Melt-in-Your-Mouth Dongpo Pork Made with Whole Pork Belly
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Dongpo Pork Made with Whole Pork Belly
Restaurant-Quality Dongpo Pork Recipe Using Pork Belly at Home
Introducing ‘Dongpo Pork’, the perfect dish for special occasions and entertaining guests. This recipe features tender, slow-braised whole pork belly that melts in your mouth, creating a truly luxurious texture. The harmonious blend of rich pork flavor and glossy sauce is exquisite, complemented by the crispness of bok choy served alongside. Achieve both stunning visuals and incredible taste with this recipe and elevate your dining experience!
Main Ingredients- Whole Pork Belly 600-800g (pre-boiled as ‘suyuk’)
- Bok Choy 5-6 heads
Dongpo Pork Braising Sauce- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Dark Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp (for color)
- Oyster Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine) 4 Tbsp
- Brown Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup 3 Tbsp
- Ginger 2cm (sliced thinly)
- Whole Cloves 1 pc
- Star Anise 3 pcs
- Water 300ml
- Green Onion 1 stalk (cut into large pieces)
- Onion 1/2 (cut into large pieces)
Thickening Slurry- Cornstarch 1 Tbsp
- Water 1 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce 2 Tbsp
- Dark Soy Sauce 1 Tbsp (for color)
- Oyster Sauce 1 Tbsp
- Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine) 4 Tbsp
- Brown Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Corn Syrup 3 Tbsp
- Ginger 2cm (sliced thinly)
- Whole Cloves 1 pc
- Star Anise 3 pcs
- Water 300ml
- Green Onion 1 stalk (cut into large pieces)
- Onion 1/2 (cut into large pieces)
Thickening Slurry- Cornstarch 1 Tbsp
- Water 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Please refer to the separate recipe (@6983476) for instructions on how to boil the pork belly. Ensure the boiled pork belly is completely cooled before proceeding to maintain its shape.
Step 2
Prepare the boiled and fully cooled whole pork belly. To prevent oil splattering, pat the pork dry thoroughly with paper towels. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the pork belly on all sides until golden brown and slightly crisp. This step is crucial for maintaining the pork’s structure and enhancing its flavor.
Step 3
Slice the onion into thick pieces, about 0.5cm thick. Insert a whole clove into the end of each onion slice to infuse its aroma. Cloves have a strong fragrance, so it’s best to use them judiciously and adjust to your preference.
Step 4
Cut the green onion into large pieces and place them at the bottom of a pot. This prevents the pork from sticking and adds a fragrant base to the braising liquid.
Step 5
In the pot, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, brown sugar, corn syrup, sliced ginger, whole cloves, star anise, and 300ml of water. Stir well to create the braising sauce. Once the sauce comes to a boil, add the seared pork belly pieces. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low, cover, and let it braise gently for at least 40 minutes. Allow ample time for the sauce to penetrate the meat deeply.
Step 6
After 40 minutes of braising, remove the pork belly from the pot and set aside the braising sauce separately. (Tip: For a better presentation and texture, it’s recommended to chill the braised pork overnight and then slice and reheat it the next day. If serving immediately, gently reheat the whole pork belly in the sauce over very low heat before slicing, as slicing and then reheating can make it too salty.) To thicken the reserved sauce, gradually whisk in the prepared cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7
Wash the bok choy thoroughly and cut each head in half. Blanch the bok choy in boiling salted water for about 1-2 minutes, just until slightly tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking, as the crisp texture is key. Rinse under cold water and drain.
Step 8
Slice the Dongpo pork into desired pieces and arrange them on a serving plate. Generously ladle the glossy braising sauce over the pork. Garnish with the blanched bok choy for a pop of color and a balanced flavor profile. The glistening Dongpo pork is visually stunning and will undoubtedly impress your guests. It’s also delicious served over rice as a flavorful rice bowl!
