Ingredients ๐
- Salt to taste โ adjust as needed ๐ง
- 500g pork belly โ cut into bite-sized pieces ๐
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil โ for cooking
- 2 tbsp sugar โ for caramelizing ๐ญ
- 3 cloves garlic โ minced ๐ง
- 1-inch piece of ginger โ sliced ๐ซ
- 2-3 star anise โ for a warm, aromatic spice ๐
- 2 tbsp soy sauce โ for savory depth
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce โ for color
- 1 tbsp rice wine โ adds complexity ๐
- 1 cup water โ to make the sauce
- 2 green onions โ chopped ๐ง
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns โ optional, for extra spice
Instructions ๐ฉโ๐ณ
1 . Caramelize the Sugar:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and cook until it melts and turns a deep caramel color. Be careful not to burn it.
2. Brown the Pork:
- Add the pork belly pieces to the caramelized sugar and cook until they are browned on all sides.
3. Add Aromatics and Spices:
- Add minced garlic, sliced ginger, and star anise to the pan. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Sauces and Simmer:
- Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice wine.
- Add enough water to cover the pork.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce is thickened. Stir occasionally and adjust the salt if needed.
5. Finish and Serve:
- Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorns for extra spice.
6. Enjoy:
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal!
Looking for a rich and savory dish with deep flavors? Red-Cooked Pork, also known as "Hong Shao Rou," is a classic Chinese dish featuring tender pork belly cooked in a flavorful, caramelized sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal!
