Homestyle Bitter Melon Braised Pork Belly
A friend once cooked this dish, and the flavor was astonishing. When asked, I learned that the only seasonings used were soy sauce and rock sugar, along with a bit of salt. Other ingredients, like cooking wine and spices, are optional. As long as the cooking time and heat are well-controlled, it’s a virtually fail-proof recipe. Here’s the recipe organized for those who love eating both delicious and healthy food.
Ingredients
Steps
Preparation 1: Remove seeds from the bitter melon, cut into 5cm squares, and slice the ginger for later use.
Preparation 2: Choose high-quality pork belly and cut into 5cm squares.
Caramelize sugar and fry the pork: Over medium heat, add rock sugar to heated oil to caramelize, then add the pork belly cubes and stir-fry until coated with the caramel.
Season and sauté: Lower the heat and continue stirring. Add soy sauce, ginger slices, star anise, cinnamon, and cooking wine in sequence. Then add water and cook for a few minutes.
Braised bitter melon: Once the meat is almost cooked, add the bitter melon and cover the pot. Continue cooking over medium heat. Add salt to taste and some dried chili if desired.
Reduce the sauce over high heat and serve.