Ingredients for Braised Pork with Winter Melon:
– 1 piece of pork belly
– 3 scallions
– 1 piece of ginger
– 2 dried red chili peppers
– 5 Sichuan peppercorns
– 2 star anise
– 1 piece of cinnamon
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– a pinch of dark soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 small piece of yellow rock sugar
– appropriate amount of boiling water
– 1 gram of salt
– 1 tablespoon of pepper
– 1 tablespoon of chicken essence
– 1 large piece of winter melon
– appropriate amount of chopped green onions
Method for Braised Pork with Winter Melon:
Step 1: Cut the pork belly into small pieces, blanch in cold water with scallions and ginger, add cooking wine and blanch for about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Heat oil in a pan, add scallions, ginger, dried red chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves, and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the blanched pork belly and stir-fry until it changes color and is slightly charred.
Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of dark soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Stir evenly.
Step 5: Add a small piece of yellow rock sugar to enhance the flavor and color.
Step 6: Pour in an appropriate amount of boiling water (the water should completely cover the pork belly).
Step 7: Bring to a boil over high heat, then cook uncovered for about 5 minutes to remove the raw meat smell, then cover and simmer on low heat for one hour.
Step 8: While the pork is simmering, peel the winter melon, remove the seeds, clean it, and cut it into small pieces for later use.
Step 9: The braised pork is ready when it is tender and soft.
Step 10: Season with an appropriate amount of salt, pepper, and chicken essence.
Step 11: Add the cut winter melon.
Step 12: Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 13: Once the winter melon is flavored, remove and discard the large spices.
Step 14: Add an appropriate amount of chopped green onions and stir evenly.
Step 15-22: Final product images.
Cooking Tips for Braised Pork with Winter Melon:
There are tricks to making delicious dishes. Each of my dishes has its own little secret. You can search for ‘Zhejiang Cuisine’ to directly view my recipes!
