Braised Pork Belly: A Tender and Flavorful Chinese Dish

Braised Pork Belly is a classic Chinese dish that is popular both in China and around the world. It is a dish that combines tender and succulent pork belly with a rich and flavorful sauce that is infused with the aromas and flavors of Chinese spices.

Here is a basic recipe for making Braised Pork Belly:

Ingredients:

• 2 lb pork belly
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 star anise
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Cut the pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large pot, bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the pork belly and blanch for 5 minutes.
4. Drain the pork belly and rinse under cold water to remove any impurities.
5. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and bay leaves.
6. In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
7. Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions, and sauté for a minute or two until fragrant.
8. Add the pork belly and stir to coat with the garlic and ginger.
9. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the pork belly, and add enough water to cover the meat.
10. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
11. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
12. Cook for 2-3 hours until the pork belly is tender and the sauce has thickened.
13. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Braised Pork Belly can be served with steamed rice, noodles, or steamed buns. It’s a dish that is perfect for cold winter days, as it’s warm, comforting, and hearty. The dish can also be customized to your liking by adding more or less spices, adjusting the sweetness or saltiness, or experimenting with different herbs and seasonings.