Braised Pork Belly Recipe
Braised Pork Belly is a flavorful and succulent dish that embodies the essence of Chinese home-cooked comfort food. The slow braising process tenderizes the pork belly, while the rich blend of soy sauce, rice wine, and aromatic spices creates a delicious, glossy glaze. Perfectly paired with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh summer salad, this dish is ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork belly (cut into 3-4 cm pieces) | 800 grams |
| Chinese rice wine | 1/2 cup |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Dark soy sauce (optional) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Fresh ginger (sliced) | 4 slices |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Star anise | 2 whole |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 130 minutes
- Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Dinner
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Parboil the Pork Belly
Begin by preparing the pork belly. Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Carefully add the pork belly pieces into the saucepan and allow them to boil for about 5 minutes. Once the pork has boiled, discard the hot water, and rinse the pork under cold water to remove any impurities and gunk from the surface.
Step 2: Braise the Pork Belly
Transfer the cleaned pork belly into a clean saucepan. Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), Chinese rice wine, ginger slices, sugar, and star anise. Pour in enough water to barely cover the pork belly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and allow the pork to simmer gently with the lid on for about 60 minutes. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the pork will tenderize beautifully.
Step 3: Caramelize the Pork Belly
After the pork has braised for 60 minutes, itβs time to caramelize it. Increase the heat to high, remove the lid, and let the liquid reduce and thicken. Turn and stir the pork belly pieces to ensure they are evenly coated in the rich, thickening sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce has become glossy and thick, and the pork is glazed to perfection.
Step 4: Serve
Once the pork belly is beautifully caramelized and tender, itβs ready to be served. The braised pork belly can be enjoyed on its own or paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a fresh summer lettuce salad for a complete, satisfying meal. The sauce should be thick and sticky, enveloping the tender pork belly in a mouthwatering glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
- Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes makes a perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce from the braised pork belly.
- Summer Lettuce Salad: A crisp, light salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
This Braised Pork Belly recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish at home. Its rich flavors, tender meat, and glossy sauce will impress anyone at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors that are sure to please.
