15 Chinese Dongpo Pork Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese Dongpo Pork is a classic dish that originated from the Song Dynasty, created by the renowned poet and gastronome Su Dongpo. It is a slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly dish that is famous for its tender texture and rich flavor. The dish has been passed down for centuries and has become a staple in Chinese cuisine. In this article, we will dive deeper into the history of Dongpo Pork and walk you through a traditional recipe to recreate this delicious and timeless dish in your own kitchen.
One of the most popular and well-known Chinese dishes, sweet and sour pork is a delicious combination of crispy fried pork, tangy sauce, and colorful vegetables. The key to making this dish is to have a good balance of flavors – sweet, sour, and savory – and a crispy texture on the outside of the pork. To achieve this, the pork is usually marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch before being deep-fried. Then it is tossed in a sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and sugar, along with pineapple, bell peppers, and other vegetables. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience traditional Chinese flavors.
Egg rolls are a staple in Chinese cuisine and are often served as an appetizer or side dish. While there are many variations of this dish, the most authentic version is made with a thin wheat-based wrapper filled with a mixture of ground pork, cabbage, carrots, and shredded bamboo shoots. The filling is flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and other traditional Chinese seasonings, then rolled up and fried until crispy. These egg rolls are typically served with a sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce for dipping. They are a popular choice for family dinners and celebrations in Chinese households.
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Dongpo Rou (Chinese Red-cooked Pork Belly)
Main Ingredients: Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy Sauce, Shaoxing Wine, Water
This dish originated from the city of Hangzhou in China and is a favorite among pork lovers. It consists of thick slices of pork belly that are slowly braised in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, and star anise for several hours until the meat becomes tender and the sauce turns thick and dark. This cooking method is known as "red-cooking" in Chinese cuisine and gives the pork a rich and flavorful taste. Dongpo rou is often served with steamed buns or rice and makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian cultures, including Chinese cuisine. It is made by stir-frying cooked rice with a variety of ingredients such as eggs, vegetables, and meat or seafood. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, giving it a savory and slightly sweet flavor. The key to making good fried rice is to use day-old rice that has been refrigerated, as it holds its shape and texture better when fried. It can be served as a side dish or a main course and is a great way to use up leftover rice.
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Chow Mein (Chinese Noodles)
Main Ingredients: Chow Mein, Pork, Shrimp, Garlic Cloves, Shredded
Chow mein is a classic Chinese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood. The noodles used in this dish are typically egg noodles, which are thin and have a slightly chewy texture. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, giving it a savory and umami flavor. The vegetables used in chow mein can vary, but common choices include cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions. This dish is a staple in Chinese takeout restaurants and is a popular comfort food for many.
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Classic Pork Fried Rice - A Chinese Takeout favorite
Main Ingredients: Hot Water, Honey, Sesame Oil, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Fried rice is a favorite among Chinese takeout lovers and is often ordered as a side dish or paired with other dishes such as orange chicken or beef and broccoli. The pork version of fried rice is made with diced pork that is marinated in soy sauce and then stir-fried with rice, eggs, and vegetables. It is flavored with oyster sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings to give it a rich and savory taste. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to recreate their favorite Chinese takeout dishes at home.
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Chinese Shredded Pork with Peppers
Main Ingredients: Pork, Vegetable Oil, Ginger, Peppers, Salt, Soy Sauce
This dish is a simple yet flavorful stir-fry made with thinly sliced pork, bell peppers, and onions. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch before being stir-fried with the vegetables. The dish is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, giving it a spicy and aromatic flavor. It is often served with rice and makes for a quick and easy dinner option.
Also known as char siu, Chinese BBQ pork is a popular dish that is often served as a main course or used as a filling in steamed buns or rice noodle rolls. The pork is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and other seasonings before being roasted until the outside is slightly charred and the inside is tender and juicy. This dish is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the full range of flavors in Chinese cuisine.
This light and refreshing soup is a staple in Chinese households and is often served as a starter or as part of a multi-course meal. It is made with daikon, a type of radish commonly used in Chinese cooking, along with pork ribs, dried shrimp, and mushrooms. The soup is seasoned with soy sauce, rice wine, and other seasonings, giving it a delicate and umami flavor. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and comforting soup.
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Sticky Chinese Pork Belly
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Chicken, Ginger, Garlic, Rice Wine, Caster
This dish is a favorite among meat lovers and is often served as a main course or as part of a family-style meal. It is made with pork belly that is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and honey, then slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the skin becomes crispy. The key to making this dish is to baste the pork with the marinade throughout the cooking process, giving it a sticky and flavorful glaze. It is usually served with rice or steamed buns and is a must-try for any pork lover.
