Braised pork belly that's fatty but not greasy

Method

1. 01

   Step 1

   Buy pork belly with a good balance of lean and fat; it shouldn't be too lean or too fatty. Soak it in clean water for 2 hours and then wash it thoroughly.

   

2. 02

   Step 2

   Heat the pan and fry the pork belly until golden brown. This step is crucial. To make braised pork belly that is not greasy, do not add oil. The pork belly itself contains oil, which will be released during frying. This method results in a non-greasy and fragrant dish.

   

3. 03

   Step 3

   It looks like it's been fried until golden brown.

   

4. 04

   Step 4

   Put the fried meat into a bowl.

   

5. 05

   Step 5

   Look how much oil has been rendered out. Pour the excess oil into a bowl, leaving some to caramelize the sugar.

   

6. 06

   Step 6

   Add an appropriate amount of white sugar and caramelize it over medium-low heat.

   

7. 07

   Step 7

   After the caramel is cooked.

   

8. 08

   Step 8

   Pour in the pan-fried pork belly and stir-fry until it is browned.

   

9. 09

   Step 9

   Add scallions and ginger and stir-fry for one minute.

   

10. 10

    Step 10

    Add cooking wine and bay leaves, stir-fry for two minutes.

    

11. 11

    Step 11

    Add star anise, dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and cinnamon, then add an appropriate amount of hot water and simmer.

    

12. 12

    Step 12

    Add the cooked eggs, bring to a boil, skim off any foam with a spoon, and simmer over low heat for one hour.

    

13. 13

    Step 13

    Add salt to taste after one hour, simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, then turn off the heat.

    

14. 14

    Step 14

    This braised pork belly is fatty yet not greasy. It's especially delicious when you make it yourself, and it's also great as a meat sandwich.