Chinese Red Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou) (VIDEO)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork belly
cut into 2" cubes
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
I used avocado oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 star anise
- 2 inch ginger
sliced
- 40g rock sugar
2-3" piece; sub 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup shaoxing wine
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1.5 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2.5 cups water
Directions
- 1
Slice pork belly into 2" pieces and place in a pot of cold water. Bring to just before a boil to remove any impurities from the pork. Drain and remove any excess moisture from the pork with a paper towel.
- 2
In a wok or heavy bottom pan (dutch oven works great), heat 2 tbsp neutral oil over medium high heat. Add pork and cook for 2-3 minutes until the pork has a golden brown color.
- 3
Add sliced ginger, bay leaves, star anise and rock sugar to the pork and cook for 1 minute to let the spices infuse.
- 4
To your pork and spices, add 2.5 cups of water along with Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a low boil and cover over low heat.
- 5
Stirring occasionally to ensure sauce does not burn, simmer for 1 hour or until sauce has become thick and caramel-like and pork is tender.
- 6
Serve immediately over hot rice and spoon over extra sauce.
Chinese Red Braised Pork (Hong Shao Rou) (VIDEO)
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About this Recipe
Craving that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with a rich, glossy sauce? This recipe for Chinese Red Braised Pork, or Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉), delivers all the savory, sweet depth you desire right in your home kitchen.
This isn't just any pork dish; it's a beloved staple for a reason. The magic lies in transforming pork belly into a super tender, incredibly flavorful experience. You'll find yourself spooning extra savory-sweet sauce over every bite of rice, savoring the richness that truly sets this dish apart.
What to expect from this classic Chinese comfort food is a symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine perfectly cooked pork belly, so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue, coated in a shimmering, deeply flavored sauce. The combination of rock sugar and Shaoxing wine creates a delicate balance of sweetness and umami, while star anise and bay leaves infuse every morsel with aromatic warmth. This Hong Shao Rou promises a deeply satisfying, full-bodied flavor that feels both comforting and luxurious.
Customization and pantry swaps are straightforward. If you don't have rock sugar on hand, the recipe conveniently suggests substituting it with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. While pork belly is key to the traditional texture, the interplay of light and dark soy sauces, along with aromatic spices, provides a rich flavor foundation you can depend on.
Serve this exquisite Chinese Red Braised Pork with a generous bowl of steamed white rice, allowing the luscious sauce to mingle and create a truly unforgettable meal. It’s perfect for a special family dinner or simply when you're seeking a deeply flavorful, authentic culinary experience.