Chinese Braised Pork Belly
Chinese cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, and one dish that stands out in this category is the Chinese Braised Pork Belly. This dish, also known as hong shao rou in Chinese, is a popular and beloved dish that has been enjoyed by people for centuries.
The dish is said to have originated in the Jiangsu province of China. It was considered a delicacy and was often served to the emperors and their families. Over the years, the dish has evolved and is now a staple in many Chinese households and restaurants.
The main ingredient of this dish is pork belly, a cut of meat from the belly of a pig. This cut of meat is known for its high-fat content, which makes it extremely flavorful and tender when cooked.
The next step in preparing this dish is the braising process. The marinated pork belly is placed in a wok and cooked on low heat for a period of time. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, making it incredibly tender. The liquid used for braising usually consists of a combination of soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar.
Apart from the pork belly, the dish also includes other ingredients such as tofu, and vegetables like bok choy or daikon radish. These ingredients are added towards the end of the braising process, giving them enough time to absorb the flavors of the dish.
One of the standout features of this dish is its rich and dark color. This is achieved by adding dark soy sauce towards the end of the cooking process. This not only gives the dish its color but also adds a depth of flavor.
Chinese Braised Pork Belly is often served as a main dish, accompanied by steamed rice, and is also a popular dish during festive occasions such as Chinese New Year. It is also a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, where it is served as a part of a multi-course meal.
In conclusion, Chinese Braised Pork Belly is a dish that represents the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine. Its tender and flavorful meat, makes it a must-try dish for anyone who wants to taste Chinese cuisine. So, the next time you visit a Chinese restaurant, don’t forget to order the iconic Chinese Braised Pork Belly.
Chinese Braised Pork Belly
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Pork belly
- 3 Tbsp Oil
- 2 Tbsp Rock sugar or granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce
- Tbsp Dark soy sauce
- 3 Cups Water
Instructions
- Cut your pork belly into 3/4" pieces.
- Bring a pot of water to boil and add your pork belly. Blanch for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside. This removes the impurities and starts the cooking process.
- Add the sugar and oil to a wok over low heat and melt. Add your pork, turn heat up to medium. Cook pork until it's lightly browned.
- Add the wine, both soy sauces and water to the wok. Turn the heat down to low.
- Cover the wok and simmer over medium low heat for 1 hour. Stir every 10 minutes. Add more water if necessary.
- If there is still water left after an hour, uncover and turn up the heat. Stir continuously until the pork is glistening and sticky.
- I served this with white rice, cauliflower rice, broccoli and carrots.