Soy Sauce Chicken & Rice (Xian Jian Rice)
Years ago, while living abroad in Taipei, my great aunt met a woman who became family, Shah Li Ba. Throughout my childhood, Shah Li Ba would visit from Taipei and teach my family recipes she makes at home, like dumplings, noodles and this rice dish, shien jiang rice. Unfortunately, my aunt’s best friend has passed away during COVID, but whenever I make this dish, I’m reminded of her warmth, humor and kindness.
When Shah Li Ba taught my mom this dish, my brother and I were in elementary school. I remember she emphasized that this dish was easy to make. It’s the type of dish where after a few minutes of cooking, you can walk away and let it do it’s thing.
This dish was so easy to make, that I grew tired of my mom making it all the time. But, now that I’m a working mom, I truly appreciate this dish and watching my daughter eat it, fills my heart with joy.
This dish makes enough for about 4-6 people or for my family of two adults and a toddler, it can make us dinner for two nights.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into cubes
1 yellow onion, diced
2 roma tomatoes, diced
4 carrots, diced
2 cups rice
¼ cup soy sauce
2 cups water
Directions:
In a medium pot with a lid, cook the chicken all the way through.
Remove chicken from pot and add in onions. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until soft.
Add chicken back into the pot along with carrots, tomatoes and rice.
Pour in soy sauce and water. Note: You can substitute water with broth to make the dish more flavorful.
Bring to a boil and then lower to simmer and cover with lid.
Cook for about 30 minutes until rice is fluffy, but stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Enjoy with chili oil, spicy mayo, furikake and so many other toppings!
Every bite, reminds me of when Shah Li Ba would come visit or send us goodies in the mail and when we would chat with her via Skype. It truly reminds me how small this world is and you can make friends wherever you go.
This is such a great weeknight dinner and truly a fam favorite! My toddler is definitely being raised on rice!
