Pork belly Hong Shao Rou, also known as red-cooked pork belly, is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine that’s both savory and sweet. Making it at home may seem daunting, but with this ultimate guide, you’ll be able to recreate this delicious dish with ease.
Choose the Right Ingredients
For the best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients such as pork belly, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and cooking wine. You can also add in other aromatics like star anise, cinnamon, and dried red chili peppers for extra flavor.
Prepare the Pork Belly
Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities. Then, drain and pat the pork dry with paper towels before moving on to the next step.
Sear the Pork Belly
In a hot pan, sear the pork belly pieces until they are browned on all sides. This will help enhance the flavor and give the dish a nice caramelized exterior.
Create the Sauce
In a separate pan, mix together soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic, and cooking wine to create the sauce for the pork belly Hong Shao Rou. You can also add in the aromatics at this point for an extra punch of flavor.
Braise the Pork Belly
Add the seared pork belly pieces into the sauce and let them braise over low heat for a couple of hours. This slow cooking process will help tenderize the meat and allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the pork belly is fork-tender and the sauce has reduced to a thick consistency, it’s time to serve your Hong Shao Rou. Pair it with steamed rice and some greens for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, making pork belly Hong Shao Rou at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. By following this guide and using fresh ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy this classic Chinese dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, don’t be afraid to give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!