Recipes and Tales of Chinese-Style Braised Pork

Braised pork is a traditional Chinese dish that has been loved by generations of people for its tender, sweet and spicy taste. Originating from northern China, braised pork is typically cooked in a combination of sugar, soy sauce, and garlic, giving it a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory.

Today, I’m going to show you how to make the perfect braised pork, with a focus on the Chinese style. This dish is known for its layers of flavor and texture, and is often served with steamed rice or naan bread.

Ingredients:

2 lbs pork shoulder or butt, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 Tbsp soy sauce

3 Tbsp sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 tsp salt

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and heat until it is hot but not smoking.
2. Add the pork cubes and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the wok and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and salt, stirring well to combine.
5. Add the soy sauce, sugar, and water to the wok and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
6. Return the pork cubes to the wok and cover. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove from the heat and serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.                                          

Tips:
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cut pork shoulder or butt from your local butcher or supermarket. It’s also a good idea to use a pressure cooker if you have one - it will cut the cooking time in half!