Braised Pork with Crispy Cucumber and Mushrooms (脆瓜蘑菇紅燒肉)
脆瓜蘑菇紅燒肉, or Braised Pork with Crispy Cucumber and Mushrooms, is a delectable dish that combines the rich flavors of braised pork with the fresh, crisp texture of cucumbers and the earthy taste of mushrooms. This dish is a wonderful example of the balance and harmony in flavors and textures that Chinese cuisine is known for. Here's how to make it at home.
Ingredients
For the Braised Pork:
- 500 g pork belly cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce for color
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cups water or chicken stock
For the Vegetables:
- 2 medium cucumbers sliced into half-moons
- 200 g mushrooms such as shiitake or button, sliced
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Pork:
- Blanch the pork belly in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Pork:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or wok over medium heat. Add the pork belly pieces and fry until they turn golden brown.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and ginger slices to the pot. Sauté until fragrant.
Add Seasonings:
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Mix well to coat the pork evenly.
Braise the Pork:
- Add water or chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the pork is braising, prepare the cucumbers and mushrooms. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons and the mushrooms. Sprinkle the cucumbers with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Combine Pork, Cucumber, and Mushrooms:
- Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened, add the cucumber slices and mushroom slices to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through but still crisp.
Serve:
- Remove from heat and discard the star anise and cinnamon stick.
- Serve the Braised Pork with Crispy Cucumber and Mushrooms hot, ideally with steamed rice.
