Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice
Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice is a type of fried rice that uses Shaoxing wine, a traditional Chinese brewed liquor, as a seasoning. By adding the aromatic Shaoxing wine, this dish is characterized by a distinctive depth and rich flavor that set it apart from typical fried rice. It is mainly served in mainland China and other Chinese-speaking regions, often with local variations, and can also be found at some Chinese restaurants and food stalls in Taiwan. This article focuses on the Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice served at ""Dujia Shaoxing Fried Rice (Qishan Main Store)"" located in Qishan Old Street, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 100 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 12/30/2024
- Food Travel Log
- Rare Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice Discovered in Kaohsiung! This dish features the rich and indescribable aroma and flavor of Shaoxing wine, which is reminiscent of sweetness and herbal medicine. It's a complex and profound taste experience, complemented by succulent shrimp and pork that make you want to devour it enthusiastically. This is a kind of Chinese cuisine I could never master. It's because I'd rather enjoy Shaoxing wine as a side while savoring the fried rice.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview of Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice
Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice is a variation of fried rice that incorporates Shaoxing wine, a traditional liquor originating from Zhejiang Province in China. While it is occasionally offered at select eateries in Taiwan, it is not a regular menu item, but rather positioned as a distinctive Chinese dish. This article provides a detailed account of Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice as served by the renowned “Exclusive Shaoxing Fried Rice (Qishan Main Branch)” on Qishan Old Street, a famous tourist area in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Characteristics and Appeal
The most notable feature of Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice is the addition of Shaoxing wine during the process of frying the rice. Shaoxing wine, made primarily from glutinous rice, wheat, and water, is a fermented liquor with a rich and complex aroma developed through long-term aging. Although typically consumed as a beverage, it is also widely used for cooking. Its deep, mature fragrance permeates each grain of rice, creating a profound flavor and unique umami that sets it apart from standard fried rice.
Common ingredients include plump shrimp, pork, eggs, green onions, cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, allowing diners to enjoy a balance of umami and layered textures. Using classic fried rice techniques, ingredients are quickly stir-fried over high heat, with the Shaoxing wine added at just the right moment to control the dissipation of its aroma and alcohol content.
History and Development
The history of Shaoxing wine dates back to ancient times before the Common Era, and today it is recognized as a staple cooking liquor in China. Its use as a “cooking wine” has spread across Chinese cultural spheres, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, resulting in the evolution of unique dishes such as Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice. In Taiwan in particular, a diverse food culture has led to the creation of regionally distinctive fried rice varieties. Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice represents a prime example, recently emerging as a hidden highlight on Taiwanese gourmet tours.
Detailed Cooking Method
| Step | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Preparation of Ingredients | Cold cooked rice, pre-boiled shrimp, finely sliced pork, chopped vegetables, beaten egg |
| Stir-frying | Heat oil in a hot wok and quickly stir-fry egg, rice, and other ingredients in sequence |
| Adding Shaoxing Wine | Pour Shaoxing wine along the edge of the wok just before finishing to preserve its aroma |
| Finishing Touch | Stop the heat at the perfect moment to evaporate the alcohol while retaining the fragrance |
About Qishan Old Street, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Qishan Old Street is located approximately 40 kilometers north of central Kaohsiung City, renowned for its historic architecture and lively street vendor culture. It is famous as a major production area for Taiwanese bananas, and in recent years, an increasing number of eateries have fused tradition with creative culinary approaches. The “Exclusive Shaoxing Fried Rice (Qishan Main Branch)” stands out among these as a unique establishment, embodying the rich Shaoxing wine culture of southern China and western Taiwan, which is then distinctly elevated through the creative use of Taiwanese ingredients.
Related Food Culture
Shaoxing Wine Fried Rice may also be referred to as “jixiang fried rice” or “wine fried rice,” and is often paired with seafood ingredients in Beijing and Shanghai. By contrast, pork and chicken are the main proteins in Hong Kong and Taiwan, reflecting localized adaptations across regions. This diversity in techniques and recipes exemplifies how Chinese cuisine continues to harmonize with local ingredients and tastes as it evolves across geographies.