In the heart of cozy home cooking lies the tradition of slow-cooked dishes that warm your soul as much as they do your belly. Nothing embodies this more than the rich flavors and tender textures of Chinese Stewed Pork Hock. This delicious recipe marries the robust aroma of fragrant spices with the melt-in-your-mouth pork hock, creating a dish that speaks volumes of comfort and home. Let’s dive into the recipe for this flavorful and hearty delight.
**Chinese Stewed Pork Hock**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 pork hocks, skin on
– 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
– 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
– 2 star anise
– 3 dried red chilies
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 4 cups water
– Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
– White rice (to serve)
**Instructions:**
1. Begin by scoring the pork hocks with a sharp knife, ensuring you cut through the skin but not all the way to the meat.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, dry roast the star anise and dried red chilies until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the ginger and garlic to the pot and continue to stir for another minute until aromatic.
4. