Tai Hou Hong Shao Rou (empress Dowager's Braised Pork)

Tai Hou Hong Shao Rou, or Empress Dowager's Braised Pork, is a classic dish from Chinese Aristocrat Cuisine. This dish is known for its rich and savory flavors, tender meat, and beautiful caramelized glaze.

Tai Hou Hong Shao Rou (empress Dowager's Braised Pork)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3 slices ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, blanch the pork belly in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the blanched pork belly, ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir to coat the pork with the sauce.
  4. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender.
  5. Uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the pork, about 15 minutes.
  6. Transfer the braised pork to a serving dish and serve hot.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
24g

Supplies

Large pot Serving dish

Tools

Knife Cutting board Measuring spoons

Serving suggestions

Serving Suggestions: Serve the Tai Hou Hong Shao Rou with steamed white rice and a side of steamed vegetables.

Tips & tricks

Tips: For an extra flavorful twist, marinate the pork belly in the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine mixture for 1 hour before cooking.

Cost

$15