XO Sauce Fried Rice Recipe
Introduction
XO Sauce Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines succulent prawns, savory Chinese BBQ pork, and a rich, spicy XO sauce. Perfect for using up day-old rice, this stir-fry delivers a deliciously hearty meal with layers of umami and a touch of heat.

Ingredients
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, lightly whisked
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 200g (7 oz) peeled and deveined prawns
- 200g (7 oz) Chinese ‘Char Siu’ BBQ Pork, diced
- 3 cups cooked rice (day old is best)
- ¼ cup finely sliced spring onion (scallions)
- For the seasoning sauce:
- ¼ cup XO Sauce, plus extra to serve
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: For the seasoning sauce, combine the XO sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, and dark soy sauce in a small bowl. Set aside for later.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the whisked eggs and stir gently with a spatula until almost set. Flip the omelette and cook for another minute, then transfer to a chopping board and cut into small pieces.
- Step 3: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok and heat over high heat. Stir-fry the garlic and diced onion for about 2 minutes until the onion softens. Add the prawns and cook for 1-2 minutes until just done. Toss in the diced Chinese BBQ pork.
- Step 4: Pour in the seasoning sauce and stir-fry everything for another minute to combine the flavors. Add the cooked rice and chopped omelette, stirring well to coat all the rice grains evenly with the sauce.
- Step 5: Stir through the sliced spring onions. Serve the fried rice hot with extra XO sauce on the side for added kick.
Tips & Variations
- Using day-old rice helps to prevent clumping and gives you that perfect stir-fried texture.
- Feel free to substitute the prawns with cooked chicken or tofu for a different protein.
- Add a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- If you don’t have Shaoxing cooking wine, dry sherry or a splash of sake can be a good substitute.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a wok or frying pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the rice feels dry, to bring it back to life.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What is XO sauce?
XO sauce is a spicy, savory condiment from Hong Kong made from dried seafood, chili, garlic, and ham. It adds rich umami flavor and a bit of heat to dishes like fried rice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the prawns and BBQ pork, and replace them with firm tofu or mixed vegetables for a vegetarian version. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce to keep the flavors balanced.
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XO Sauce Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
XO Sauce Fried Rice is a flavorful and savory stir-fried rice dish that features a rich blend of umami-packed XO sauce, succulent prawns, tender Chinese BBQ pork, and fluffy egg omelette pieces. Perfect for using day-old rice, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal packed with bold flavors and delightful textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 eggs, lightly whisked
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 200g (7 oz) peeled and deveined prawns
- 200g (7 oz) Chinese ‘Char Siu’ BBQ Pork, diced
- 3 cups cooked rice (day old is best)
- ¼ cup finely sliced spring onion (scallions)
Seasoning Sauce
- ¼ cup XO Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese Shaoxing cooking wine
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning sauce: In a small bowl, combine the XO sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, and dark soy sauce. Stir well and set aside.
- Make the egg omelette: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour in the lightly whisked eggs and use a spatula to continuously stir the eggs until they are nearly set. Flip the omelette over carefully and cook for an additional minute. Transfer the cooked omelette to a chopping board and cut into small pieces.
- Cook aromatics and proteins: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and diced onion, cooking for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the peeled prawns and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Then add the diced Chinese BBQ pork and toss to combine.
- Add seasoning and rice: Pour the prepared seasoning sauce into the wok and stir-fry the mixture for another minute, ensuring everything is well coated. Next, add the day-old cooked rice along with the chopped omelette pieces. Stir-fry continuously until the rice grains are evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Toss in the finely sliced spring onions and give the rice a final stir. Serve the XO Sauce Fried Rice hot with extra XO sauce on the side for an added flavor boost.
Notes
- Using day-old cooked rice helps achieve the best texture by preventing clumping and excess moisture.
- You can prepare homemade XO sauce and Chinese BBQ pork for an authentic and fresher taste.
- Adjust the amount of XO sauce according to your preference for spice and flavor intensity.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Make sure to cook the prawns only until just done to avoid rubbery texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: XO sauce fried rice, Chinese fried rice, XO sauce recipe, char siu fried rice, prawns fried rice, stir-fried rice, Chinese cuisine

