
I first encountered this dish at a dim sum spot in Chinatown, where the aroma of baking seafood and rice filled the room. This one-pot wonder brings together fresh seafood and fragrant rice in a way that feels both luxurious and comforting.
The traditional method starts with a wok-heated base of rice and seafood, then finishes in the oven for a golden crust. It’s a process that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
What you’ll love most is how the flavors meld together—sweet shrimp, briny scallops, and tender rice soaked in a savory broth. It’s a dish that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Hong Kong Baked Seafood Rice
Fresh seafood, fragrant rice, and a few pantry staples create this showstopping dish.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jasmine Rice 🍚 | 2 cups | Rinsed until water runs clear |
| Large Shrimp 🍤 | 1 lb | Peeled, deveined, tails on |
| Scallops 🐚 | ½ lb | Dry-packed, patted dry |
| Chinese Sausage 🌭 | 2 pieces | Lap cheong, sliced thin |
| Dried Shiitake Mushrooms 🍄 | 4 whole | Rehydrated, sliced |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Minced finely |
| Green Onions 🧅 | 4 whole | Sliced, green parts only |
| Light Soy Sauce 🥢 | 2 tbsp | Low-sodium preferred |
| Oyster Sauce 🫒 | 1 tbsp | Vegetarian if needed |
| Shaoxing Wine 🍶 | 1 tbsp | Dry sherry works too |
| Chicken Broth 🥣 | 2 cups | Low-sodium or homemade |
| Sesame Oil 🫒 | 1 tsp | Toasted for aroma |
| White Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Ground, for subtle heat |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Eggs 🥚 | 2 whole | For golden crust topping |
The seafood is everything here. Fresh shrimp and scallops from a trusted fishmonger make all the difference—look for firm texture and sweet aroma. I grab mine from Whole Foods or the local Asian market (they often have live scallops). The Chinese sausage (lap cheong) adds a sweet-savory depth; find it in the freezer section at most Asian grocers. For the mushrooms, dried shiitake are a must for that umami punch (rehydrate in warm water).
No shrimp? Mussels or clams work beautifully. Swap scallops for chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut. If you can’t find lap cheong, diced spam or ham gives a similar saltiness (not traditional but tasty). For a vegetarian twist, extra mushrooms and tofu soak up the flavors well. Shaoxing wine is ideal, but dry sherry or white wine works in a pinch. Skip the oyster sauce if strictly vegetarian—use mushroom stir-fry sauce instead.
Leftovers keep 2-3 days in the fridge, but the crust loses its crispness. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to revive it somewhat. Best served fresh, though—this dish is all about that just-baked golden top (worth the effort).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: I just toss everything in one baking dish—jasmine rice, shrimp, scallops, and those rich Chinese sausages—then let the oven do the work.
- Umami Bomb: The dried shiitake mushrooms soak up all that seafood and sausage flavor, making every bite ridiculously good.
- Feeds a Crowd: I made this for my in-laws last weekend and it was exactly what we needed for a stress-free family dinner.
- Leftovers for Days: Honestly, it tastes even better the next day when the rice absorbs all the juices from the seafood and mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hong Kong Baked Seafood Rice
This one-pot method delivers perfectly cooked rice with tender seafood and a golden crust.
Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Aromatics
Rinse the 2 cups Jasmine Rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the final dish from becoming gummy. Drain well in a fine-mesh sieve.
In a wok or large pot, heat the 1 tsp Sesame Oil over medium-high heat. Add the 4 cloves minced Garlic Cloves and 4 whole sliced Green Onions (green parts only). Stir-fry for 30-45 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic turns bitter and ruins the dish.
Step 2: Toast the Rice and Add Liquids
Add the drained jasmine rice to the wok and stir for 1-2 minutes until the grains are well coated with oil and slightly translucent at the edges. This toasting step enhances the nutty flavor of the rice and prevents it from turning mushy during baking.
Pour in the 2 cups Chicken Broth, 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce, 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing Wine, 0.5 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp White Pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. I always taste the liquid at this point—it should be well seasoned since the rice will absorb all the flavor.
Step 3: Layer in the Seafood and Sausage
Arrange the 1 lb Large Shrimp, 0.5 lb Scallops, 2 pieces thinly sliced Chinese Sausage, and 4 whole rehydrated and sliced Dried Shiitake Mushrooms evenly over the rice. Press them gently into the liquid so they’re partially submerged. The shrimp and scallops will cook perfectly as the rice absorbs the broth, while the sausage adds a smoky depth.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the wok or pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek—steam is your friend here, and lifting the lid releases it.
Step 4: Finish with Eggs and Bake to Perfection
After 15 minutes, remove the lid and check that the rice is nearly tender with just a slight bite. Make two small wells in the rice and crack the 2 whole Eggs into them. Cover again and cook for 2-3 minutes until the egg whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny.
Transfer the entire pot to a preheated 400°F oven (or use a broiler) and bake for 5-7 minutes until the top develops a golden, slightly crispy crust. The eggs will finish cooking, and the seafood will be perfectly tender. Garnish with extra green onions and serve hot directly from the pot.
Pro Tips For Making Hong Kong Baked Seafood Rice
- Par-cook the Rice: I learned this the hard way—undercook the jasmine rice by 2-3 minutes before baking, or you’ll end up with mushy grains instead of that perfect slightly firm texture.
- Bloom the Mushrooms: Soak dried shiitakes in warm water for at least 20 minutes, then slice thinly—sounds tedious, but it actually changes the outcome by giving them a meaty bite and deeper flavor.
- Skip Overcrowding: Resist the urge to dump all seafood in at once; bake shrimp and scallops in a single layer so they cook evenly and get that light char instead of steaming in their own juices.
- Sear the Sausage: After burning three batches, I finally figured out that pan-frying the Chinese sausage for 2 minutes first releases its fat and adds a caramelized depth you just can’t get from baking alone.
Best Sauces and Condiments for This hong kong baked seafood rice
Classic Garlic Soy Drizzle
I always mix 2 tbsp light soy sauce with 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1 minced garlic clove for a quick drizzle. It enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness without overpowering the dish. Drizzle just before serving for maximum impact. ✨
Spicy Chili Oil Kick
For heat lovers, Lao Gan Ma chili crisp adds crunch and fire. I stir 1 tbsp into 2 tbsp neutral oil and warm it slightly before spooning over individual servings. The texture contrast is incredible.
Sweet and Tangy Glaze
Combine 1 tbsp oyster sauce with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp rice vinegar. Brush this over the seafood during the last 2 minutes of baking for a glossy, caramelized finish.
Herb-Infused Butter
Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp chopped green onions and ½ tsp white pepper. Spoon this over the hot dish right after baking—the butter melts into the rice beautifully.
Citrusy Finishing Touch
A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens all the rich flavors. I add 1 tsp lime zest to the juice for extra aroma. Sprinkle over each serving just before eating. 💛
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw completely in the fridge first and pat very dry. Frozen shrimp and scallops work well if they’re high quality. Avoid refreezing after thawing for best texture and flavor.
What if my rice is undercooked after baking?
Add ¼ cup hot broth, cover, and bake 5 more minutes. Check moisture level before adding more liquid. Over-baking can make rice dry, so monitor closely.
Can I make this without an oven?
After adding eggs, cover the pot and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes. Use a diffuser if your stove runs hot to prevent burning the bottom.
How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Crack eggs into small wells in the rice just before the final bake. 400°F for 5-7 minutes gives set whites with runny yolks. Pull it out as soon as the crust is golden.
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