braised pork with mushrooms

How to Make Braised Pork with Mushrooms

Braised pork with mushrooms is a comforting Chinese dish that tenderizes pork belly in a savory-sweet sauce, with shiitake mushrooms adding an earthy depth. Here’s a simple guide:

Ingredients: 500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 8 dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked until soft, stems removed), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 cup water, 3 sliced ginger, 2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 star anise, and 1 tbsp cooking oil.

Steps:

1. Prep: Soak mushrooms in warm water for 20 minutes, then slice. Blanch pork in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities; drain.

2. Sear: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high. Add pork and stir-fry until golden. Add ginger, garlic, and star anise, stir until fragrant.

3. Simmer: Pour in soy sauce, sugar, and dark soy sauce. Stir to coat pork evenly. Add mushrooms and water.

4. Braise: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours until pork is fork-tender. Uncover, increase heat slightly, and cook for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Serving: Serve hot with steamed rice. The mushrooms absorb the rich broth, making them as flavorful as the pork. This dish pairs well with blanched greens to balance the richness. Enjoy this hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners!