Chinese Braised Pork Belly, known as Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉), is a rich, tender, and flavorful dish featuring slow-cooked pork belly in a sweet, savory, and aromatic soy-based sauce. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine, particularly in Shanghai and Hunan, and is loved for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and deep caramelized flavors.

 

Chinese Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) – A Classic Recipe

🍖 Ingredients Required

Main Ingredients

✔️ Pork Belly – 500g (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)

✔️ Ginger – 3-4 slices

✔️ Garlic – 4-5 cloves (smashed)

✔️ Green Onions – 2 stalks (cut into 2-inch pieces)

✔️ Rock Sugar – 30g (or 2 tbsp white sugar)

✔️ Shaoxing Wine – 2 tbsp (Chinese cooking wine)

✔️ Dark Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp (for deep color)

✔️ Light Soy Sauce – 2 tbsp (for seasoning)

✔️ Star Anise – 1 piece

✔️ Cinnamon Stick – 1 small piece

✔️ Bay Leaves – 2

✔️ Dried Red Chilies – 1-2 (optional for spice)

✔️ Water or Chicken Stock – 2 cups

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

✔️ Five-Spice Powder – ½ tsp (for additional aroma)

✔️ Hard-Boiled Eggs or Tofu – Can be braised along with the pork for extra variety

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Blanch the Pork Belly (To Remove Impurities)

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the pork belly cubes along with a few slices of ginger.
3. Boil for 3-5 minutes, then remove and rinse the pork under warm water.
4. Drain and set aside.

👉 This step removes excess blood and impurities, ensuring a clean and rich broth.

2️⃣ Caramelize the Sugar (For Deep Color and Flavor)

1. Heat a wok or deep pan over medium-low heat.
2. Add rock sugar (or regular sugar) and stir continuously until it melts and turns golden brown.
3. Quickly add the blanched pork belly and stir to coat the pieces in the caramelized sugar.

👉 This step gives the dish its signature glossy, reddish-brown color and enhances its deep, rich flavor.

3️⃣ Braising the Pork Belly

1. Add ginger, garlic, green onions, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon, and dried chilies to the pan. Stir-fry for a few seconds.
2. Pour in Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce, stirring well to coat the pork.
3. Add enough water or chicken stock to just cover the pork.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

👉 Slow braising allows the pork to absorb all the flavors and become tender while the sauce thickens beautifully.

4️⃣ Reduce the Sauce for a Glossy Finish

1. Once the pork is tender and melt-in-the-mouth, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high.
2. Stir continuously, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken into a glossy, sticky glaze.
3. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or sugar if needed.

👉 This final step enhances the caramelization, making the pork belly rich and flavorful.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

🔹 Serve hot over steamed white rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the rice.

🔹 Pair with steamed bok choy, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), or pickled vegetables to balance the richness.

🔹 Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor.

🎭 Regional Variations

🔸 Shanghai-Style Hong Shao Rou – Sweeter, uses more rock sugar, and is mild in spice.

🔸 Hunan-Style Hong Shao Rou – Spicier, often includes chili peppers and more aromatics.

🔸 Sichuan-Style Hong Shao Rou – Incorporates Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation.

💡 Tips for the Best Hong Shao Rou

✔️ Choose fatty pork belly – The fat layers melt during cooking, creating a silky, tender texture.

✔️ Caramelize the sugar properly – This is the key to achieving the signature deep red color.

✔️ Slow braise for at least 1.5 hours – The longer it cooks, the better the texture and flavor.

✔️ Let it rest before serving – The flavors intensify as the dish cools slightly.

🔚 Conclusion: Why You Should Try Chinese Braised Pork Belly

Chinese Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou) is one of the most beloved dishes in Chinese cuisine. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, combined with tender, juicy pork, makes it an irresistible comfort food. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this classic dish is sure to impress. 🍚🍖🔥

Would you like a vegetarian alternative or a healthier version? Let me know! 😊

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