Golden Dongpo Pork: Tender and Flavorful Dish to Enjoy at Home
Golden Dongpo Pork: Tender and Flavorful Dish to Enjoy at Home
Making Dongpo Pork at Home
Embark on a culinary adventure with Dongpo Pork. This recipe guides you through creating this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy with rich flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients- 600g Pork Belly or Pork Shoulder (preferably with skin)
- 2 stalks Scallions (white parts)
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 7 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Whole Peppercorns (or about 4 spoonfuls from a rice spoon)
- 1 stalk Scallion, white part (julienned for garnish)
Sauce Ingredients- 10 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine or Mirin
- 8 Tbsp Sugar
- 2.5 Tbsp Ground Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 10 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine or Mirin
- 8 Tbsp Sugar
- 2.5 Tbsp Ground Pepper (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the pork (belly or shoulder) under running water. It’s best to use a cut with the skin on for maximum flavor and texture. Place the pork in a pot and cover it with water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then discard all the water. This parboiling step removes impurities and odors. Refill the pot with fresh water and add the pork back.
Step 2
While the second batch of water is boiling, add the prepared scallions (2 stalks) and whole garlic cloves (7). Bring to a boil again, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender. You can check for doneness by piercing it with a fork; it should go in easily.
Step 3
When the pork is almost cooked, add the bay leaves. Bay leaves are excellent for removing any gamey smell from the pork, enhancing its aroma. At this stage, make shallow cuts into the meat part of the pork with a knife. These cuts will help the sauce penetrate better and speed up the cooking process.
Step 4
While the pork is simmering, add 3 tablespoons of ground pepper (approx. 4 rice spoon measures) and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce to the cooking liquid. This step seasons the pork subtly, adding depth to its flavor. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the liquid from reducing too quickly.
Step 5
Continue to simmer the pork in the seasoned liquid over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes. Turn the pork pieces over occasionally to ensure even cooking and absorption of flavor. If the liquid reduces too much, add a little water to maintain a good simmering level.
Step 6
Carefully remove the tender pork from the pot. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. Removing excess moisture is crucial to prevent splattering when frying or searing and to achieve a crispy exterior.
Step 7
Lightly and evenly coat the dried pork with cornstarch. A thin layer of cornstarch will help create a crispier, more appealing crust when fried or seared. Avoid applying too thick a layer.
Step 8
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the cornstarch-coated pork into the hot oil, ensuring the skin side is down to achieve a crispy texture. Sear the pork on all sides until it is golden brown and well-coated, like a crispy shell. This searing step helps to lock in the juices.
Step 9
Prepare the braising sauce using the original pork cooking liquid. Remove the cooked scallions and bay leaves from the liquid. Pour the pork broth back into a clean pot. Add the remaining 7 tablespoons of soy sauce (making a total of 10) and 8 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. To achieve the desired consistency, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 3 tablespoons of water with 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your liking. Be careful not to make it too thick.
Step 10
Prepare the bok choy. Bring a pot of water with a pinch of salt to a boil. Cut the washed bok choy in half and blanch for about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy. Immediately rinse the blanched bok choy under cold water to retain its vibrant color and crisp texture. Remove excess water. Arrange the sliced Dongpo Pork attractively over the prepared bok choy.
Step 11
Generously spoon the prepared braising sauce over the Dongpo Pork. For an extra kick and visual appeal, you can add finely chopped chili peppers or sesame seeds according to your preference. Top with the julienned scallion garnish that you prepared earlier. The crispiness of the scallions, combined with their fresh aroma, will further enhance the overall flavor of the Dongpo Pork. Enjoy this tender and delicious dish!
