Best Easy Shanxi Braised Pork with Vermicelli Recipe

Shanxi braised pork with silky vermicelli in a savory, star anise-scented sauce is comfort food at its best. A protein-rich, family dinner favorite.

Cook 70 min Difficulty NORMAL 408 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork belly 1.5 lbs
  • dried mung bean vermicelli 6 oz
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • ginger 1 oz
  • scallions 3 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 4 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 2 tbsp
  • dark soy sauce 1 tbsp
  • sugar 2 tsp
  • star anise 2 pieces
  • salt 1 tsp
  • neutral oil 1 tbsp
  • water 2 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 35%
Protein 22 g 22%
Fat 20 g 43%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Soak the dried mung bean vermicelli in hot water for 15 minutes until softened; drain well and set aside.

  2. 2

    Cut pork belly into 1-inch cubes. Over medium-high heat, sear the pork in a Dutch oven with 1 tbsp neutral oil until golden brown, about 6 minutes.

  3. 3

    Push pork to edges, add sliced ginger, crushed garlic, star anise, and chopped onion to the center. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.

  4. 4

    Pour in Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces, scraping up all browned bits.

  5. 5

    Add 2 cups water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 60 minutes until pork is tender and flavors meld.

  6. 6

    Remove lid and add the softened vermicelli and chopped scallions. Stir well and simmer, uncovered, on medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the sauce is mostly absorbed and vermicelli is silky and coated.

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remove star anise and transfer to a serving platter. Serve hot, garnished with extra scallions if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredient is pork belly, which brings rich flavor and signature silky texture. Paired with star anise and soy sauces, it defines the dish's savory depth that characterizes Shanxi-style braising.
Q. Which ingredient gives the braised pork its unique aroma?
Star anise is crucial for the dish's fragrant note, infusing the sauce and pork with a subtle licorice aroma typical of Shanxi braised dishes.
Q. What's the most important cooking technique here?
Searing the pork belly over medium-high heat builds rich flavor, while slow simmering over low heat ensures the pork becomes tender and melds beautifully with spices and sauce.
Q. How do I keep the vermicelli from overcooking or becoming mushy?
Soak the vermicelli just until softened before adding it in the final simmer step; cook uncovered with the sauce so it absorbs flavor without disintegrating, turning silky instead of mushy.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each 320g serving contains about 408 kcal with 22g of protein, making this a high-protein dish suitable for balanced family meals.
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