senses with its wonderful textures and flavors, but it’s also an incredibly satisfying and versatile dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or experiment with your own favorites, Ban Fan is sure to become a cherished staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Ban Fan is a flavorful Chinese mixed rice bowl featuring a base of warm jasmine rice topped with shredded chicken or pork, sautéed greens, fresh vegetables, and a savory soy-based sauce, finished with a fried or soft-boiled egg and garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and optional chili oil. This versatile one-bowl meal is perfect for a quick, balanced lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Protein
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken or pork
- 1 egg (fried or soft boiled)
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup sautéed bok choy or spinach
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 green onion (sliced)
Sauce & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chili oil or sauce to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Start with a bowl of warm cooked jasmine rice as the foundation for your Ban Fan.
- Arrange the toppings: Place the shredded chicken or pork, sautéed bok choy or spinach, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices on top of the rice in distinct sections for visual appeal and texture contrast.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir the ingredients together to create a fragrant, savory sauce.
- Dress the bowl: Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the rice and arranged toppings to enhance flavor.
- Add the egg: Top the bowl with a fried or soft-boiled egg, depending on your preference, to add richness and protein.
- Garnish and optionally spice: Sprinkle sliced green onion and sesame seeds over the top. If desired, add a drizzle of chili oil or sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mix before eating: Combine all ingredients together in the bowl to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Ban Fan is a flexible dish—feel free to swap in tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add other toppings such as mushrooms, bean sprouts, or pickled radish to customize your bowl.
- Utilize leftover cooked proteins and vegetables to make this an easy weeknight meal.
- The egg can be prepared to your preference: fried sunny side up or soft boiled for a silky yolk.
