Chinese cuisine offers a vast array of flavors and cooking techniques that never fail to impress. One dish that stands out for its rich taste and tenderness is steamed pork belly Chinese style. This classic recipe combines succulent pork belly with aromatic seasonings to create a dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. Follow along to learn how to prepare this traditional Chinese delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen.
**Steam Pork Belly Chinese Style**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb pork belly, skin on
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, sliced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/2 tsp white pepper
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Start by preparing the pork belly. Rinse it under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the pork belly on a cutting board, skin side down. Using a sharp knife, score the meat in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin.
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, sliced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well to create the marinade for the pork belly.
3. Place the pork belly in a shallow dish, skin side up. Rub the marinade evenly over the meat, making sure to get it into the scored cuts. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the pork belly marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.
4. When you are ready to cook, remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature. Preheat your steamer over high heat.
5. Place the pork belly, skin side up, on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer. Pour any remaining marinade over the meat. Cover the steamer with a lid and carefully place it over the boiling water.
6. Steam the pork belly for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the thickness of the meat. Check the water level periodically and refill as needed to maintain the steam.
7. After the pork belly is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the steamer. Transfer the pork belly to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8. In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and sauté until fragrant. This will be the flavorful finishing touch for your dish.
9. To serve, slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle the fragrant green onion oil over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy this steamed pork belly Chinese style hot with steamed rice or accompany it with your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly combined with the savory and aromatic flavors of the marinade will surely become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish that embodies the essence of traditional Chinese cuisine.
