| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 120 mins – 180 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
You all know how much I love merging comfort with health in the kitchen, and today I’m bringing this philosophy to a delightful fusion-style dish: Chinese Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise. From the sunny valleys of California, I’ve always strived to incorporate a variety of flavors and ingredients into every meal, taking daily inspiration from both my environment and my home life with three amazing adopted children. This particular recipe is a testament to that dedication. Just look at the beautiful melange of its elements 
A Nutritious Fusion of Flavors
This tantalizing Chinese Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise recipe is not just a feast for your taste buds; it’s also loaded with nutrients that your body will thank you for. Star anise, a key component, is known to support digestion and boost the immune system, while ginger is a powerhouse packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Pork belly, of course, is an excellent source of protein and gives this dish its hearty, comforting feel. If you’re a fan of Ellie Krieger’s Pork Tenderloin with Seasoned Rub, you’ll fall head over heels for this dish as well.
A Perfect Pairing Companion and Beyond
This recipe isn’t just stand-alone magic; it can level up other meals as well. Try to couple this dish with Homemade Brown Rice for a hearty dinner or serve it with Chinese Cucumber Salad for a balanced, whole meal. The softness of pork belly blends perfectly well with the crunchiness of cucumbers and the freshness of brown rice. Compiling dishes has never been so thrilling and satisfying.
So, my fellow food enthusiasts, it is with joy that I share with you my love for this Chinese Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise recipe. Whether you’re cooking for an elaborate dinner, or simply seeking a comforting meal after a long day, this fusion recipe is your ticket to a delectable culinary adventure. Happy cooking, everyone!
What You’ll Need
- 2.2 lbs of pork belly
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 6 pieces of star anise
- 1 piece of cinnamon stick
- 6 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 inches of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/2 cup of Chinese cooking wine
- 1/4 cup of light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of dark soy sauce
- 1 cup of rock sugar or brown sugar
- 4 cups of water
- 3 scallions, cut into large pieces
- 1 large piece of daikon radish, peeled and cut into large chunks(optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by cutting the pork belly into chunks of about 2 inches. Heat oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork belly chunks and cook them until they are nicely browned on all sides. This should take about 10 minutes. Set the browned pork aside.
Step Two
In the same pot or wok, add the star anise, cinnamon stick, crushed garlic cloves and sliced ginger. Stir these ingredients together and cook for a minute or two until they become very fragrant.
Step Three
Add the Chinese cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and the sugar to the pot. Stir everything together until the sugar has fully dissolved and brought the mixture to a simmer.
Step Four
Once the mixture is simmering, add the browned pork belly back into the pot along with the water and scallions. If you’re using daikon radish, add it in now as well.
Step Five
Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If at any point the liquid level gets too low, add a bit more water to the pot.
Step Six
After 2 hours, check the pork. It should be tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. If needed, continue simmering until the pork reaches your desired tenderness. Once done, serve the Chinese Braised Pork Belly with Star Anise hot over rice or noodles.
