Discover the authentic taste of Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯), a beloved Taiwanese dish featuring tender braised pork belly simmered in a rich, savory sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this comforting meal combines layers of flavor and texture for an unforgettable dining experience. Follow our easy recipe to make this traditional favorite at home and enjoy a taste of Taiwan's culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) pork belly, cut into 1-inch cubes

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 4 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup dark soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons rice wine or dry sherry

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 1/2 cup water

- 2 star anise

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder

- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

- Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pork Belly: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the pork belly cubes and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the pork. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Sauces and Spices: Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Mix well to coat the pork evenly.

Simmer: Add water, star anise, cinnamon stick, and five-spice powder to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Serve: Spoon the braised pork belly and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onion.

Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the rich, flavorful taste of this classic Taiwanese dish.

Nutritional values

Pork Belly (1 lb / 450g, cut into 1-inch cubes):

 - Approximately 518 calories

 - 10g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 53g fat

Benefits: Provides a rich source of protein and fat, adding flavor and texture to dishes. Contains essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and zinc, but should be consumed in moderation due to high fat content.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 240 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 27g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor and helps in cooking, provides healthy fats, supports energy needs. Use in moderation due to high fat content.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

 - Approximately 4 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, supports immune health, has antibacterial properties, and contains antioxidants.

Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced):

 - Approximately 5 calories

 - 0.1g protein

 - 1g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds flavor, aids digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains antioxidants.

Soy Sauce (1/4 cup):

 - Approximately 30 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 3g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds umami flavor, contains small amounts of protein and minerals, but should be used in moderation due to its high sodium content.

Dark Soy Sauce (1/4 cup):

 - Approximately 30 calories

 - 2g protein

 - 3g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Provides deeper color and richer flavor to dishes, similar to regular soy sauce, with high sodium content.

Rice Wine or Dry Sherry (2 tablespoons):

 - Rice Wine: Approximately 25 calories

 - Dry Sherry: Approximately 25 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds depth of flavor, supports the browning of meat, and contributes to the overall taste of the dish.

Sugar (2 tablespoons):

 - Approximately 96 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 24g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds sweetness to balance flavors, but should be used in moderation due to its high calorie and carbohydrate content.

Water (1/2 cup):

 - 0 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Essential for cooking, helps in creating the sauce and maintaining moisture.

Star Anise (2 pieces):

 - Approximately 7 calories

 - 0.3g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds a distinctive licorice flavor, contains antioxidants, and has potential digestive benefits.

Cinnamon Stick (1 piece):

 - Approximately 6 calories

 - 0.2g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds warm flavor, contains antioxidants, supports blood sugar control, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Five-Spice Powder (1/2 teaspoon):

 - Approximately 2-3 calories

 - 0g protein

 - 0.5g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds complex flavor, includes spices like star anise and cloves that have antioxidant properties, and can aid digestion.

Green Onion (1, chopped, for garnish):

 - Approximately 10 calories

 - 0.5g protein

 - 2g carbohydrates

 - 0g fat

Benefits: Adds fresh flavor, contains antioxidants, supports digestion, and provides vitamins A, C, and K.

Cooked Rice (for serving):

 - Approximately 200 calories

 - 4g protein

 - 45g carbohydrates

 - 0.4g fat

Benefits: Provides a source of carbohydrates for energy, is versatile, and complements many dishes.

These ingredients together create a flavorful, aromatic dish with a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements.