Easy Recipe for Chinese-style Braised Pork with Mushrooms

1. Ingredients for Chinese-style Braised Pork with Mushrooms

Chinese-style braised pork with mushrooms is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender pork with rich, earthy mushrooms. Here's what you'll need:

• 500g of pork belly (or pork shoulder)
• 200g of mushrooms (shiitake or button mushrooms work best)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 slices of ginger
• 1 star anise
• 1 tablespoon of rice wine
• 1 cup of chicken stock or water
• Spring onions for garnish (optional)

These ingredients come together to create a rich, savory braise that's perfect for a comforting meal.

2. Step-by-step Guide to Preparing Chinese-style Braised Pork with Mushrooms

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Chinese-style braised pork with mushrooms:

1. Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork belly (or pork shoulder) into 1-2 inch chunks. Brown the pork in a hot pan with a little oil until the pieces are lightly seared on all sides.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and star anise. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Sauces and Liquids: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, rice wine, and chicken stock (or water). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Braise the Pork: Lower the heat and let the pork simmer for about 1.5-2 hours, or until tender. Add the mushrooms about halfway through the cooking process and let them absorb the flavors.
5. Final Touches: Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with spring onions if desired and serve hot.

This method ensures the pork becomes wonderfully tender while the mushrooms soak up all the delicious braising liquid.

3. Expert Tips for Cooking Braised Pork with Mushrooms

To make your braised pork with mushrooms even better, here are a few expert tips:

• Use the Right Cut of Pork: Pork belly is ideal for this dish because it has the perfect balance of fat and meat. If you prefer leaner pork, pork shoulder works as a great alternative.
• Let the Flavors Marinate: For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork in soy sauce and a bit of rice wine for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Braising at a low temperature for a longer period of time is key to achieving tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes during the last 30 minutes of braising to create a complete, hearty meal in one pot.

By following these tips, you'll create a dish that's flavorful, tender, and absolutely irresistible.

4. Serving Suggestions for Chinese-style Braised Pork with Mushrooms

Chinese-style braised pork with mushrooms is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Serve with Steamed Rice: The savory sauce is perfect for soaking up with a bowl of fluffy steamed rice.
• Pair with Stir-fried Vegetables: Light stir-fried greens, such as bok choy or spinach, complement the rich flavors of the braised pork.
• Accompany with Pickled Vegetables: The tanginess of pickled vegetables provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pork.

These simple side dishes enhance the braised pork and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.