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
Scale
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.
