braised pork

How to Make Classic Braised Pork Belly at Home

Braised pork belly, a beloved comfort food, is cherished for its tender meat, glossy sauce, and balanced sweetness. Here’s a simple guide to recreate this dish effortlessly.

Ingredients: 500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 slices ginger, 2 cloves garlic, and water.

Steps:

1. Prepare the pork: Blanch cubes in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse and set aside.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pot. Stir-fry ginger, garlic, and sugar until caramelized. Add pork and sear until lightly browned.

3. Simmer: Pour in soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, and water (just cover the pork). Add star anise and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, or until meat is fork-tender.

4. Reduce sauce: Uncover and increase heat. Cook until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serving: Enjoy steaming hot with rice or noodles. The key is patience—low heat ensures the meat melts in your mouth, while the sauce soaks up every flavor. This foolproof recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results every time!