Com chien, or Vietnamese fried rice, is my favorite type of rice. It’s filled with savory and umami elements from the Chinese sausages, char siu pork, fish sauce, caramelized shallots, and garlic. This com chien recipe is my mom’s famous recipe that has always been a hit at all of our family parties.

The best part about this Vietnamese fried rice is that it uses easy Vietnamese pantry ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to make! It is the perfect quick and delicious recipe for your busiest weekdays.

Ingredients

You can find all the ingredients for this com chien recipe at your local grocery store. Full measurements and links to everything I used are listed in the recipe card below.

• Eggs: adds a layer of protein and flavor.
• Chinese Sausages: aka lap xuong, adds a sweet, savory protein element.
• Char Siu Pork: adds a rich Chinese bbq flavor that is sweet and savory. You can either buy char siu pork at your local Chinese takeout spot or use my homemade char siu pork recipe. I also use char siu pork in our baked char siu bao (Chinese bbq pork buns).
• Frozen Peas, Corn, Green Beans, Carrots: a quick way to add vegetables and nutrients.
• Shallots and Garlic: are the key aromatic ingredients that give this fried rice its flavor. Be sure to saute them until the shallots are richly fragrant and caramelized.
• Day-Old White Rice: Be sure to use rice that has been cooked in a rice cooker or on the stove for at least 24 hours and stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator dries out the rice, which allows it to absorb the sauces without getting too clumpy and mushy. You will use day-old rice with any fried rice recipe, like in Thai fried rice or Kimchi fried rice.

Seasonings

• Soy Sauce: use regular soy sauce or Maagi for a more authentic Vietnamese flavor.
• Fish Sauce: is the secret ingredient for all Vietnamese recipes.
• Chicken Bouillon Powder: adds a rich, salty, savory flavor that complements the dish.
• White Pepper: adds an earthy, mild finish to the rice.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Soy sauce alternatives: tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
• Protein: any protein such as chicken, shrimp, beef or tofu.
• Vegetables: Instead of frozen vegetables, dice fresh vegetables or substitute them for broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Black pepper: substitute for white pepper.

Additions

• Heat: fresh chili peppers, Chinese chili oil, sambal oelek, chili flakes, or sriracha can add more heat to the fried rice.
• Sauces: for more flavors, you can add oyster sauce, or dark soy sauce.

How to Make Com Chien (Vietnamese Fried Rice)

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make this com chien recipe.

1. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add in the whisked eggs and then scramble. Remove and set aside

2. Next, heat the same wok on medium-high heat. Add Chinese sausage and cook for 1 minute. Then add char siu pork and saute for 1 minute. Lastly, add the frozen vegetables and mix until combined for 1 minute. Remove and set aside.

3. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and saute until lightly browned, fragrant, and caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.

4. Then add the rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, chicken bouillon powder, and white pepper and toss to combine.

5. Add the eggs, Chinese sausage, char siu pork, and vegetables, and toss until combined. Garnish with green onion and serve.

Storage Instructions

You can store this com chien in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheat: You can cook any leftovers in a wok or skillet over medium heat until warm, or microwave covered with a wet paper towel until warm. Sprinkle a few drops of water to restore moisture to the rice.

Freeze: You can freeze the Vietnamese fried rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQ

Do I need to use day-old rice to make fried rice?

I highly recommend using day-old rice that has slightly dried out in the refrigerator overnight to avoid a mushy fried rice. However, you can make this Vietnamese fried rice recipe without using day-old rice by using slightly less water when cooking the rice, and then spreading the rice on a baking sheet and freezing it for at least 1-2 hours to dry out the rice.

Can I add other proteins to this com chien recipe?

Yes, instead of char siu pork and Chinese sausages, you can use any protein you like! Some alternatives could be chicken, seafood, beef, or tofu.

Can you freeze this fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze this Vietnamese fried rice in a freezer-safe container once it has cooled to room temperature for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Com Chien (Vietnamese Fried Rice) Recipe