This XO Fried Rice with Char Siu is a fast, flavor-packed dish that delivers rich umami notes and satisfying textures in every bite. The magic of XO sauce—spicy, savory, and slightly sweet—paired with the caramelized edges of Chinese BBQ pork creates a showstopping one-pan meal that feels gourmet but takes only 10 minutes to make.
A perfect option for using up leftover rice and transforming it into something indulgent, this dish shines whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends. Its deep golden hue, soft scrambled egg ribbons, and aromatic stir-fry base make it as beautiful as it is delicious. Make it part of your weekly rotation—you won’t regret it.
Full Recipe:
1½ tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cups char siu pork, diced (about 1 lb / 450 g)
4 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
1 inch ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups leftover rice (preferably cold, day-old rice)
4 tablespoons XO sauce (homemade or store-bought)
4 eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the diced onion and char siu pork. Stir-fry until both are slightly caramelized, about 1–2 minutes.
Add the white parts of the green onion, along with the minced ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cold rice and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the rice begins to crisp and crackle, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the XO sauce and mix thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
Push all ingredients to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil to the empty side. Pour in the beaten eggs. Let them set briefly, then scramble gently.
Once the eggs are mostly set but still slightly runny, chop and mix them into the fried rice.
Add the green parts of the green onions. Stir everything together for another 30 seconds.
Taste and season with salt if needed. Serve hot as a main or side dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 412 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to XO Fried Rice with Char Siu
XO Fried Rice with Char Siu is a stunning example of how Chinese home cooking effortlessly transforms leftovers into a gourmet-level experience. At first glance, it may look like a simple fried rice dish, but the inclusion of two luxurious ingredients—XO sauce and Chinese BBQ pork (char siu)—elevates it far beyond what you’d expect from a casual stir-fry. The magic lies in its flavor complexity, speed of preparation, and textural contrast: crispy yet tender rice, savory sweet char siu, rich egg, and the deeply umami-packed XO sauce.
This dish not only satisfies cravings for takeout-style fried rice, but it also tells a deeper story of Cantonese cooking philosophy: nothing goes to waste, and every meal can be made special with a few bold ingredients. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking for something fast and flavorful, XO Fried Rice with Char Siu is a must-try.
What Makes XO Sauce So Special
To appreciate this recipe fully, it helps to understand the significance of XO sauce. Often referred to as the “caviar of the Orient,” XO sauce originated in Hong Kong in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity for its layered umami and premium ingredients. The sauce traditionally includes dried scallops (conpoy), dried shrimp, Jinhua ham or Chinese cured meats, garlic, and chili—all slowly cooked in oil to produce a rich, savory, spicy condiment.
The name “XO” doesn’t refer to any actual ingredient but is borrowed from the branding of XO (extra old) cognac, suggesting luxury and exclusivity. In this fried rice dish, XO sauce provides a deeply savory flavor that can’t be replicated with soy sauce or oyster sauce alone. It’s slightly smoky, a bit sweet, and delivers a seafood-infused umami punch that ties the entire dish together.
Even a spoonful of this sauce can transform a bowl of plain rice into something spectacular. When used in fried rice, its oil coats every grain, helping achieve that signature crispy texture while infusing intense depth of flavor.
Char Siu: A Star in Its Own Right
Char siu, or Chinese BBQ pork, is another staple of Cantonese cuisine. Its name literally means “fork roasted,” referring to the traditional method of cooking long strips of marinated pork on skewers over an open flame or in a specialized oven. What makes char siu distinct is its balance of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors, achieved through a marinade made with ingredients like hoisin sauce, five spice, soy sauce, honey, and fermented bean curd.
In the context of XO Fried Rice, char siu brings a contrast in both flavor and texture. The caramelized edges of the pork provide a satisfying bite, while its sweet-savory profile complements the seafood-umami richness of the XO sauce. Using leftover char siu makes this dish incredibly convenient, adding a layer of convenience without sacrificing taste.
