braised pork with wax gourd

How to Make Braised Pork with Winter Melon

Braised pork with winter melon is a comforting Chinese dish that tender meat and savory broth with the vegetable’s natural sweetness. Here’s a simple guide to making it.

First, gather ingredients: 500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 500g winter melon (peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 star anise, 3 slices ginger, 2 cloves garlic, and green onions for garnish.

Start by blanching the pork: Place it in cold water, add ginger and cooking wine, and boil for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse to remove impurities. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok, stir-fry pork over medium heat until golden, then add sugar to caramelize lightly.

Next, add ginger, garlic, and star anise, stirring until fragrant. Pour in soy sauce and 500ml hot water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 40 minutes until the pork is tender. Add winter melon chunks, simmer for 15–20 more minutes until the melon turns translucent and absorbs the broth.

Season with a pinch of salt if needed, garnish with green onions, and serve hot with rice. The dish balances rich, savory pork with the refreshing, melt-in-your-mouth winter melon, perfect for a cozy meal.