Braised Pork Belly Recipe
Description
Braised Pork Belly is a classic Chinese dish, often found at the heart of many family tables across the country. Every cook brings their unique touch to this beloved recipe, but the core ingredients of soy sauce, rice wine, and aromatic spices remain constant. The rich, tender meat of the pork belly, paired with the sweet soy sauce and the delicate fragrance of star anise, delivers a mouthwatering meal that is sure to captivate your taste buds. This dish combines simplicity with flavor, making it a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic Chinese dinner.
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Dinner
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork Belly | 800 grams, cut into 3-4 cm thick pieces |
| Chinese Rice Wine | 1/2 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 1/2 tablespoon (optional) |
| Ginger | 4 slices |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Star Anise | 2 whole pieces |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
Preparation Time
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 120 minutes
Instructions
-
Parboil the Pork Belly
Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the pork belly pieces and allow them to boil for 5 minutes. This process helps remove impurities from the pork, ensuring a cleaner flavor. After boiling, discard the hot water and rinse the pork under cold water to remove any residue. -
Braise the Pork Belly
Transfer the cleaned pork belly into a large saucepan. Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), Chinese rice wine, ginger slices, sugar, and star anise. Pour in enough water to just cover the pork belly pieces. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, then cover with a lid. Let the pork braise for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. -
Caramelize the Pork Belly
After the braising time, remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Allow the liquid to reduce and thicken, turning and stirring the pork belly to coat it evenly. The sauce should become thick and glossy, enveloping the pork belly in a rich, caramelized glaze. -
Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and the pork belly is tender, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Braised Pork Belly hot, paired with a side of Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a Summer Lettuce Salad for a complete meal. This dish makes for an indulgent, flavorful dinner that will leave your guests asking for more.
Cooking Tip
For an extra depth of flavor, feel free to add a pinch of five-spice powder or a splash of sesame oil during the braising process to further enhance the aroma and complexity of the dish.
