Dongpo Pork东坡肉
Legendary Jiangzhe braised pork belly — thick-cut pieces seared and slow-braised with Huadiao wine, rock sugar, soy sauce, and ginger until meltingly tender with a rich, amber glaze.
Pork Belly
750 g
Huadiao Wine
50 g
Rock Sugar
75 g
50 g
Soy Sauce
150 g
6 slice
Scallions
Red Dates
7 piece
Water
huadiao-wine
50 g
rock-sugar
75 g
dark-soy-sauce
50 g
soy-sauce
150 g
Seasoning Guide: Start with the listed baseline amounts, then adjust gradually after tasting. Fine-tune salt, sugar, acid, and finishing oils in small increments.
Cut Pork Belly into Large Chunks
Cut the pork belly into large square chunks.
Prepare Other Ingredients
Prepare the other ingredients: slice ginger, cut scallions into segments, and ready the rock sugar and seasonings.
Pan-sear Pork on All Sides
Pan-sear the pork pieces on all five sides over low heat to render the fat. Take your time—the fat needs to render slowly.
Sear Until Light Golden
Continue searing until the pork surface is light golden. Increase the heat slightly for better color.
Melt Rock Sugar
Add the rock sugar and let it melt slowly. Be careful not to let the moisture evaporate completely.
Evaporate Excess Moisture
The moisture has evaporated, concentrating the caramel coating on the pork.
Add Hot Water
Add enough hot water to nearly cover the pork. Using hot water (not cold) prevents the meat from seizing up.
Add Caramel Color and Braise
Add the freshly prepared caramel color, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and braise for one hour.
Transfer Pork to Bowl
Remove the braised pork pieces and arrange them neatly in a bowl. Drizzle with the remaining braising liquid from the pot.
Top with Dates and Steam
Place halved dates on top and steam. Cutting the dates in half helps them release more flavor. Steam for one hour.
Finish Plating And Serve
Carefully invert the bowl onto a plate. The braised pork should release with its glazed surface on top. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestion
Serve Dongpo Pork hot with plain rice and one light vegetable side.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.