Dongpo Pork

Method

1. 01

   Step 1

   Cut the pork belly into palm-sized pieces.

   

2. 02

   Step 2

   Place the pot in cold water, add scallions, ginger, and cooking wine. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.

   

3. 03

   Step 3

   After cooling, cut the meat into pieces. I personally prefer to cut the meat while leaving the skin on, which makes subsequent processing easier.

   

4. 04

   Step 4

   Take a clay pot and line the bottom with scallions and ginger slices.

   

5. 05

   Step 5

   Place the pork belly skin-side down.

   

6. 06

   Step 6

   Add star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and rock sugar. Rock sugar is best, but white sugar can be used instead if unavailable.

   

7. 07

   Step 7

   Add water to cover the pork, then add dark soy sauce and cooking wine.

   

8. 08

   Step 8

   Cover and simmer over low heat for one and a half to two hours.

   

9. 09

   Step 9

   By this time, the water has mostly evaporated. Open the lid, turn the pig over, use a knife to cut the skin into strips, and add hot water. Cover and simmer for another hour and a half.

   

10. 10

    Step 10

    Simmer until the pork skin can be easily pierced with chopsticks. Remove from heat and serve.