If you’re craving a dish that brings vibrant colors, fresh textures, and a burst of savory goodness to your meal, then you have to try my personal favorite: Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe. This delightful bowl layers fluffy jasmine rice with crisp vegetables, tender meat or tofu, and a tangy, garlicky dressing that ties everything together perfectly. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or looking to impress friends with an authentic Asian-inspired dish, Ban Fan delivers on flavor, nutrition, and simplicity all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with the right ingredients, and Ban Fan is no exception. The magic lies in how each simple component complements the others—fresh veggies add crunch, the rice serves as a comforting base, and the dressing brings all those flavors into harmony. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice: This aromatic foundation absorbs the dressing beautifully and provides the perfect texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken or pork (optional): Adds rich, savory protein, but you can always swap it for tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber: Offers a refreshing, crisp bite that lightens the bowl.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Bright and sweet, they add terrific color and crunch.
- 1/2 cup blanched bean sprouts: These give an earthy, juicy snap that’s essential to the overall texture.
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions: Little bursts of mild onion flavor that brighten every spoonful.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Adds nutty aroma and a subtle crunch on top.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone of the dressing, balancing sweet and tangy notes.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings sharpness and brightness to keep every bite lively.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant, toasty finish that enhances the bowl’s overall depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Softens the acidity and rounds out the flavor.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Provides that essential punch of savoriness to the dressing.
- Chili oil or paste (optional): For those who want a kick of heat and complexity.
- Fried egg or soft-boiled egg (optional): A luscious topping that adds richness and creaminess to every bite.
How to Make Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This magical dressing ties the entire Ban Fan together with its sweet, savory, and slightly tangy profile, so take a moment to blend these flavors well and set it aside while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Ready the Protein
If you’re adding meat, gently reheat the shredded chicken or pork until just warmed through. Using leftover cooked meat works perfectly here, making Ban Fan a brilliant way to use up dinner scraps without fuss.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bowl
Start with a generous scoop of warm rice at the base of your bowl. Then artfully arrange the cucumber slices, shredded carrots, blanched bean sprouts, scallions, and your choice of protein on top. This layering creates a beautiful medley of colors and textures that will delight your senses even before the first bite.
Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish
Pour the dressing evenly over the ingredients in your bowl. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously atop for a toasty crunch. If you want extra indulgence, add a fried or soft-boiled egg right in the center, and if you like it spicy, spoon on a bit of chili oil or paste. Once everything is in place, give your bowl a good mix to blend those wonderful flavors and dive in.
How to Serve Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Ban Fan is truly elevated by its garnishes. The toasted sesame seeds provide a subtle nutty crunch that complements the fresh veggies. A perfectly cooked egg on top adds that silky, creamy texture that makes the dish so comforting. Plus, a few chili oil drops not only spice things up but also add lovely color and complexity.
Side Dishes
This mixed rice bowl is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can serve it alongside some light Asian sides like pickled vegetables, steamed bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad to add more variety and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make your lunchbox more exciting, serve Ban Fan in individual clear glass bowls so the layers shine through. You can even offer assorted toppings in small dishes and let everyone build their own bowl exactly how they like it—fun and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ban Fan stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate if you want the veggies to stay crisp longer, or mix everything before refrigerating for flavors to deepen overnight.
Freezing
While freezing Ban Fan isn’t ideal because of the fresh vegetables, you can freeze just the cooked rice and protein portion. Thaw and reheat those parts, then add fresh veggies and dressing to keep your bowl vibrant.
Reheating
For reheating, microwave your rice and protein gently to avoid drying out, then add all the fresh veggies, dressing, and garnishes after warming. Stir to combine and enjoy the perfect balance of warmth and fresh crispness.
FAQs
Can I make Ban Fan vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and use tofu or extra vegetables. Ban Fan’s dressing and fresh ingredients make it satisfying even without protein.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine rice or any long-grain white rice works beautifully because of its fragrance and fluffiness, but you can try brown rice for a nuttier, healthier option.
Is Ban Fan served hot or cold?
Ban Fan is best enjoyed warm with fresh, cool vegetables on top. The dressing and mixing bring everything together beautifully at room temperature too.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can pre-cook and chill the rice and protein, and chop vegetables ahead. Just keep dressing and eggs separate until serving for maximum freshness.
How spicy is Ban Fan?
The spice level depends on you! Adding chili oil or paste is optional, so you can keep it mild or give it a kick of heat based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe is a joyful, nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple to make, packed with fresh flavors, and endlessly customizable to suit your mood or ingredients on hand. So go ahead, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl full of deliciousness that’s bound to become a regular in your mealtime rotation.
Print
Ban Fan: Chinese Mixed Rice Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ban Fan is a vibrant and customizable Chinese mixed rice bowl featuring a base of fluffy jasmine rice topped with fresh vegetables, optional shredded meat or tofu, and a flavorful sesame-soy dressing. This quick and healthy dish combines crisp cucumber, shredded carrots, blanched bean sprouts, and scallions, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and optionally finished with a fried or soft-boiled egg. Perfect for meal prep or a nutritious lunch, Ban Fan offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors from its bright dressing and optional chili oil kick.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or long-grain white rice
Protein (Optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken or pork
- Tofu as a vegetarian alternative
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup blanched bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Fried egg or soft-boiled egg (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Chili oil or paste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic until well combined. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Reheat or Prepare Protein: If using shredded chicken or pork, reheat it gently or prepare tofu if using as a vegetarian option.
- Assemble the Rice Bowl: Place a scoop of warm cooked jasmine rice at the bottom of a large serving bowl or individual bowls, creating a base layer.
- Arrange Toppings: Neatly arrange the cucumber slices, shredded carrots, blanched bean sprouts, chopped scallions, and your choice of protein over the rice base, layering the ingredients for visual appeal and flavor balance.
- Add Dressing and Garnish: Drizzle the prepared sesame-soy dressing evenly over the arranged ingredients. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top. If desired, add a fried egg or soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
- Add Optional Heat: Spoon a small amount of chili oil or chili paste over the bowl to add a spicy kick if preferred.
- Mix and Serve: Before eating, mix all components thoroughly to blend the dressing with the rice and toppings, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Notes
- Ban Fan is highly versatile—substitute protein with tofu for a vegetarian version or include pickled vegetables for added complexity.
- Excellent for utilizing leftover cooked rice and proteins, helping reduce food waste.
- Can be prepped ahead for easy and healthy meal prep lunches.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
