Braised pork belly is a classic Chinese dish that is rich, savory, and full of flavor. If you want to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills, mastering the art of braised pork belly is a must. Follow this step-by-step guide to Chinese-style cooking and you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious and satisfying dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
To start, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of pork belly, skin on
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
– 2 spring onions, chopped
– 1 star anise
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
– 1 cup of chicken broth
Preparing the Pork Belly
Start by cutting the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, making sure to leave the skin on. This will give the dish a nice crispy texture once it’s braised. Season the pork belly with salt and pepper, then set it aside.
Cooking the Pork Belly
In a large pan or wok, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and spring onions and sauté until fragrant. Add the pork belly pieces and brown them on all sides.
Adding the Flavors
Next, add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, star anise, cinnamon stick, five-spice powder, and chicken broth to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the pork belly braise for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Finishing Touches
Once the pork belly is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with some chopped spring onions and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Mastering the art of braised pork belly takes time and practice, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that will impress even the pickiest of eaters. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to cook up a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.