Why Leftover Rice Works Best
Fried rice recipes often call for leftover rice for a reason: it’s drier and firmer than freshly cooked rice, allowing it to crisp up in the pan without becoming mushy. The grains separate easily, which helps in evenly distributing the sauce and ingredients during the stir-fry. In the XO Fried Rice recipe, this dryness is especially critical because XO sauce is oil-based and clings beautifully to each grain of rice, creating a perfect blend of textures.
Using day-old rice also fits with the economical, no-waste ethos of Chinese cooking. You’re taking something humble and leftover and transforming it into something vibrant and indulgent.
Technique: The Secret Sauce Behind the Dish
Beyond ingredients, what really sets XO Fried Rice with Char Siu apart is the cooking technique. Stir-frying at high heat ensures the rice develops a slightly crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Proper caramelization of the onion and pork intensifies flavor, and cooking the egg separately before mixing it in allows for delicate curds that add richness without becoming rubbery.
The timing of when each ingredient enters the wok is also critical. Aromatics like garlic and ginger are added just after the meat to avoid burning while ensuring their flavors are released. Eggs are scrambled on the side of the pan to maintain their texture, then chopped and folded into the rice at just the right moment. This attention to sequencing makes all the difference in delivering a dish that feels balanced and professional, even when made at home.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
XO Fried Rice with Char Siu is designed to be a complete meal, but it can also be part of a larger spread. Because the dish is rich and flavor-forward, it pairs well with simple, clean sides like:
Steamed Chinese broccoli (gai lan) with oyster sauce
Light soups, such as egg drop soup or clear broth with tofu and napa cabbage
Pickled vegetables, which offer acidity to cut through the richness
Cucumber salad with sesame oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast
You can also serve it in smaller portions as part of a dim sum-style brunch or dinner party. Since it reheats well, it’s great for meal prep too—just make sure to store it in an airtight container and add a splash of water before microwaving to maintain moisture.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best aspects of this dish is how adaptable it is:
Protein swap: Not a fan of pork? Try using roast chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. The key is to use a flavorful, pre-cooked protein to save time and boost taste.
Vegetarian version: While XO sauce traditionally contains seafood, there are now vegetarian versions made with shiitake mushrooms and fermented black beans that offer a similar umami kick.
Add greens: The base recipe doesn’t include vegetables to keep the XO flavor front and center, but feel free to toss in finely chopped Chinese broccoli stems or snap peas for added nutrition. Just keep it subtle so the core flavors remain dominant.
This flexibility makes the dish accessible to a wide audience while allowing for creativity in your kitchen.
Nutritional Perspective
Although this isn’t a low-calorie dish, it is satisfying and high in protein. Each serving provides a good amount of energy, healthy fats from the XO sauce oil, and quality protein from the eggs and char siu. Since it’s made in one pan, you’re also saving on added fats or oils typically used in multi-dish meals.
For those watching their sodium or trying to reduce processed ingredients, making your own XO sauce and char siu at home allows you to control the seasoning and avoid additives. Many store-bought sauces can be high in sodium or preservatives, so homemade versions can make this dish more wholesome.
Cultural Significance and Modern Appeal
XO Fried Rice bridges tradition and modernity. It honors the traditional Chinese values of resourcefulness, respect for ingredients, and balance in flavor, while fitting seamlessly into fast-paced modern lifestyles. It’s luxurious enough to serve at a gathering, yet practical enough for a busy weeknight meal. This dual identity is part of why it continues to grow in popularity outside of Asia, showing up in restaurants, home kitchens, and even social media feeds.
For Western audiences, this dish is a perfect introduction to elevated Chinese comfort food. It’s bold, delicious, and offers just the right amount of challenge to improve your stir-fry game without being intimidating.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Mastering
XO Fried Rice with Char Siu is more than just a fried rice dish—it’s a culinary experience rooted in culture, texture, and technique. With every bite, you get a mix of crispy rice, rich pork, creamy egg, and a sauce that’s bold and unforgettable. It’s a reminder that luxury in cooking doesn’t have to come from expensive or rare ingredients; sometimes, it’s about how thoughtfully and intentionally those ingredients are used.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a curious beginner, this dish deserves a place in your recipe collection. Once you master it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—not just to use up leftovers, but because it’s that good.