Skip to main content

claypot rice recipe.

 


Hong Kong Claypot Rice Recipe (Bo Zai Fan – 煲仔饭)

Hong Kong Claypot Rice (Bo Zai Fan) is one of the most comforting Cantonese dishes, loved for its smoky aroma, crispy rice crust, and flavorful toppings like Chinese sausage, chicken, or mushrooms. Traditionally cooked in a claypot, this one-pot meal is hearty, satisfying, and full of umami.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make authentic Hong Kong Claypot Rice at home with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting, one-pot Cantonese classic.
  • Crispy bottom rice layer (socarrat style).
  • Customizable with chicken, pork, or vegetarian toppings.
  • Perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

For the Rice Base

  • 2 cups jasmine rice (or long-grain white rice)
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Toppings

  • 200g boneless chicken thighs (marinated – soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, pepper)
  • 2 Chinese sausages (lap cheong), sliced
  • 4–5 shiitake mushrooms, soaked & sliced
  • 2–3 stalks green onions, chopped

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice

  1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.
  2. Place rice and water in claypot (or heavy-bottom pot).
  3. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.

2. Add Toppings

  1. Arrange marinated chicken, sausages, and mushrooms on top of rice.
  2. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, until rice is fluffy and toppings are cooked.

3. Make the Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
  2. Heat gently until sugar dissolves.

4. Crisp the Rice

  • Increase heat to medium-low for 3–5 minutes to create a crispy golden crust at the bottom.

5. Serve

  • Drizzle sauce over the claypot rice.
  • Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Claypot Rice

  • Don’t stir the rice while cooking — it helps form the crispy crust.
  • Use a traditional claypot for best results, but a cast iron or Dutch oven also works.
  • Adjust toppings to your preference — shrimp, ribs, or even tofu work well.

Variations

  • Chicken & Mushroom Claypot Rice – Classic Cantonese version.
  • Beef Claypot Rice – Marinate beef slices in soy sauce and ginger.
  • Vegetarian Claypot Rice – Use tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot straight from the pot for maximum flavor.
  • Pair with Hong Kong Milk Tea or Chinese Pickled Vegetables.
  • Great as a main dish for family-style dinners.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet to revive the crispy rice texture.

FAQs about Hong Kong Claypot Rice

1. Can I make claypot rice without a claypot?
Yes, use a Dutch oven, cast iron, or heavy-bottom pot.

2. How do I get the crispy bottom?
Cook on low heat, then turn up to medium-low at the end for 3–5 minutes.

3. What rice is best for claypot rice?
Jasmine rice gives the best fragrance and texture.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate toppings ahead, but cook rice fresh for best texture.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.


You May Also Like

  • [Hong Kong Milk Tea Recipe]
  • [Hong Kong Pineapple Bun Recipe]
  • [Hong Kong Egg Tarts]
  • [Chicken Kofta Curry]
  • [Thai Fish Curry]

👉 Hong Kong Claypot Rice (Bo Zai Fan) is the ultimate Cantonese comfort food — smoky, crispy, and full of rich flavors. Try this one-pot classic at home today!


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

spicy salmon sushi bites.

                    🍣 Crispy Rice Sushi Bites Recipe – Viral Sushi Appetizer You’ll Crave! 📌 Why You’ll Love These Crispy Sushi Bites These crispy rice sushi bites are the perfect blend of textures: golden fried sushi rice topped with creamy, spicy tuna or fresh avocado. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving sushi night at home, this viral appetizer is fun, fancy, and surprisingly easy! 📝 Ingredients (Makes 12–15 bites) For the crispy rice: 2 cups cooked sushi rice (short-grain, cooled) 1 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tsp sugar Pinch of salt Neutral oil (for frying) For the spicy tuna topping: 150g sashimi-grade tuna, finely chopped 2 tbsp mayo 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste) 1 tsp soy sauce ½ tsp sesame oil Optional toppings: Thin avocado slices Jalapeño rounds Black sesame seeds Chopped green onions Soy sauce for dipping 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Sushi Rice Mix the cooled rice with rice vinega...

albondigas recipe

  🧆 Spanish Meatballs Recipe (Albóndigas) | Savory Tapas Classic Craving juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce? These Spanish Albóndigas are a classic tapas dish, packed with bold spices, fresh herbs, and rustic charm. Served with crusty bread or rice, they make the perfect party bite, appetizer, or cozy family dinner. 📝 Ingredients For the Meatballs: 500g ground beef (or half beef, half pork) 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 2 tbsp chopped parsley 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp cumin Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil for frying For the Tomato Sauce: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp sugar (to balance acidity) Salt and pepper to taste Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine or water 🍳 Instructions Step 1: Make the Meatballs In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, ...

raspberry almond cake recipe

  🍰 Raspberry Almond Tea Cake – Elegant, Moist & Perfect for Any Occasion Looking for a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? This Raspberry Almond Tea Cake is a soft, buttery delight with a subtle almond flavor, studded with juicy raspberries and topped with sliced almonds. It’s the perfect treat for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, or a light dessert. Whether you're celebrating a special moment or just enjoying a quiet cup of tea, this simple yet elegant cake brings bakery-quality flavor to your home kitchen. ✅ Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Almond Cake 🍓 Naturally sweet and fruity 🌰 Warm almond aroma and flavor 🧁 Light, fluffy, and moist texture ☕ Pairs beautifully with tea or coffee 🕒 Bakes in under 40 minutes with simple  🍓 Ingredients You’ll Need 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 tsp almond extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1/2 cup (50g) almond fl...