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Pork Stew Recipe Chinese Style
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Pork Stew Recipe Chinese-Style

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Stew Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 750 grams pork shoulder +/-梅花肉 +/- 750 grams
  • 2 carrots 2个大胡萝卜 large
  • 1 onion 1个大洋葱 large
  • 1 tomato 1 个番茄
  • 4 cloves garlic 4瓣大蒜, 切大块 cut into chunks
  • 2 slices ginger 2片姜
  • 2-3 tablespoon cooking oil 2-3汤匙食用油

Spices

  • 2 bay leaves 2片月桂叶
  • 1 star anise 1八角茴香
  • 6-8 cardamom 6-8小豆蔻

Seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4茶匙盐
  • 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar 1/4茶匙红糖
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1汤匙生抽
  • 1/2 teaspoon dark sweet soy sauce 1/2茶匙老抽
  • 125 ml water 1/2杯/125毫升水 1/2 cup

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients

  • Cut the carrots, onions, and tomatoes into large chunks. Cut the pork into thick chunks for better texture during cooking.
    Rinse the spices to remove any dirt or impurities before cooking. Then pat the dry with a paper towel.

Cook the ingredients

  • Heat oil in a pot. Add the garlic, ginger, and spices. Sauté until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn—cook until it turns golden brown at the edges. Add the pork to the pot and sear on one side until it turns golden brown.
  • Add the carrots, onions, tomatoes, and all the seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 hours. After 1.5 hours, open the lid and simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  • The pork should be tender enough to fall apart easily.

Notes

  • Use Pork Shoulder or Belly
Opt for pork shoulder or pork belly rather than lean cuts. These cuts become more tender and flavorful with longer cooking times due to their higher fat content and marbling. Lean cuts, on the other hand, can become tough and rubbery when cooked for extended periods
  • Sear the Pork for Better Flavor
Searing the pork on one side until golden brown creates a Maillard reaction, adding depth and complexity to the flavor of the meat. 
  • Adjust the Cooking Time for Tenderness
If you prefer the pork to be more tender, allow it to simmer for an extra 30 minutes. For a firmer texture, reduce the simmering time.
  • Add Aromatic Spices Early
Sauteing the garlic, ginger, and spices before adding other ingredients releases their essential oils, infusing the dish with a more intense flavor. Just be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  • Balance the Sweetness of Tomatoes
If your tomatoes are too acidic, a small pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor and bring out their natural sweetness without overpowering the dish.