Discover the rich and savory flavors of Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯) with this easy-to-follow recipe. This traditional Taiwanese dish features tender pork belly braised to perfection in a flavorful sauce, then served over steamed rice. Ideal for a comforting meal, this recipe combines aromatic spices and a savory sauce to create a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. 

Ingredients:

- 500g pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 star anise

- 2-3 dried mushrooms (soaked and sliced)

- 1 cup water or chicken broth

- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

- Cooked rice, for serving

- Chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions:

Brown the Pork:

  Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork belly pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.

Sauté Aromatics:

  Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot. Sauté for a minute or until fragrant.

Add Sauces and Spices:

  Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Mix well. Add the star anise and sliced dried mushrooms.

Simmer:

  Pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Thicken the Sauce:

  If the sauce needs thickening, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serve:

  Serve the braised pork belly over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped scallions.

Enjoy this flavorful Braised Pork Rice as a hearty and satisfying meal any day of the week!

Nutritional values

Pork Belly (500g, cut into bite-sized pieces):

 - Approximately 518 calories

 - 9g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 53g fat

Benefits: Rich in flavor and fats, provides energy, contains vitamins like B12 and minerals like iron and zinc, but is high in saturated fats, so moderation is key.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 240 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 27g fat (mostly unsaturated fats)

Benefits: Good source of healthy fats, supports heart health, and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

 - Approximately 5 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Boosts immune function, reduces blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, and has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced):

 - Approximately 5-6 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Aids in digestion, reduces nausea, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is rich in antioxidants.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 20-25 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 3g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, contains small amounts of protein and antioxidants, but is high in sodium, so should be used in moderation.

Dark Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 30-40 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 4g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds deep umami flavor, contains slightly more sodium and sugar than regular soy sauce, but enhances color and richness of the dish.

Rice Wine or Dry Sherry (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 25-30 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor, aids in tenderizing meat, and adds depth to the dish, though it does not contribute significantly to nutritional value.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

 - Approximately 50 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 13g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness and balance to savory dishes, provides a quick energy boost, but should be consumed in moderation to avoid spikes in blood sugar.

Star Anise (1 piece):

 - Approximately 7-8 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a unique licorice-like flavor, aids digestion, has antibacterial properties, and is rich in antioxidants.

Dried Mushrooms (2-3 pieces, soaked and sliced):

 - Approximately 10-15 calories

 - 1-2g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: High in antioxidants, supports immune health, rich in fiber, and contains essential vitamins like B-vitamins and minerals like selenium and copper.

Water or Chicken Broth (1 cup):

Water:

- 0 calories

Chicken Broth:

 - Approximately 10-15 calories

 - 1g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds hydration and helps cook the ingredients. If using chicken broth, provides a small amount of protein and flavor.

Cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with water):

 - Approximately 30 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 7g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Thickens sauces without adding significant calories, gluten-free, and adds smooth texture to dishes.

Cooked Rice (for serving):

 - Approximately 200 calories

 - 4g protein

 - 45g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Good source of carbohydrates for energy, contains small amounts of protein and fiber, and is easy to digest.

Chopped Scallions (for garnish):

 - Approximately 1-2 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0.1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds fresh flavor and color, contains antioxidants, supports digestion, and is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.