braised pork with apricot mushroom

Braised Pork Belly with King Oyster Mushrooms: A Complete Guide

Braised pork belly with king oyster mushrooms (杏鲍菇红烧肉) is a beloved Chinese dish, celebrated for its tender meat, chewy mushrooms, and rich, savory sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recreate this comfort food at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g pork belly, cut into 2cm cubes

- 200g king oyster mushrooms, sliced

- 3 tbsp soy sauce (divided)

- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 star anise

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 3 slices ginger

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1 cup water or stock

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pork: Boil pork cubes in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the meat: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add pork and stir-fry until golden brown. Add ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon, stirring until fragrant.

3. Simmer the pork: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and dark soy sauce, mixing well. Add sugar and water, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until the pork is tender.

4. Cook the mushrooms: Add king oyster mushrooms to the pot. Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to absorb the sauce.

5. Thicken the sauce: Uncover and increase heat slightly. Cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving: Serve hot with steamed rice. The dish pairs perfectly with the mushrooms’ meaty texture and the pork’s melt-in-your-mouth richness. Enjoy this hearty meal that balances sweetness and umami effortlessly!