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Chinese Cabbage Potstickers
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Chinese Cabbage, Salt, Oil
Potstickers, also known as pan-fried dumplings, are a popular Chinese dish that is often served as an appetizer or snack. They are made with a simple dough filled with a mixture of cabbage, pork, and seasonings, then pan-fried until the bottom is crispy and the filling is cooked through. These dumplings are usually served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. They are a great choice for anyone looking for a tasty and easy-to-make dish.
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Chinese Red Cooked Bear
Main Ingredients: Pork, Peanut Oil, Sugar, Chinese Cooking Wine, Ginger
While this dish may not be for everyone, it is a traditional Chinese delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with bear meat that is braised in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and spices until it becomes tender and flavorful. The dish is typically served at special occasions or as part of a feast and is considered a symbol of prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the full range of flavors in Chinese cuisine.
These pork balls are a popular street snack in China and are often served as a quick and easy meal option. They are made with a mixture of ground pork, rice, and seasonings, then shaped into balls and either steamed or deep-fried. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste. These pork balls are a great choice for anyone looking for a simple and tasty snack.
This dish is a favorite among vegetarians and is often served as a main course or as a side dish. It is made with eggplant that is stir-fried with a mixture of garlic, ginger, chili peppers, and other seasonings, giving it a spicy and flavorful taste. The dish is typically served with rice and is a great way to add some variety to your regular Chinese takeout order.
Also known as niángāo, this soup is a popular dish during Chinese New Year celebrations and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is made with rice cakes, which are thick and chewy discs made from glutinous rice, along with pork and vegetables. The soup is seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings, giving it a rich and savory flavor. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience traditional Chinese dishes.
This soup is a classic in Chinese cuisine and is often served as a starter or as part of a multi-course meal. It is made with a flavorful broth that is seasoned with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and white pepper, giving it a tangy and spicy taste. The soup also contains tofu, mushrooms, and pork, along with other ingredients such as bamboo shoots and wood ear mushrooms. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a comforting and flavorful soup.
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Pork and Chinese Cabbage Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Fresh Ginger Root, Napa Cabbage, Stock, Peanut
This soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served during colder months. It is made with pork ribs, Chinese cabbage, and other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. The soup is seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings, giving it a savory and comforting flavor. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
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Chinese Lightly Fried Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Dumpling Wrappers, Pork, Dumplings, Oil, Water
These dumplings are a popular dish in Chinese cuisine and are often served as a starter or as part of a meal. They are made with a thin dough that is filled with a mixture of pork, cabbage, and other ingredients, then lightly fried until crispy on the bottom and steamed until the filling is cooked through. These dumplings are typically served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. They are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the full range of flavors in Chinese cuisine.
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Easy Chinese Pasta Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Pasta, Cornflour, Light Soy Sauce, Sugar, Chinese
This soup is a fusion of Chinese and Italian flavors and is a great choice for anyone looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dish. It is made with spaghetti that is cooked in a flavorful broth made with chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings. The soup also contains ground pork, cabbage, and other vegetables, giving it a hearty and satisfying taste. It is a great choice for a quick and delicious dinner option.
This dish is a quick and easy way to incorporate Chinese flavors into your cooking. It is made by stir-frying a variety of vegetables and meat or seafood in a wok with a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. The key to a good stir fry is to cook the ingredients quickly over high heat, giving them a slightly crispy texture and retaining their natural flavors. It can be served with rice or noodles and is a great option for a quick and healthy meal.
The History of Dongpo Pork
The Legend of Su Dongpo
According to legend, Su Dongpo was a talented poet, artist, and food enthusiast during the Song Dynasty. He was known for his love of food and often experimented with different recipes. One day, he created a dish using pork belly that was slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful broth. The result was a dish that was so tender and delicious that it was named after him – Dongpo Pork.
The Evolution of Dongpo Pork
Over time, Dongpo Pork has evolved into various versions, but the core recipe remains the same – a piece of pork belly, slow-cooked in a fragrant and flavorful broth. Many regions in China have their own take on this dish, with different variations in the ingredients and cooking methods. However, the essence of the dish is still the same – a celebration of the rich and diverse flavors of Chinese cuisine.
The Recipe for Dongpo Pork
Now that we know the history of this famous dish, let's dive into the traditional recipe for making Dongpo Pork.
1. Cut the pork belly into 2-inch cubes and place them in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, ginger, garlic, green onions, and five-spice powder.
3. Pour the marinade over the pork belly and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
4. In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
5. Add the marinated pork belly and cook until it turns golden brown.
6. Pour in the marinade and add 2 cups of water.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 hours until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve the Dongpo Pork over rice and enjoy!
In conclusion, Dongpo Pork is a timeless dish that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine. With its rich history and flavorful taste, it's no wonder this dish has been enjoyed for centuries. So why not try making this classic dish yourself with our traditional recipe and experience the deliciousness of Dongpo Pork in your own home?