Red-Braised Pork
AI-generated image
Chinese

Red-Braised Pork

Tender pork belly slowly simmered in soy, Shaoxing wine, ginger, and warm spices until lacquered in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce. Serve with steamed rice to catch every drop.

125 min 6 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Heat the oil in a heavy 4-liter pot over medium-high heat, then sear the pork in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, turning, until browned on several sides. Transfer to a plate.
Pork belly cubes browned in a heavy pot AI-generated image
2
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the rock sugar to the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until melted and amber but not smoking. Add the ginger, scallion, star anise, and cinnamon; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
Return the pork to the pot. Pour in the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, stirring for 1 minute so the liquids coat the pork and loosen the caramelized bits from the base.
4
Add the hot water and white pepper. Bring to a boil, skimming any foam from the surface, then reduce to a very gentle simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 75 to 85 minutes, turning the pork every 20 minutes, until a fork slides easily into the meat and the thickest pieces reach at least 90°C.
5
Remove the lid and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, turning the pork occasionally, until the liquid has reduced to a coating sauce and the pork is lacquered. Remove the star anise and cinnamon stick.
Glossy red-braised pork belly ready to serve AI-generated image
6
Let the pork rest in the sauce for 5 minutes, then spoon it over steamed rice and serve hot.

Why this recipe works

Searing develops savory depth, while a slow simmer lets pork fat and collagen enrich the soy-based braising liquid. Sugar and aromatics finish the sauce with the characteristic deep red-braised gloss.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool within 2 hours, refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce may solidify when chilled; this is normal.

How to reheat it

Reheat gently in a covered saucepan over low heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water until steaming hot throughout, about 8 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally and avoid boiling hard.

Nutrition / serving

743kcal
13.15 gprotein
8.89 gcarbs
71.60 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026