BBQ pork fried rice with Char Siu
🍚 Introduction
BBQ pork fried rice with char Siu: Welcome to a celebration of comforting flavors straight from the heart of Asian home cooking! Today, we’ll transform succulent, sweet-savory Chinese barbecue pork—better known as char siu—into a sizzling, fragrant fried rice that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick indulgence.
This is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible wok aroma and brings everyone running to the table.
🛒 Recipe Ingredients
Let’s highlight the hero of this recipe: Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork). Tender, caramelized, and packed with flavor, this pork infuses every grain of rice with a delicious richness you’ll crave again and again.
Other essential ingredients round out the dish with color, texture, and that signature takeout taste:
✅ Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork) – freshly homemade or store-bought
✅ Day-old cooked white rice – this ensures separate grains that fry beautifully
✅ Carrots – diced for sweetness and crunch
✅ Frozen peas – bright pops of green
✅ Eggs – scrambled for richness
✅ Green onions – fresh lift of flavor
✅ Garlic – minced, aromatic base
✅ Light soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, salt, pepper – your seasoning symphony
👩🍳 How to Make Chinese Barbecue Pork Fried Rice – Step by Step
Step 1 (5 min): Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the char siu into small cubes.
- Finely chop carrots and slice green onions.
- Thaw frozen peas.
- Beat one egg in a bowl.
Step 2 (3 min): Scramble the Egg
- Heat a little oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat.
- Pour in the beaten egg and scramble until set but still tender.
- Break into small pieces and remove from the wok.
Step 3 (2 min): Sauté Garlic
- Add a bit more oil to the wok.
- Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Step 4 (2 min): Add the Rice
- Add the cold, day-old rice.
- Break up clumps with your spatula and stir well to coat every grain in oil.
Step 5 (3 min): Incorporate Veggies and Egg
- Toss in the carrots, peas, and scrambled egg.
- Stir-fry over medium heat until the veggies soften.
Step 6 (2 min): Season
- Drizzle in light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
- Season lightly with salt and a dash of pepper.
- Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.
Step 7 (2 min): Return the Char Siu
- Add the diced barbecue pork back into the wok.
- Gradually turn up the heat.
Step 8 (3 min): High Heat Stir Fry
- Stir-fry over high heat to create that magical wok aroma.
- You’ll hear the rice sizzle and pop—this is when the flavors deepen beautifully.
Step 9 (1 min): Finish and Serve
- Turn off the heat.
- Sprinkle in green onions.
- Toss everything together and garnish with extra char siu on top.
💧 How to Make Moist, Tender Fried Rice
Think of this as the art of keeping every bite juicy without turning soggy:
✨ Use cold, day-old rice to prevent clumps.
✨ Stir-fry quickly over high heat.
✨ Don’t overload the wok—cook in batches if necessary.
✨ Coat the grains evenly with oil to lock in moisture and flavor.
✨ Finish with just enough sauce to season without soaking the rice.
✅ 10 Test Kitchen Tips for Perfect Fried Rice
1️⃣ Always chill your cooked rice at least 4 hours or overnight.
2️⃣ Use a carbon steel wok if possible—it heats evenly and quickly.
3️⃣ Prep all ingredients before you turn on the heat.
4️⃣ Dice the char siu into uniform pieces for even cooking.
5️⃣ High heat = best flavor and texture.
6️⃣ Don’t crowd the pan—rice needs space to fry, not steam.
7️⃣ Scramble the egg separately for the best texture.
8️⃣ Add sauces around the edges of the wok to caramelize them.
9️⃣ Stir constantly when on high heat to avoid burning.
🔟 Finish with fresh green onions for brightness.
🧊 How to Store the Recipe
Cool the fried rice completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 1 hour of cooking to keep it safe and delicious. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in a hot skillet or microwave before serving.
❄️ Can You Freeze Char Siu Fried Rice?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze it!
Let it cool fully, then pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out excess air to prevent freezer burn.
It will keep well for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat straight from frozen in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to steam and rehydrate the rice. Stir constantly to warm evenly without turning mushy.
💬 NonvegKahani Community Tips and Praise
⭐ Rahul K. says:
“This recipe is a total winner! The char siu adds such a rich, smoky sweetness, and the rice stays perfectly fluffy. My family asked for seconds—and thirds!”
🥄 Ingredients (Scale Up or Down as Needed)
| Ingredient | 1x (Serves 2) | 2x (Serves 4) | 4x (Serves 8) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Char Siu | 1 cup diced | 2 cups diced | 4 cups diced |
| Cooked rice | 3 cups cold | 6 cups cold | 12 cups cold |
| Carrot | ½ cup diced | 1 cup diced | 2 cups diced |
| Frozen peas | ½ cup | 1 cup | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 1 large | 2 large | 4 large |
| Green onions | 2 stalks | 4 stalks | 8 stalks |
| Garlic | 2 cloves minced | 4 cloves minced | 8 cloves minced |
| Light soy sauce | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 4 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 4 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | To taste | To taste |
🍳 Directions (Step by Step)
1️⃣ Prep Ingredients
2️⃣ Scramble Egg
3️⃣ Sauté Garlic
4️⃣ Add and Break Up Rice
5️⃣ Mix in Veggies and Egg
6️⃣ Season
7️⃣ Return Char Siu
8️⃣ High-Heat Stir Fry
9️⃣ Garnish and Serve
🥗 Nutrition (per serving, 1x)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 58g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
🎬 Best YouTube Video Tutorial
Watch this recipe on YouTube (link placeholder—please replace with your preferred video)
❓ 5 FAQs about Char Siu Fried Rice
1️⃣ Can I use freshly cooked rice?
It’s best to use chilled, day-old rice to avoid sticky clumps.
2️⃣ What other proteins can I use?
Try diced cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef instead of char siu.
3️⃣ How do I make it spicier?
Add chopped chili or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce during seasoning.
4️⃣ What type of rice works best?
Medium or long-grain white rice is ideal for fluffy fried rice.
5️⃣ Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the char siu and add more vegetables or tofu.
