Cherry & Dennis Helper Habitat

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork

東坡肉

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — finished dish

Total time: 185 min
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 servings

Recipe overview

Large pork belly squares become tender in a slow Shaoxing wine and soy braise.

01

Ingredients

Main ingredients

900 g skin-on pork belly
6 stalks spring onions
50 g ginger

Braising liquid

350 ml Shaoxing wine
100 ml light soy sauce
30 ml dark soy sauce
70 g rock sugar
250 ml water

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — ingredients

02

Tools

heavy lidded pot
string for tying pork
knife and chopping board
tongs
food thermometer
blanching pot
slotted spoon
bamboo skewer

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — tools

03

Steps

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 1. Cut pork belly into four large square blocks and tie each loosely

Step 1

1. Cut pork belly into four large square blocks and tie each loosely

Cut pork belly into four large square blocks and tie each loosely with kitchen string.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 2. Blanch pork in boiling water 5 minutes, then rinse off foam and d

Step 2

2. Blanch pork in boiling water 5 minutes, then rinse off foam and d

Blanch pork in boiling water 5 minutes, then rinse off foam and drain.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 3. Line the bottom of a heavy pot with spring onions and thick ginge

Step 3

3. Line the bottom of a heavy pot with spring onions and thick ginge

Line the bottom of a heavy pot with spring onions and thick ginger slices.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 4. Place pork blocks skin-side down over the aromatics.

Step 4

4. Place pork blocks skin-side down over the aromatics.

Place pork blocks skin-side down over the aromatics.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 5. Add Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, rock sugar and water around the po

Step 5

5. Add Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, rock sugar and water around the po

Add Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, rock sugar and water around the pork.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 6. Bring to a boil and skim any remaining foam.

Step 6

6. Bring to a boil and skim any remaining foam.

Bring to a boil and skim any remaining foam.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 7. Cover tightly and simmer on very low heat for 90 minutes.

Step 7

7. Cover tightly and simmer on very low heat for 90 minutes.

Cover tightly and simmer on very low heat for 90 minutes.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 8. Turn the pork carefully so skin faces up without tearing it.

Step 8

8. Turn the pork carefully so skin faces up without tearing it.

Turn the pork carefully so skin faces up without tearing it.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 9. Continue simmering 45 to 55 minutes until a skewer enters easily.

Step 9

9. Continue simmering 45 to 55 minutes until a skewer enters easily.

Continue simmering 45 to 55 minutes until a skewer enters easily.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 10. Check the meat is fully cooked and at least 63°C at the centre.

Step 10

10. Check the meat is fully cooked and at least 63°C at the centre.

Check the meat is fully cooked and at least 63°C at the centre.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 11. Lift pork to a warm plate and reduce the braising liquid until gl

Step 11

11. Lift pork to a warm plate and reduce the braising liquid until gl

Lift pork to a warm plate and reduce the braising liquid until glossy.

Zhejiang Dongpo Pork — 12. Remove string, spoon sauce over each intact pork square and serve

Step 12

12. Remove string, spoon sauce over each intact pork square and serve

Remove string, spoon sauce over each intact pork square and serve hot.

Common mistakes

A vigorous boil breaks the pork into pieces.
Too little liquid can burn sugar on the pot base.
Do not count blanching as the final cooking stage.

Tips

Keep a low, steady simmer and add a little hot water only if the base begins to dry.