mushroom braised pork rice

Braised Pork over Rice with Mushrooms: A Complete Guide

Braised pork over rice (卤肉饭) is a beloved Taiwanese comfort dish, celebrated for its savory, umami-rich sauce and tender meat. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g pork belly (diced),

- 8 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked and sliced),

- 1 shallot (minced),

- 5 cloves garlic (minced),

- 5 soy sauce (light and dark),

- 1 tbsp oyster sauce,

- 1 tsp five-spice powder,

- 1/2 cup rice wine,

- 1 brown sugar,

- Hard-boiled eggs (optional),

- Cooked rice.

Steps:

1. Prepare the pork: Dice pork belly into 1cm cubes. Blanch in boiling water to remove impurities, then drain.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant.

3. Cook the pork: Add pork and stir-fry until slightly browned. Pour in rice wine to deglaze.

4. Simmer: Add soy sauces, oyster sauce, five-spice powder, brown sugar, and soaked shiitake mushrooms. Stir in enough water to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until pork is tender and the sauce thickens.

5. Serve: Spoon the braised pork and sauce over rice. Top with halved hard-boiled eggs if desired.

Tip: For deeper flavor, let the braised pork rest overnight. The dish pairs perfectly with pickled mustard greens. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!