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Chinese red-braised pork belly cubes simmered in glossy soy sauce with ginger, garlic, spices, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Red-Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Tender pork belly cubes are braised to perfection in a savory-sweet soy glaze with traditional Chinese spices and aromatics.
Servings 4
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs pork belly cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 3 tablespoons rock sugar or brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 4 slices ginger
  • 2 scallions cut into 2-inch sections
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 1 dried chili optional

Instructions

  • Blanch pork belly cubes in boiling water for 3–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a wok, heat oil and sugar over medium-low heat. Stir until sugar melts and turns golden.
  • Add pork belly and coat in caramel. Let it sear for a few minutes.
  • Add ginger, garlic, scallions, star anise, cinnamon, and chili. Stir-fry briefly.
  • Pour in Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir to combine.
  • Add water or broth to cover the pork. Bring to a boil.
  • Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Uncover and cook until sauce reduces to a glossy glaze.
  • Serve with steamed rice, and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 11g (4% DV)
Protein: 19g (38% DV)
Fat: 45g (69% DV)
Saturated Fat: 16g (80% DV)
Cholesterol: 85mg (28% DV)
Sodium: 970mg (42% DV)
Sugar: 7g (14% DV)
*Note: Nutrition facts are estimated using online calculators. Actual values may vary based on ingredients used.*
Calories: 520kcal
Course: main dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Asian pork belly recipe, caramelized pork belly, Chinese pork belly recipe, hong shao rou, red-braised pork belly, soy-braised pork