Ultra-Simple Homemade Dongpo Pork
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Deliciousness! An Easy Dongpo Pork Recipe That Guarantees Success at Home
Tired of the same old boiled pork belly or kimchi stew? Try this incredibly simple Dongpo Pork, a sophisticated Chinese dish perfect for special occasions or just to elevate your everyday meal. You can easily achieve a glossy, tender Dongpo Pork at home using just a piece of pork belly. The harmony of moist meat and savory sauce is simply divine!
Main Ingredients
- 600g Pork Belly (whole piece)
- 1 Onion
- 1 Scallion (Green Onion)
- Onion peels (clean and washed)
- 10 Peppercorns
Aromatics & Braising Liquid Ingredients
- 200ml Water
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 200ml Water
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the aromatics to remove any porky smell and add flavor. Wash one onion and one scallion thoroughly. Don’t discard the onion peels! When washed clean, they are excellent for giving the braising liquid a beautiful color and enhancing its aroma.
Step 2
In a large pot, combine the prepared onion, scallion, onion peels, and 10 peppercorns. Add 200ml of water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the whole 600g pork belly. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the pork is tender. It’s crucial to cook it long enough for the pork to be tender all the way through.
Step 3
While the pork is simmering, let’s make the delicious Dongpo Pork sauce! In a small bowl, mix together 200ml water, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil until well combined. Honey will add a lovely sheen and contribute to the tenderness of the pork.
Step 4
Carefully remove the simmered pork belly from the pot and immediately rinse it under cold running water. Rinsing with cold water helps to lock in the juices, firms up the exterior, and makes the pork easier to slice. Rinse it a couple of times.
Step 5
Once rinsed and cooled slightly, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3cm thick. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sliced pork belly pieces in the hot skillet and sear them lightly on both sides until they are golden brown. This searing step enhances the flavor and texture of the pork surface.
Step 6
Return the seared pork belly pieces to the pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the pork. Bring the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer and reduce, allowing the pork to absorb all the delicious flavors. Once the sauce has thickened slightly and coated the pork with a beautiful glaze, you can add an additional 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for extra shine and aroma.
Step 7
Finally, plate the glistening Dongpo Pork over warm rice for a magnificent meal! For an enhanced experience, serve it alongside blanched baby bok choy or crisp shredded scallions. Enjoy the diverse flavors and textures this dish offers. Create a special meal for your whole family to enjoy!
