dried bamboo shoots stewed meat

How to Make Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots

Braised pork with dried bamboo shoots is a comforting Chinese dish, known for its tender meat, savory broth, and earthy bamboo shoots. Here’s a simple guide to making it.

Ingredients: 500g pork belly (cut into 2cm cubes), 100g dried bamboo shoots (soaked in water for 4–6 hours until soft), 3 slices of ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 star anise, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prep the ingredients: Soak dried bamboo shoots in warm water until soft, then cut into strips. Blanch pork cubes in boiling water for 2 minutes to remove impurities; drain and set aside.

2. Sear the pork: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pot over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic, and star anise until fragrant. Toss in pork cubes and stir-fry until lightly browned.

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

4. Add bamboo shoots: Add the soaked bamboo shoots, stir, and simmer for another 20–30 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens. Adjust salt to taste.

Serve hot with steamed rice. The dried bamboo shoots absorb the rich flavors of the pork, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. Enjoy!