Chee Cheong Fun, sometimes called rice noodle rolls, is a popular Cantonese dish enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. It is made from a simple rice flour batter that is steamed and then rolled up into delicate, translucent sheets. These sheets are then served with a variety of flavorful sauces, such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, or sweet bean sauce, and topped with ingredients like sesame seeds, scallions, or fried shallots.
To make Chee Cheong Fun at home, you will need a few key ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment. The main ingredient is rice flour, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores. You will also need water and a pinch of salt to make the batter. Additionally, you will need a steamer, a heatproof dish or tray to steam the batter in, and a spatula or knife to roll up the cooked sheets.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making Chee Cheong Fun:
- In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of rice flour, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt to make a smooth batter.
- Grease a heatproof dish or tray with oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour a thin layer of the batter onto the greased dish or tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish or tray into a steamer and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the batter is set and cooked through.
- Remove the dish or tray from the steamer and let it cool slightly.
- Using a spatula or knife, gently lift the cooked sheet of rice noodle from the dish or tray.
- Roll up the rice noodle sheet into a cylinder or fold it into a square shape.
- Serve the Chee Cheong Fun with your choice of sauce and toppings.
Enjoy!
What is Chee Cheong Fun?
The main component of Chee Cheong Fun is the soft and slippery rice noodle roll, which is made by steaming a mixture of rice flour and water. The texture of the noodle roll is smooth and slightly chewy. It is often served with a sauce that adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Chee Cheong Fun can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, pork, beef, or vegetables. The filling is usually placed on top of the rice noodle roll, which is then rolled up and cut into bite-sized pieces. Some variations of Chee Cheong Fun also include additional toppings such as sesame seeds or fried shallots.
When served, Chee Cheong Fun is typically drizzled with a sauce, which can vary depending on the region or personal preference. Common sauces include a sweet and savory soy sauce, a spicy chili sauce, or a combination of both. The sauce adds a burst of flavor to the dish and complements the delicate taste of the rice noodle roll.
Overall, Chee Cheong Fun is a delicious and satisfying dish that offers a unique combination of textures and flavors. It is a popular choice for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Whether you prefer it with shrimp, pork, or vegetables, Chee Cheong Fun is sure to delight your taste buds with its delightful combination of soft rice noodle rolls and flavorful fillings.
Definition and Origin
The term “Chee Cheong Fun” refers to the actual dish itself, as well as the rice noodle rolls used to make it. The name translates to “pig intestines” in Cantonese, as the rolled-up appearance of the noodle rolls resembles the shape of pig intestines. However, there are no actual pig intestines used in the dish.
The origins of Chee Cheong Fun can be traced back to Guangdong province in southern China, where it was a popular breakfast or snack food. Over time, it spread to other regions of China and eventually became a staple in Cantonese cuisine.
Traditionally, Chee Cheong Fun consists of plain rice noodle rolls served with soy sauce or a sweet sauce made of hoisin sauce, peanut butter, and sesame paste. However, there are also variations that include fillings such as shrimp, barbecued pork, or vegetables.
Popular Varieties
Here are some of the popular varieties of Chee Cheong Fun:
- Hong Kong-style: This style of Chee Cheong Fun is characterized by its simplicity and delicate flavors. The rice noodle rolls are served with a sweet soy sauce and sometimes topped with sesame seeds or scallions.
- Malaysian-style: In Malaysia, Chee Cheong Fun is often served with a thick, savory sauce made from soy sauce, shrimp paste, and chili paste. It is also common to find additional toppings such as fried shallots or prawns.
- Singaporean-style: Singaporean Chee Cheong Fun is typically served with a savory or sweet sauce and topped with ingredients like chili, prawns, and fried shallots. It is also common to find variations with fillings such as char siu (barbecued pork) or shrimp.
- Guangdong-style: This style of Chee Cheong Fun is known for its wide rice noodle rolls, which are often stuffed with fillings such as shrimp, BBQ pork, or mushrooms. It is typically served with a sweet soy sauce or hoisin sauce.
Overall, Chee Cheong Fun is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer it simple and sweet or savory and spicy, there is a variety of Chee Cheong Fun out there for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before you start making Chee Cheong Fun, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Rice flour
- Tapioca flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Water
- Sesame oil
- Oil for greasing
- Soy sauce
- Sweet sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Scallions, finely chopped
- Fried shallots
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Steamer
- Steamer tray or plate
- Whisk
- Heatproof spatula or scraper
- Flat tray or dish
- Knife
- Serving plate
Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to use before you start making the Chee Cheong Fun. Having all the equipment set up and within reach will also make the process smoother. Now that you’re prepared, let’s move on to the next step of making this delicious dish!
