Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉)

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork belly
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 inches ginger
• 3 pieces star anise
• 4 stalks scallions
• 2 cups water
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 tablespoons rice wine
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut the pork belly into 1-inch cubes and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the pork belly cubes to the pot and sear them on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

4. 4

   Remove the pork belly from the pot and drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

5. 5

   Add minced garlic and sliced ginger to the pot, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

6. 6

   Return the pork belly to the pot and add 1 cup of soy sauce, 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of rice wine, star anise, and black pepper.

7. 7

   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

8. 8

   Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce is thickened.

9. 9

   Chop the scallions and sprinkle them over the pork belly just before serving.

10. 10

    Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy your delicious Braised Pork Belly!