This is the Zi Hai Guo Claypot Rice Szechwan Sausage, a self-heating meal kit designed to emulate the flavour and composition of traditional claypot rice. This variant featured Szechwan-style lap cheong and corn.
Each unit consisted of a plastic outer bowl with a lid and an inner aluminium tray. The kit included individually sealed packets of dehydrated rice, filtered water, wet toppings (slices of Szechwan-style lap cheong in chilli oil and corn kernels), sachets of seasoning sauce and chilli paste, and a self-heating element.
Preparation involved placing the rice, water, and toppings into the aluminium tray, reserving the sauces for later. The self-heating element was then activated with cold tap water at the base of the plastic bowl. Once the aluminium tray was set above the heating element and sealed with the lid, steam began to vent within minutes. After approximately 15 minutes, the lid was removed and the seasoning sauce and chilli paste were stirred through prior to serving.
On tasting, the rice was evenly cooked, with well-defined grains and a pleasing firmness. While it lacked the charred or crispy layer associated with claypots prepared over a flame, the texture was still satisfying. The lap cheong was tender and juicy, carrying a pronounced savoury richness. Once combined with the sauces, it delivered a discernible Szechwan-style heat with a mild numbing quality, enhancing the overall flavour without overwhelming it. The corn added bursts of sweetness and lightness, which balanced the richness and spice.
Overall, this variant offered a spicier take on the brand’s Cantonese sausage version, maintaining the same structural integrity while introducing Szechwan elements. At $6.00 per bowl, it delivered a compelling, convenient meal with depth of flavour, variety in texture, and a cohesive composition of rice, protein, and vegetable.
This Zi Hai Guo Claypot Rice Szechwan Sausage contained 260 g. It was produced in China and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2025.