When life gets hectic and dinner feels like a mountain to climb, I always turn to my trusty recipe for Ban Fan. Picture this: the tantalizing aroma of sizzling garlic mingling with savory oyster sauce, all coming together to create a comforting Chinese mixed rice bowl in just 15 minutes. This is more than just a quick meal—it’s a delightful escape to the vibrant flavors of home-cooked Chinese cuisine.
One of the most wonderful aspects of Ban Fan is its versatility. Using leftover rice, a few pantry staples, and whatever proteins or veggies you have on hand, you can whip up a dish that pleases both the palate and the soul. Whether you’re looking for something straightforward for a busy weeknight or an easy crowd-pleaser for brunch, this dish has you covered. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this easy, satisfying recipe that brings the warmth of homemade food to your table!
Why is Ban Fan your new favorite meal?
Quick preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish saves you time on busy nights.
Comforting flavors: Sizzling garlic and savory sauces create a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Versatile ingredients: Use leftover rice and any veggies or proteins you have, making it great for clean-out-the-fridge nights.
Naturally gluten-free option: With simple swaps, it caters to various dietary preferences.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
For even more inspiration, check out our tips on creative variations to make this dish your own.
Ban Fan Ingredients
• For the ultimate comfort dish!
For the Sauce
- Oyster Sauce – Adds umami flavor to the dish. Substitution: Use soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Light Soy Sauce – Provides saltiness and depth. Note: Can use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Sugar – Balances savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. Substitution: Use honey or agave syrup to taste.
- Garlic (minced) – Enhances aromatic flavor. Preparation: Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
For the Toppings
- Scallion (chopped) – Adds freshness and brightness. Substitution: Chives or green onions can work as alternatives.
- Cilantro (chopped) – Provides a fresh, herbaceous note. Substitution: Parsley if cilantro is not available.
- Eggs (2) – Adds protein and richness. Preparation: Cook eggs to your liking—scrambled or sunny-side up.
For the Base
- Cooked Rice – The base of the dish; can be leftovers. Note: Reheat if using chilled rice.
- Vegetable Oil – Used for frying. Note: Any neutral oil, like canola or sunflower, is suitable.
Now that you have all the ingredients gathered, let’s whip up this satisfying Ban Fan that will surely become a staple on your dinner table!
How to Make Ban Fan
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Combine Sauces: In a heatproof bowl, add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped scallion, and cilantro in the specified order. This layering brings the best of flavors together.
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Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan, then heat over medium-high until it starts to smoke slightly. This sizzling oil ensures perfect flavor infusion.
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Drizzle Oil: Carefully drizzle the hot oil over the mixture in the bowl, listening for the delightful sizzle. This step enhances the aromatic profile of your sauce.
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Cook Eggs: In the same pan, fry the eggs to your liking—whether you prefer them scrambled or sunny-side up. Aim for a golden color with a soft, runny yolk if sunny-side up.
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Assemble Dish: Add the warm cooked rice to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Top it with the fried eggs and mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
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Serve: Dish out your delicious Ban Fan immediately while hot, ensuring everyone enjoys the lovely flavors freshly made.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Ban Fan?
A vibrant plate of Ban Fan is just the beginning of a beautiful meal, inviting you to explore delightful pairings that elevate every bite.
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Pickled Vegetables: These tangy bites add a crunchy contrast, enhancing the savory flavors and providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
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Steamed Broccoli: The tender-crisp texture of fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition, making it a perfect, healthy side dish.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: Golden and filled with veggies or meat, these offer a satisfying crunch that complements the soft texture of the rice bowl.
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Spicy Szechuan Sauce: Give your Ban Fan an extra kick with this fiery sauce. A perfect addition for spicy food lovers, balancing flavors beautifully.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, this salad cools down the palate after a mouthful of the savory rice, creating a harmonious blend.
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Fruit Sorbet: End your meal on a sweet note with a scoop of fruit sorbet, providing a light finish that leaves everyone feeling satisfied.
Expert Tips for Ban Fan
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Leftover Rice: Ensure to use day-old rice for the best results; it’s drier and prevents clumping during stir-frying.
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Hot Oil Sizzle: Carefully monitor the oil’s temperature while heating; if too hot, it can lead to burning and a bitter taste.
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Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs; their vibrant flavors make all the difference in your Ban Fan.
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Versatile Proteins: Customize with proteins like tofu, shrimp, or chicken, tailoring the dish to your family’s tastes and preferences.
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Extra Crunch: Incorporate a handful of sautéed veggies (like bell peppers or broccoli) to add both color and nutrition to your comforting bowl.
Storage Tips for Ban Fan
Fridge: Store leftover Ban Fan in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: Freeze assembled Ban Fan without eggs for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first.
Meal Prep: For meal prep, keep the cooked rice, sauce, and proteins separate in the fridge. Mix them together fresh while reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Ban Fan Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Ban Fan and customize it to suit your tastes!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute any butter or cream with coconut milk for a rich flavor without the dairy.
- Vegetarian: Swap the oyster sauce for a mix of soy sauce and a dash of mushroom powder for depth.
- Protein Boost: Add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal that packs more punch with protein.
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to increase the nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
- Spicy Kick: Drizzle some sriracha or chili oil to give your dish a fiery twist that ignites the taste buds.
- Crispy Toppings: Garnish with crispy fried onions or sesame seeds for a delightful crunch with each bite.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or mint to refresh the dish and create a unique flavor profile.
- Sweet and Savory: Add a handful of sweet corn or pineapple bits to contrast the savory elements and bring a touch of sweetness.
Make Ahead Options
Ban Fan is an excellent choice for meal prep fans looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the sauce mix (oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, scallion, and cilantro) up to 24 hours in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, cook your rice and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To maintain the dish’s integrity, make sure to let the rice cool before storing, preventing clumping. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the rice and sauce, fry your eggs to preference, mix everything together, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal in minutes—just as satisfying as if it were freshly made!
Ban Fan Recipe FAQs
What kind of rice is best for making Ban Fan?
Absolutely! I recommend using day-old or leftover rice as it’s drier, which prevents clumping when mixing. If you’re cooking fresh rice, let it cool completely before using to achieve the perfect texture.
How can I store leftover Ban Fan?
Very! You can store leftover Ban Fan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stove. For best results, add a splash of water to the rice to keep it moist.
Can I freeze Ban Fan?
Yes, indeed! You can freeze the assembled Ban Fan without the eggs for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the rice and sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
What should I do if my Ban Fan turns out too salty?
If you find your Ban Fan has turned out too salty, don’t fret! You can balance it by adding a bit more cooked rice to dilute the flavor. Alternatively, add a splash of unsweetened coconut milk or some fresh vegetables to soften the saltiness.
Is Ban Fan suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Ban Fan can easily cater to various dietary preferences. By using tamari instead of light soy sauce, you can keep it gluten-free. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom soy sauce to maintain that umami essence.
How do I make Ban Fan spicy?
Spicy food lovers rejoice! You can spice up your Ban Fan by adding a drizzle of chili oil when serving or mix in some red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers directly when assembling. Adjust it to your spice tolerance for a delightful kick!
Ban Fan: Quick Comfort in Every Savory Rice Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a heatproof bowl, add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped scallion, and cilantro.
- Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan and heat over medium-high until it starts to smoke slightly.
- Carefully drizzle the hot oil over the mixture in the bowl.
- In the same pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
- Add the warm cooked rice to the bowl with the sauce mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Dish out your delicious Ban Fan immediately while hot.