braised pork with chestnuts

Braised Pork with Chestnuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

Braised pork with chestnuts is a beloved Chinese dish, known for its tender meat, sweet chestnuts, and savory sauce. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 200g peeled chestnuts (fresh or canned), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 slices ginger, 2 cloves garlic, and cooking oil.

Steps:

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

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

3. Simmer: Pour in soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Add enough water to cover the pork. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

4. Add chestnuts: Toss in chestnuts and continue simmering for 20–25 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.

5. Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with green onions and enjoy with rice.

This dish balances rich, umami flavors with the natural sweetness of chestnuts, making it a perfect comfort food for any season!

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