pork stewed with vermicelli

How to Make Dongpo Pork with Glass Noodles: A Comprehensive Guide

Dongpo Pork with Glass Noodles, a beloved Chinese comfort dish, combines tender braised pork with chewy glass noodles in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering this hearty meal.

Ingredients: 500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 200g dry glass noodles, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 2 tbsp sugar, 3 slices ginger, 2 scallions, 5-star anise, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cups water, and vegetable oil for frying.

Steps:

1. Prep the pork: Boil pork cubes in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse and set aside. Soak glass noodles in warm water until soft (10 minutes), then drain.

2. Braise the pork: Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Stir-fry sugar until caramelized, add pork and sear until browned. Add ginger, scallions, anise, and cinnamon, then pour in soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and water.

3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours until pork is fork-tender.

4. Combine: Add glass noodles to the pot, stir gently, and cook for 5 more minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce if needed.

Serving: Transfer to a bowl, garnish with chopped scallions. Enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth dish with rice!

This recipe balances sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, making it perfect for family gatherings or cold days.