Homestyle Braised Pork with Soybeans
Kids love braised pork, so I deliberately slow-cooked it to create a lasting and heartwarming flavor. Every time, my child says, 'Mom's braised pork is the best!' Yes, it's so fragrant that even our neighbor Mr. Wang couldn't resist making it for himself!
Ingredients
Steps
These are the ingredients you'll need. The amounts can be adjusted to your liking. Soak the soybeans overnight, and use pork belly that's been scorched and blanched. (For beginners who don't know how to blanch, wash the meat, boil it for about 10 minutes, and then take it out.)
Cut the pork into strips about the thickness of an index finger and let them dry. You can cut them after they're dry to prevent splattering in the oil.
Heat oil in a pan, then lower the heat once it warms up. Meanwhile, boil a kettle of hot water on another stove.
Add rock sugar and let it melt on low heat.
Once it turns amber, it's ready.
Add the pork belly and increase the heat to render the fat.
When the pork looks like the image above, reduce to medium-low heat.
Push the pork aside and add the Douban sauce.
Once the sauce is fried, stir it together with the pork until evenly mixed.
Add the green onions, ginger, and garlic, and stir-fry to release their aromas.
Add a small amount of hot water (remember: always use hot water, not cold).
Add spices, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorn. (Make sure to add the peppercorn after water to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.)
Boil on high heat for about 3 minutes.
Add enough hot water to just cover the ingredients — not too much, or the braised flavor will be diluted!
When the water comes to a boil, add the soybeans. Keep the heat high at this stage.
After the water boils, continue to cook on high heat for another 3 minutes.
Cover the pot, reduce to the lowest heat setting (just enough to keep it simmering), and cook for 1.5 hours. Stir twice during this time.
After 1.5 hours, add soy sauce and increase the heat to reduce the sauce.
Serve the dish and sprinkle some green onions on top. If you like cilantro, feel free to add some too.
(Final product) The dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly tender. Each soybean is infused with flavor! I ended up eating another bowl of rice because of it 🍚...