Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly: Rich and Indulgent

Introduction

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Shanghai-style braised pork belly, a dish that encapsulates the richness and depth of Chinese cuisine. This traditional recipe combines succulent pork belly with a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary enthusiast looking to explore new tastes, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and satiate your cravings for a delectable meal.

Ingredients

Prepare to tantalize your palate with the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of pork belly, skin-on
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup Shaoxing wine
• 1/3 cup rock sugar
• 4 slices of ginger
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Scallions and cilantro for garnish

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create a sumptuous Shanghai-style braised pork belly:

1. Start by preparing the pork belly. Cut it into 1-inch thick slices and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate pot, combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, rock sugar, ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the blanched pork belly slices to the pot and pour in enough chicken broth to cover the meat. Season with salt and white pepper.
4. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer to a serving dish. Discard the ginger, garlic, and spices.
6. Bring the braising liquid to a boil and reduce it until it thickens into a rich sauce. Pour the sauce over the pork belly.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Shanghai-style braised pork belly hot with steamed rice or buns!

Get ready to savor the luscious and indulgent flavors of Shanghai-style braised pork belly. This dish is a true celebration of Chinese culinary expertise, perfect for showcasing at gatherings or simply treating yourself to a special meal at home.

FAQ About Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly

What is Shanghai-style braised pork belly?

Shanghai-style braised pork belly is a popular Chinese dish known for its rich and indulgent flavors. It involves slow-cooking pork belly in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and various spices.

How is Shanghai-style braised pork belly cooked?

To cook Shanghai-style braised pork belly, the pork belly is first seared to render fat, then simmered in the braising liquid until tender and flavorful. The dish is typically cooked on low heat for a long period to allow the flavors to meld and the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

What makes Shanghai-style braised pork belly so indulgent?

The indulgence of Shanghai-style braised pork belly comes from the combination of fatty pork belly, which becomes incredibly succulent and tender during braising, and the rich, umami-packed sauce that it simmers in. The result is a dish that is luxurious in both texture and flavor.