Hong Kong Style Claypot Rice (Wa Po Fan)
A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring rice cooked in a claypot with various toppings, such as preserved meats, chicken, or lap cheong (Chinese sausage), resulting in a slightly crispy rice base and a rich, savory aroma.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Jasmine rice(rinsed and soaked for at least 30 minutes)
- 1.5 cups Water(adjust based on rice type and claypot size)
- 2 links Chinese sausage (lap cheong)(thinly sliced)
- 2 pieces Salted duck egg yolk(optional, for richness)
- 200 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 0.5 tsp White pepper
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil(for greasing the claypot)
- 2 stalks Scallions(thinly sliced, for garnish)
- 1 inch Ginger(julienned, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper for at least 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Grease the inside of a claypot with vegetable oil, especially the bottom and sides.
💡 Tip: This helps prevent sticking and creates a crispy rice crust. - 3
Drain the soaked rice and spread it evenly in the bottom of the claypot. Add 1.5 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid (a heatproof plate or foil can be used if the pot lid is not tight), and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed and the rice is partially cooked.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Listen for the bubbling to subside, indicating the water is nearly absorbed. - 5
Arrange the marinated chicken and sliced Chinese sausage over the partially cooked rice. If using, place the salted duck egg yolks on top.
💡 Tip: Distribute toppings evenly for balanced flavor. - 6
Cover the claypot again and continue to cook on low heat for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the toppings are done. You should hear crackling sounds, indicating the formation of the crispy rice crust.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Increase heat slightly for the last 5 minutes if you desire a crispier bottom. - 7
Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 8
Garnish with sliced scallions and julienned ginger before serving directly from the claypot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soaking the rice is crucial for even cooking and texture.
- ✓The ratio of water to rice might need adjustment depending on your claypot and rice cooker.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the claypot; it should be about two-thirds full.
- ✓A crispy rice crust (fan jiao) is a highly prized element of this dish.
🔄 Variations
- Add shiitake mushrooms, dried shrimp, or pork ribs.
- Use different marinated meats like beef or duck.
- Incorporate preserved vegetables like salted mustard greens.