braised steak recipe

How to Make Chinese Braised Pork Chops (Hong Shao Pai)

Chinese braised pork chops, or *Hong Shao Pai*, are a beloved home dish known for their tender texture and savory-sweet flavor. Here’s a simple guide to making them:

Ingredients: 2 pork chops (about 500g), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 cup water, 3 slices ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1 star anise, 1 tbsp cooking oil, and optional scallions for garnish.

Steps:

1. Prep the pork: Rinse chops and pat dry. Use a meat tenderizer to flatten slightly for even cooking. Score the surface lightly to help absorb flavors.

2. Sear the chops: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high. Add chops and sear until golden brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the sauce: In the same wok, sauté ginger, garlic, and star anise until fragrant (30 seconds). Return chops to the wok.

4. Braise: Add soy sauces, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, flipping chops halfway, until tender.

5. Reduce sauce: Uncover and increase heat slightly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

6. Serve: Garnish with scallions. Pair with steamed rice for a perfect meal!

Tips: For extra flavor, marinate chops for 30 minutes before searing. Adjust sugar or soy sauce to taste. Enjoy this comforting dish with its caramelized crust and melt-in-your-mouth goodness!