Braised pork is a beloved dish in Taiwan, known for its rich and savory flavor. Perfecting this dish may seem daunting, but with the right recipe and technique, you can easily recreate this classic Taiwanese dish at home.
Ingredients You Will Need:
– 1 ½ pounds of pork belly, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
– 3 tablespoons rice wine
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
– 2 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 3 dried red chilies
– 2 cups of water
– Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Steps to Perfecting Taiwan Braised Pork:
1. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the pork belly cubes with the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice wine. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. Sear the Pork: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork belly cubes and sear until they are browned on all sides.
3. Add Aromatics: Once the pork is seared, add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, star anise, cinnamon stick, and dried red chilies to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
4. Braising Liquid: Pour in the water and sugar, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve: Once the pork is cooked through and tender, remove the star anise, cinnamon stick, and dried red chilies. Serve the braised pork hot over rice, garnished with chopped green onions.
Enjoy the Perfect Taiwan Braised Pork:
By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily perfect Taiwan braised pork at home. The key to this dish is allowing the pork to simmer slowly in the flavorful braising liquid, ensuring that it becomes tender and infused with the delicious aromatics. Serve this dish with steamed rice for a satisfying and comforting meal that captures the essence of Taiwanese cuisine.