Finished dish photo of Braised Pork with Salted Fish

Braised Pork with Salted Fish

Braised Pork with Salted Fish Braised Pork with Salted Fish is said to be a traditional dish fishermen served to guests on their boats. There is a story about this dish that goes like this: A mother and her son, who had fallen on hard times, arrived at Yao Bay. Unfortunately, the child fell ill, and the mother was deeply worried. One day, the mother, supporting her son, begged for food and encountered a doctor named Lu. Dr. Lu, upon seeing the mother and son, diagnosed the child with indigestion and swelling due to stomach issues. He then took them home, bought a fresh mackerel, cut it into pieces, salted it, added some meat, and cooked it into a dish. The child, who had not eaten for days, was immediately enticed by the fragrant blend of fish and meat flavors and began to eat. Over the following days, the child gradually recovered. This story quickly spread in the area. The dish, both delicious and nourishing, became a must-serve delicacy for fishermen to entertain their guests. It eventually became known as "Braised Pork with Salted Fish." Nowadays, this dish has become a renowned delicacy beloved by many. It features a reddish-brown color, tender fish and meat, a harmonious balance of saltiness and sweetness, and a flavorful taste that replenishes vitality. Having researched some recipes, I found that using pork belly and salted yellow croaker marinated with cooking wine produces an even better taste. The cooking wine enhances the meat's flavor, making this a perfect dish to pair with rice!! Simple to make and incredibly tasty—friends, give it a try! 😄😄

Ingredients

Salted Fish350g
Pork Belly1200g
Rock Sugar90g
Green Onion1 stalk
GingerSeveral slices
GarlicA little
Sichuan PeppercornTo taste
Star AniseTo taste
Small Red Chili2 pieces
Galangal (optional)One piece
Soy Sauce (for braising)One spoon
Cooking OilTo taste
Cooking Wine200g
Boiling WaterTo taste
Black CardamomOne piece

Steps

1

Soak the salted fish in water for about 2-3 hours to soften it. Then clean and cut it into pieces.

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2

Marinate with cooking wine for 1 hour.

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3

Cut pork belly into pieces, blanch it, and rinse clean.

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4

Heat oil, add rock sugar, and melt it over medium-low heat.

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5

Melt the rock sugar completely; do not caramelize.

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6

Add pork belly and stir-fry over medium heat for 2 minutes (be cautious to avoid oil splatter—take care!).

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7

This is the status after frying for 8 minutes.

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8

After frying for 10 minutes, add one spoon of soy sauce.

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9

Lower the heat, then add salted fish, the cooking wine used to soak the fish, green onion, ginger, garlic, and all seasonings. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes.

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10

Pour boiling water along the edge of the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then lower to a simmer. Slow-cook until the meat is tender, then turn to high heat to reduce, but not excessively—leave some sauce for added flavor!

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11

Braised Pork with Salted Fish with sauce.

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12

Isn't it tempting?! Grab some rice! 😊

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13

These are the seasonings I used. The quirky-looking one on the right is galangal, similar to ginger in function.

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14

Essential green onion, ginger, and garlic.

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15

Enjoy it with rice! Already salivating!!! 😄😄

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