Lazy Weekends · Chinese
Braised Pork Belly with Soy and Star Anise
Pork belly braised until it melts, then glazed in a dark soy and star anise reduction.
Why This Works
The rock sugar provides a cleaner, more complex sweetness than white sugar and produces a superior glossy finish.
The Upgrade
Add a hard-boiled egg into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of braising.
Chef's Secret
Michelin TechniqueDo not skip the caramelization step; it creates the signature deep mahogany color and savory depth.
Ingredients
Total time including resting: 45 min
Directions
Blanch the pork cubes in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities, then drain.
3 minIn a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the rock sugar over medium-low heat until it turns a deep amber caramel.
5 minAdd the pork belly and stir quickly to coat with the caramel (the Maillard reaction here ensures a rich, glossy color).
3 minAdd ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon, toasting for 1 minute until fragrant.
1 minPour in Shaoxing wine and soy sauce; the alcohol helps tenderize the protein fibres.
Add enough water to barely cover the meat.
Simmer on low heat with the lid on until the liquid reduces into a thick syrup coating the pork.
30 minFinish by turning up the heat slightly to glaze the pork until it shines.
3 minWine Pairing
Pinot Noir
Red Wine
The BottleLouis Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin
Pinot Noir’s earthiness and cherry notes pair seamlessly with soy-based braises. The wine's acidity cuts through the pork belly's luxurious fat, while its structure complements the star anise.
Nutrition per Serving
580
calories
22g
protein
12g
carbs
48g
fat
Make It a Complete Meal
Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.
Side Dish
Garlic Smashed Cucumber
Smashed cucumber tossed with rice vinegar and garlic provides an essential acidic, refreshing crunch to cut through the fatty pork belly.
Ingredients
Directions
Place cucumbers on a cutting board and use the flat side of a chef's knife to smash them until they crack open.
Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and discard the ends.
Toss the cucumber pieces with salt in a colander and let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Transfer the drained cucumbers to a mixing bowl.
Whisk the vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes together in a small bowl.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, toss thoroughly, and serve immediately to maintain the essential crunch.
Side Dish
Steamed Broccoli
The slight bitterness and firm texture of steamed broccoli balance the deep, savory notes of the soy-braised pork.
Ingredients
Directions
Bring one inch of water to a boil in a wide saucepan fitted with a steamer basket.
Place broccoli florets in the basket in a single, even layer.
Cover tightly and steam for exactly 4 minutes until vibrant green and tender-crisp.
Immediately transfer the broccoli to a chilled mixing bowl to arrest the cooking process.
Toss gently with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
Serve immediately to maintain structural integrity and freshness.
Member Reviews
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My new go-to. Even my picky kids cleaned their plates.