20 Chinese Red Cooked Pork Belly Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Chinese red cooked pork belly is a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, savory flavors. This traditional dish has been enjoyed in China for centuries and has now gained popularity all over the world. The key to a perfect red cooked pork belly lies in the perfect balance of spices and cooking techniques. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of this dish and provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to making your own Chinese red cooked pork belly at home.
The History and Origins of Chinese Red Cooked Pork Belly
The Origins of Red Cooking
Red cooking, or hong shao, is a traditional Chinese cooking technique that involves braising meat in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. This technique originated in the Jiangsu province of China and has been used for centuries to create tender and flavorful dishes.
The Significance of Red Color
The name "red cooking" comes from the vibrant red color that the dish turns after cooking in the soy sauce mixture. In Chinese culture, the color red is associated with good luck and prosperity, making this dish a popular choice for special occasions and festivals.
The Evolution of Pork Belly
Pork belly, or zhurou, has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years. It was traditionally considered a luxury item, as it was a fattier and more flavorful cut of meat. However, in modern times, pork belly has become more widely available and is now a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes.
The Perfect Recipe for Chinese Red Cooked Pork Belly
Ingredients
To make the perfect Chinese red cooked pork belly, you will need:
- 2 pounds of pork belly, skin on
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup dark soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Shaoxing wine
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 dried red chilies (optional)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
1. In a large pot, add the pork belly and enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. This will help remove any impurities and excess fat from the pork belly.
2. Drain the pork belly and rinse with cold water. Cut it into 1-inch thick slices.
3. In the same pot, add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and dried red chilies (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Add the pork belly slices to the pot and make sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. If needed, add more water to cover the pork belly.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the pork belly is tender.
6. Once the pork belly is tender, remove it from the pot and strain the sauce to remove any solids.
7. Return the pork belly to the pot and add the strained sauce. Bring to a boil and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the pork belly.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.
Conclusion
Chinese red cooked pork belly is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich history and flavorful ingredients, it is no wonder that this dish has become a staple in Chinese cuisine. Now that you have a professional and well-organized introduction to making this dish, why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills?
