braised pork in gold ingot

How to Make Braised Pork Belly in Soy Sauce: A Comprehensive Guide

Braised pork belly in soy sauce, or "Yuanbao Hongshao Rou," is a beloved Chinese dish known for its tender meat, glossy sauce, and sweet-savory flavor. Here’s a detailed guide to mastering this classic.

Ingredients: 500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 sliced ginger, 2 smashed garlic cloves, 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 500ml water, and 1 tbsp oil.

Steps:

1. Prepare the pork: Blanch cubed pork in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the sauce: Heat oil in a wok. Add sugar and cook over low heat until caramelized. Stir in pork to coat evenly.

3. Season and braise: Add soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon. Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5 hours until the pork is fork-tender.

4. Thicken the sauce: Uncover and increase heat to reduce the sauce until it thickens and clings to the meat. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving Tips: Pair with steamed rice or mantou. For a richer taste, use rock sugar and low-sodium soy sauce. Enjoy this hearty dish with family and friends!

Unfold / Fold