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Red Braised Pork, Mao’s Favorite Dish

When I was traveling in China, I was told to visit a very special restaurant in Shanghai. They said this restaurant specialized in “revolutionary dishes“. The place was called Mao Jia Cai or Mao’s Family Restaurant. 
They specialized in food from the Cultural Revolution, and in particular Mao’s favorite dish, red braised pork. It was incredible.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. Pork Belly
  • 2 tbsp. Peanut Oil
  • 2 tbsp. White Sugar
  • 1 tbsp. Shaoxing Wine
  • ¾- inch piece fresh Ginger skin left on and sliced
  • 1 Star anise
  • 4 dried red Chiles
  • Small piece Cassia bark or Cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp. Light Soy Sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 Bay Leaves optional

Equipment

  • Wok

Method
 

  1. Cut the pork belly into bite size chunks and put into a pan of boiling water and simmer for 2-3 minutes until partially cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. Heat the oil and sugar in a wok over a low flame until the sugar melts, then increase the heat and stir until the melted sugar turns a rich caramel brown. Add the pork and splash in the Shaoxing wine.
  3. Add just enough water to cover the pork, along with the ginger, star anise, chiles, and cinnamon. Bring to a soft boil then turn down the heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes.
  4. Turn up the heat to reduce the sauce until thick, and season with soy sauce, salt, and a little sugar to taste. Add the scallion greens just before serving.

Notes

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