Best Easy Shanghai Red Braised Pork Recipe

Shanghai red braised pork belly in sweet soy sauce is meltingly tender and richly flavored. A protein-packed, iconic family recipe with caramelized depth.

Cook 110 min Difficulty NORMAL 460 kcal
#protein-packed #caramelized #Chinese #iconic
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pork belly 2 lbs
  • scallions 4 pieces
  • ginger 6 slices
Seasonings/Sauce
  • soy sauce 0.33 cup
  • dark soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • Shaoxing wine 0.25 cup
  • rock sugar 3 tbsp
  • water 1.5 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 19%
Protein 21 g 18%
Fat 30 g 63%
Serving size 175g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Blanch the pork belly: Fill a pot with water, bring to a boil, and add the pork belly. Simmer for 5 minutes to remove impurities, then drain and pat dry.

  2. 2

    Cut the blanched pork belly into 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.

  3. 3

    In a large heavy-bottomed pan, melt the rock sugar over medium-low heat until it bubbles and turns amber. Immediately add the pork cubes and sear, letting the caramel coat the meat evenly for a glossy finish.

  4. 4

    Add scallions and ginger slices. Stir-fry with the pork for 1 minute, letting aromatics release their fragrance.

  5. 5

    Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Mix well, then add water to cover 70% of the pork. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 90 minutes. Stir once or twice during braising to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Uncover the pan, increase the heat to medium, and reduce the sauce for 10–15 minutes until it thickens and clings to the pork. Remove aromatics. Rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient in this Shanghai Red Braised Pork is pork belly. Its rich, layered texture renders perfectly with slow braising, absorbing the caramelized sweet soy flavors for a traditional, authentic taste.
Q. How does caramelizing the sugar affect the final flavor?
Caramelizing rock sugar at the start is essential—it gives the pork belly a deep amber color and adds complex, subtly sweet notes to balance the soy sauce. This process creates signature flavor depth and glossy appearance.
Q. What cooking technique ensures a tender pork belly?
Slow braising over low heat for 90 minutes allows the pork belly to become meltingly tender without drying out. Briefly increasing the heat after braising helps the sauce thicken without overcooking the meat.
Q. How many calories and macronutrients are in each serving?
Each 175g serving contains approximately 460 kcal, with 22g carbs (19%), 21g protein (18%), and 30g fat (63%). This makes it a protein-rich and hearty option.
Q. How can I avoid the pork turning too soft or falling apart?
Maintain a gentle simmer during braising and avoid over-stirring. Cutting the pork into consistent cubes after blanching also ensures an even, just-tender bite without the meat disintegrating.
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