Suzhou Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
Sink your teeth into Suzhou's version of Hong Shao Rou, a hearty dish that cradles tender, mouth-watering pork belly in a rich, savory sauce. With a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, it's ideally paired with steamed rice, making it a soul-warming meal after a long day of sightseeing. This dish showcases the essence of comfort food in Suzhou – warming, hearty, and unforgettably good!
Top 5 for Suzhou
Who Should Try This Dish?
If you enjoy rich, hearty dishes that offer a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, this challenge is perfect for you. Food lovers and those curious about traditional Chinese cuisine will find this dish particularly satisfying.
Flavor Profile
Suzhou Braised Pork Belly is characterized by its rich, sweet, and savory flavors, courtesy of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The tender pork belly melts in your mouth, delivering a luxurious texture, while the glossy sauce adds an enticing sheen that enhances the overall experience.
Things to Eat with It
This dish is ideally paired with steamed white rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. Additionally, a side of pickled vegetables can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork, balancing the meal perfectly.
What's in It?
- Pork Belly: The main ingredient, providing richness and flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and contributes to the dish's signature color.
- Sugar: Balances the saltiness and enhances the sweet-coating sauce.
- Ginger: Adds depth and a hint of spice.
- Spring Onions: Provides a fresh, aromatic element to the dish.
- Star Anise: Infuses a unique sweet-spicy flavor, characteristic of many Chinese dishes.
How It's Made
To make Suzhou Braised Pork Belly, the pork is first blanched to remove impurities. It's then simmered with soy sauce, sugar, and aromatics over low heat for several hours. This slow cooking allows the fat to render, creating a tender and flavorful dish.