Chinese Sausage & Abalone Steamed Rice

By Kittipat Esposito for Ocean Road Abalone

Chinese Sausage & Abalone Steamed Rice is a warm and inviting dish, combining the delicate richness of Ocean Road Abalone’s premium canned abalone with the savoury punch of Chinese sausage, tender pork, and earthy shiitake mushrooms. Each bite is a harmony of flavours and textures, tied together by the comforting aroma of perfectly seasoned steamed rice.

But let’s be honest—half the fun of this dish is the battle for the best bits: the sticky, slightly charred rice clinging to the bottom of the pot. Whether you’re sneaking it straight from the pan or diplomatically dividing it at the table, these golden treasures are often a favourite of the meal.

Perfect for any festive gathering or a cosy family dinner, this dish is as much about the experience of cooking and sharing as it is about enjoying the delicious result. Whether you’re celebrating Lunar New Year or simply enjoying a special meal, let the warmth of this dish bring joy and flavour to your table!

Why you'll love this recipe 

• Layered Flavours: Savory Chinese sausage, tender abalone, juicy prawns, and aromatic shiitake mushrooms combine to create a comforting and balanced dish.
• Simple Yet Impressive: Whether cooked in a rice cooker or a steamer, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare yet perfect for special occasions or family meals.
• Versatile and Wholesome: Packed with protein, umami-rich ingredients, and fluffy rice, it’s a complete meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a feast.

Serves: 4
Allergens: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 440g Rice, washed and drained
• 127g Chinese Sausage (3 pcs), sliced
• 130g Canned Abalone (4 pcs per can), drained, liquid reserved
• 100g Pork Fillet, sliced
• 100g Prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, soaked, quartered, and liquid reserved
• 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Ground White Pepper
• 15g Garlic, crushed
• 10g Ginger, crushed
• 40g Ginger, sliced
• 4 tbsp Oil
• 1/8 tsp Bicarb Soda
• 10ml Cooking Wine

Tips for Success Use Reserved Liquid: The reserved liquid from the canned abalone and shiitake mushrooms adds a rich depth of flavour to the rice. Layer Ingredients Carefully: If using a rice cooker or steamer, layering the ginger at the bottom prevents sticking and infuses the dish with aromatic warmth. Even Cooking: Stir the rice mixture well before cooking to distribute the seasoning and ingredients evenly.

Serving Suggestions Garnish with fresh coriander, spring onion, or celery for a vibrant finish. Serve as a standalone meal or pair with steamed greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli for a balanced feast. Perfect for Lunar New Year celebrations or any occasion that calls for a comforting and flavourful one-pot dish.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Fillet

1. Macerate sliced pork fillet with bicarb soda and cooking wine. Let it marinate while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Ingredients

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add sliced Chinese sausage and render the fat for a few minutes.
2. Remove the sausage and set aside.
3. In the same pan, briefly cook the mushrooms and set aside.
4. Do the same for the prawns, setting each aside once cooked.
5. Add garlic and crushed ginger to the pan. Sauté until fragrant.
6. Stir in the pork and cook until half done.
7. Add the washed rice to the pan with the pork. Stir well.
8. Then season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper. Keep Stiring
9. Mix in the Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and half of the prawns
10. Mix Well and turn off the heat.

Step 4: Cooking Options

Rice Cooker Method:

1. 1. Place sliced ginger at the bottom of the rice cooker. Transfer the rice mixture to the cooker and add about 2 3/4 cups of combined reserved liquid from the abalone and mushrooms.
   2. Turn on the rice cooker. After 15 minutes, add the abalone and remaining prawns on top. Cook until done.

Steamer Method:

1. 1. Preheat a steamer. Place sliced ginger at the bottom of a heatproof bowl, then add the rice mixture along with 2 3/4 cups of the liquid from the abalone and mushrooms.
   2. Place the bowl in the steamer once the water is boiling and steam until the rice is fully cooked.

This Chinese Sausage & Abalone Steamed Rice is a versatile and satisfying meal that blends savory, sweet, and umami flavours in every bite. Simple yet celebratory, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!

About the author

Kittipat Esposito is a culinary talent known for her vibrant use of flavours and colours, bringing adventurous catering to life in southwest Victoria, near our Port Fairy farm. Kittipat grew up in a Chinese-Thai family deeply rooted in the hospitality industry in central Thailand, and fortunately for us, enjoys working with abalone, incorporating other locally grown produce, as well as a wide range of Asian ingredients. Kittipat also delights with European cuisine, especially French and Italian, drawing on both tradition and creativity for dishes that are as visually striking as they are delicious. Her cakes are amazing too!

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