Chinese Pork Belly 红烧肉

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Pork Belly (skin on, cut into 2‑inch cubes)
• 2 Tbsp Shaoxing Wine (Chinese cooking wine; can substitute dry sherry)
• 3 Tbsp Light Soy Sauce (for saltiness)
• 2 Tbsp Dark Soy Sauce (for color and depth)
• 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (adds sweetness; brown sugar works too)
• 2 cup Water (reserved pork water + filtered water)
• 1 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced)
• 1 small Cinnamon Stick (whole stick)
• 2 whole Star Anise (whole pods)
• 2 stalks Green Onions (sliced for garnish)

Instructions

1. Blanch Pork Belly

   Place the pork belly cubes in a pot of cold water, bring to a rolling boil, and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Skim off any foam or impurities, then remove the pork and set aside. Reserve the broth (pork water) for later use.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 212°F

2. Prepare Braising Sauce

   In a bowl combine Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add sliced ginger, the cinnamon stick, and star anise.

   Time: PT5M

3. Combine Pork and Sauce

   Return the blanched pork to the pot. Pour in the prepared sauce, then add enough reserved pork water (plus extra filtered water) to cover the meat about halfway. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a low simmer.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 200°F

4. Simmer Covered

   Cover the pot with a lid and let the pork simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

   Time: PT1H

   Temperature: 190°F

5. Uncover and Thicken Sauce

   After the hour, remove the lid and continue to simmer uncovered for another hour. The sauce will reduce, become glossy, and cling to the pork. Stir every 10–15 minutes and adjust heat if the sauce threatens to scorch.

   Time: PT1H

   Temperature: 190°F

6. Plate and Garnish

   Transfer the pork belly to a serving plate, spoon the remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

15 g

Carbohydrates

10 g

Fat

35 g

Fiber

0 g