roasting meat with radish

How to Make Braised Pork with Radish: A Comprehensive Guide

Braised Pork with Radish (Luobo Shao Rou) is a comforting Chinese dish that tenderizes meat with savory broth and balances it with radish’s natural sweetness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this classic.

Ingredients: 500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 1 large white radish (peeled and chunked), 3-4 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp sugar, ginger slices, garlic, and vegetable oil.

Steps:

1. Prepare the pork: Blanch pork in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities; rinse and drain.

2. Sear the meat: Heat oil in a pot, stir-fry pork until golden. Add ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon until fragrant.

3. Simmer: Pour in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cooking wine, and sugar. Add enough water to cover the pork. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

4. Add radish: Toss in radish chunks, cook for another 20–25 minutes until radish turns translucent and soft. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

5. Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot with rice.

Tips: For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water. Choose fresh radish to avoid a bitter taste. Enjoy this hearty, umami-rich dish that’s perfect for family meals!