How to Cook Chinese-style Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce: A Delicious Recipe

What Is Chinese-style Braised Pork Belly?

Chinese-style braised pork belly, also known as "Hong Shao Rou" (红烧肉), is one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chunks of pork belly slowly simmered in a rich sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The dish is popular across many regions of China, with variations in different regions, but all versions share the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep umami flavor.

The rich, savory sauce that coats the pork belly is the star of this dish, with the combination of soy sauce and other spices giving it a perfect balance of salty and sweet. The slow-cooking process ensures that the fat in the pork belly renders out, creating a luscious, silky texture that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients for Chinese-style Braised Pork Belly

To prepare this classic Chinese dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pork belly - Choose a piece with both meat and fat for the perfect balance of tenderness and richness.
• Soy sauce - This forms the base of the braising sauce, adding deep umami flavor.
• Sugar - Brown sugar or rock sugar is traditionally used to add sweetness and to help caramelize the pork belly.
• Shaoxing wine - A Chinese rice wine that contributes a distinct flavor to the sauce.
• Star anise - A key spice in Chinese braised pork belly, it gives the dish a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Ginger - Adds a fresh, peppery kick to balance the richness of the pork.
• Garlic - A key aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Scallions - Used as a garnish for freshness and flavor.
• Water or broth - Used to braise the pork belly and create the sauce.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Chinese-style Braised Pork Belly

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Here’s a simple, yet delicious recipe for making Chinese-style braised pork belly with soy sauce:

1. Prepare the Pork Belly

Begin by cutting the pork belly into bite-sized cubes. Make sure to leave the skin on for added texture. You can blanch the pork belly in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes to remove impurities and excess fat. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Pork Belly

In a hot pan, add a small amount of oil and sear the pork belly cubes until they are golden brown on all sides. This step helps to lock in the flavors and add a crispy texture to the pork. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Braising Sauce

In the same pan, add sliced ginger, garlic, and the star anise. Sauté them for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Stir everything together and let the sauce come to a simmer.

4. Braise the Pork Belly

Once the sauce is simmering, add the pork belly back into the pan. Pour in enough water or broth to cover the pork. Bring everything to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the pork belly braise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Final Touches

Once the pork belly is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a thick, glossy consistency, remove the dish from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt or extra sugar if desired. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

Tips for Perfect Braised Pork Belly

For the best results, here are some expert tips to ensure your Chinese-style braised pork belly turns out perfectly:

• Slow-cook for tender meat: Braising the pork belly slowly over low heat ensures the fat renders out and the meat becomes incredibly tender.
• Use rock sugar: While regular brown sugar can be used, rock sugar gives the dish a more authentic sweetness and helps to create a glossy finish on the pork belly.
• Adjust the seasoning: Every palate is different, so be sure to taste and adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your preference before serving.
• Let it rest: Once the dish is finished, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Where to Buy Ingredients for Braised Pork Belly

To make your Chinese-style braised pork belly with soy sauce, you'll need some specialized ingredients like Shaoxing wine, star anise, and rock sugar. These can often be found at Asian supermarkets or online stores. If you're looking for high-quality ingredients to make this dish, check out Chinese Food, where you can find everything you need to create the perfect braised pork belly.