Best Easy Braised Pork Rice Bowl Recipe

Tender, glossy braised pork in a star anise-scented sauce is spooned over hot rice. This Taiwanese family staple, known as lu rou fan, is protein-rich and deeply comforting.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 540 kcal
#mediterranean #diabetic friendly
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork belly 1 lb
  • white onion 1 pieces
  • ginger 4 slices
  • garlic 4 cloves
  • cooked short-grain rice 4 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 5 tbsp
  • dark soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • rock sugar 2 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp
  • star anise 2 pieces
  • white pepper 0.25 tsp
  • water 2 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 54 g 40%
Protein 21 g 16%
Fat 25 g 44%
Serving size 290g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Trim excess skin from the pork belly and dice into 1/2-inch cubes for uniform texture.

  2. 2

    Heat a large heavy pot over medium heat and render pork belly cubes until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Scoop out all but 2 tablespoons of the fat.

  3. 3

    Add finely chopped onion, ginger slices, and smashed garlic to the pork; sauté on medium-low heat until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rock sugar, Shaoxing wine, star anise, and white pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.

  5. 5

    Pour in water. Bring to a boil, skim off impurities, then reduce to very low heat. Cover and simmer gently for 60–80 minutes until pork becomes tender and sauce is glossy.

  6. 6

    Remove ginger and star anise. Serve hot pork mixture generously over bowls of fluffy cooked rice.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is pork belly, which gives the braised pork rice bowl its signature rich, tender texture. Essential aromatics like star anise, ginger, and garlic, plus soy sauces, infuse the dish with its distinctive Taiwanese comfort flavor.
Q. What is the most important cooking step for great flavor?
Browning the pork belly in the pot is critical—it renders fat, builds deep flavor, and creates the rich base for the sauce. Carefully sautéing aromatics afterward lifts the depth of the final dish.
Q. How do I keep the pork tender and moist?
Maintain a low, gentle simmer with the pot partially covered after you add the liquid. Avoid boiling vigorously; slow braising for at least an hour allows the pork to become tender without drying out.
Q. How many calories and macros are in one serving?
Each serving (290g) provides approximately 540 kcal, with 54g carbohydrates (40%), 21g protein (16%), and 25g fat (44%). This balance gives you a comforting bowl with a solid protein content.
AI 채팅 아이콘