If you’re craving a comforting, colorful, and flavor-packed meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, you’re in for a real treat with this Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that brings together fluffy jasmine rice, tender shredded meat, vibrant veggies, and a savory sauce that ties every bite into a perfect harmony. Whether you’re new to Chinese cuisine or a longtime fan, this recipe offers a simple yet utterly satisfying way to enjoy a classic mixed rice bowl that feels homemade and fresh every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity and balance, using ingredients that each bring their own special touch to the bowl—texture, flavor, and freshness. These components combine effortlessly to create a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- Cooked jasmine rice (2 cups): The soft, fragrant base that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Cooked shredded chicken or pork (1/2 cup): Adds a hearty, protein-packed element that melts in your mouth.
- Sautéed bok choy or spinach (1/2 cup): Provides a fresh and slightly earthy contrast with a tender crunch.
- Shredded carrots (1/4 cup): Brings a pop of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Sliced cucumbers (1/4 cup): Offers a cool, crisp texture to balance the warmth.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Infuses that classic savory umami flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, nutty depth that makes every bite special.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Gives a bright and tangy lift to the sauce.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Delivers a punch of aromatic flavor.
- Egg (1, fried or soft boiled): Creamy and comforting, the perfect topping to complete the bowl.
- Green onion (1, sliced): Adds a fresh, mild oniony crunch for garnish.
- Sesame seeds (1 teaspoon): Sprinkle for a little nutty finish and texture.
- Chili oil or sauce (optional): A drizzle for those who like a spicy kick to brighten the flavors.
How to Make Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Rice and Proteins
Start by making sure your jasmine rice is freshly cooked and warm—that fragrant, fluffy base is what holds everything together. Whether you’re using shredded chicken or pork, ensure it’s tender and ready to go. This can be leftovers or freshly cooked meat shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Step 2: Sauté Your Greens
Quickly sauté bok choy or spinach with a drop of oil until just wilted but still vibrant. This step keeps the veggies fresh and tender, adding a beautiful green splash to your bowl and a soft texture that complements the rice and meat perfectly.
Step 3: Arrange Your Bowl with Color and Texture
In your serving bowls, spoon the warm jasmine rice as a base. Then neatly arrange the shredded meat, sautéed bok choy, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers in individual sections over the rice. This method not only looks stunning but keeps each ingredient’s flavor distinct before you mix everything up.
Step 4: Whip Up the Signature Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. This sauce is the heart of the Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe, providing that irresistible umami and aromatic bite. Drizzle it generously over the arranged ingredients.
Step 5: Top with the Perfect Egg and Garnishes
Finish the dish by placing a fried or soft-boiled egg right on top. Its creamy yolk adds richness when mixed in. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and if you like heat, a splash of chili oil will take this bowl to next-level deliciousness.
How to Serve Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh green onions and sesame seeds bring an additional burst of flavor and texture that brighten and finish the bowl beautifully. The egg on top not only looks inviting but also adds a silky, indulgent touch that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
Serve your Ban Fan rice bowl alongside crisp pickled vegetables or a light miso soup to keep the meal balanced and refreshing. A small side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls pairs perfectly for a more substantial feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Ban Fan in individual bento boxes for meals on the go, or layer the ingredients in a clear glass jar to show off the vibrant colors. You can also make this a build-your-own bowl station at your next gathering, letting everyone customize with their favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe keep best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to preserve the fresh textures of your veggies.
Freezing
While the rice and meat elements freeze well, fresh vegetables like cucumber do not. If you want to freeze parts of the dish, consider preparing only the cooked items and sauce, then add fresh veggies after thawing for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, covering the bowl to retain moisture. Add fresh cucumber or other raw veggies after warming to restore the crisp, cool contrast essential to this dish’s experience.
FAQs
Can I make Ban Fan vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken or pork for tofu or tempeh, and you can also add mushrooms or bean sprouts. The vibrant veggies and savory sauce make it just as satisfying without meat.
What kind of rice is best for this dish?
Jasmine rice is traditional and ideal because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy, slightly sticky texture that pairs perfectly with the toppings and sauce.
How spicy is Ban Fan?
It’s usually mild, but you can adjust the heat easily by adding more chili oil or sauce to suit your taste. The base recipe is very approachable for all spice levels.
Can I prepare ingredients in advance?
Yes! Cooking rice and shredding meat ahead can save time. You can even prepare the sauce in advance to streamline assembly when you’re ready to eat.
Is Ban Fan gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but substituting it with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce makes this recipe gluten-free without losing any flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that’s full of flavor, texture, and warmth. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try making this dish your own and discover how satisfying and comforting a good rice bowl can be!
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: Assembled
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Ban Fan is a vibrant and versatile Chinese mixed rice bowl that combines warm jasmine rice with savory shredded chicken or pork, sautéed greens, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful soy-based sauce. Topped with a perfectly cooked egg and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this easy-to-make dish offers a balanced and wholesome meal packed with texture and taste.
Ingredients
Rice 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 and Seasoning
- 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 of the Ban Fan.
- Arrange the Toppings: Place the shredded chicken or pork, sautéed bok choy or spinach, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices separately on top of the rice, creating colorful sections.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic to create a flavorful dressing.
- Dress the Bowl: Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the arranged ingredients in the bowl to infuse every element with delicious flavor.
- Top with Egg: Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top to provide richness and protein.
- Garnish and Finish: Sprinkle sliced green onion and sesame seeds over the dish, and add a drizzle of chili oil or sauce if you prefer some heat.
- Serve: Mix all the components thoroughly before eating to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Notes
- Ban Fan is highly customizable; substitute tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Additional toppings like mushrooms, bean sprouts, or pickled radish can enhance the bowl’s texture and flavor.
- This dish is perfect for using leftover cooked rice and proteins, making it a great meal for repurposing ingredients.
- Adjust the level of chili oil to suit your spice preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content if desired.
