Why Claypot Rice Is The Ultimate One Pot Meal

Claypot Rice is the kind of dish that makes me slow down and savor every bite. The combination of tender, fluffy rice, sweet Chinese sausage, and that savory soy glaze creates pure comfort in a pot. The best part is that it all comes together with just a handful of ingredients, yet the flavor feels like it took hours to build. It’s the perfect dinner for when I want something deeply satisfying without spending all night in the kitchen.

The Secret Is in the Clay Pot (and That Crispy Rice)

The signature of Claypot Rice is the golden, crispy crust at the bottom, known as “socarrat” in paella or “okoge” in Japanese rice dishes. The clay pot locks in heat and moisture while allowing the bottom to slowly toast, creating that irresistible chewy, smoky layer. It’s the part my family always fights over, and honestly, I could eat a whole bowl of just that.

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Ingredients for Claypot Rice

Rice & Sausage

• 1 cup white rice
• 1¼ cups water
• 3 Chinese sausages (lap cheong)

Sauce

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 2 tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp white pepper
• Optional Garnish: Chinese broccoli, crispy shallots

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How to Make Claypot Rice

Mix dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper in a bowl and set aside

Add rice and water to a clay pot, soak for 1 hour

Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, then place sausages on top, cover, and cook for 15 minutes

Pour sauce over rice and sausages, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes

Remove sausages, slice thinly, and return to pot or serve on the side

Garnish with Chinese broccoli and crispy shallots if desired, and serve hot from the pot

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Tips and Variations

• Swap Chinese sausage for sliced roast duck, char siu, or leftover rotisserie chicken for a protein twist

• Add vegetables like shiitake mushrooms, bok choy, or snow peas for extra texture and nutrition

• To get an even crispier bottom layer, increase the heat slightly during the last few minutes of cooking, just watch closely so it doesn’t burn

• A small drizzle of sesame oil right before serving adds a nutty aroma that complements the sauce

• If you don’t have a clay pot, use a heavy-bottomed pot or cast iron skillet for similar results

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Claypot Rice Is All About the Sausage and Sauce

Lap cheong is the soul of this dish. Its sweet-salty flavor and rendered fat infuse the rice as it cooks, creating richness in every bite. When the sauce hits the hot rice at the end, it bubbles and clings to each grain, bringing depth and umami that’s hard to replicate.

How I Serve Claypot Rice (and How You Can Make It Yours)

I love to mix the sausage slices through the rice so every spoonful has a bit of everything. On the side, Chinese broccoli adds freshness and balance, while crispy shallots bring crunch. You can keep it classic or experiment, toss in fried eggs, add roasted meats, or even fold in a handful of herbs for brightness. However you serve it, this dish will keep you coming back for more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Claypot Rice without a clay pot?

Yes, a heavy-bottomed pot, Dutch oven, or cast iron skillet will work. Just keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the rice.

How do I get the crispy rice without burning it?

Cook over low to medium-low heat, and avoid stirring once you’ve added the rice. You can slightly increase the heat in the last few minutes for extra crisp.

What is lap cheong, and where can I buy it?

Lap cheong is a sweet Chinese sausage made from pork. It’s available online or at most Asian grocery stores and sometimes in the international aisle of larger supermarkets.

Can I make this ahead?

Claypot Rice is best fresh, but you can par-cook the rice and store it in the fridge, then finish the last few minutes of cooking when ready to serve.

Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! Chicken, pork belly, roast duck, or even tofu work beautifully in this recipe.

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More Recipes to Try

• Try my Char Siu Pork for another Hong Kong classic that pairs perfectly with this rice.

• Make my Crispy Pork Belly for a rich and texture-heavy dish to serve alongside.

• Go for my Coca Cola Braised Chicken for another comforting one-pot option.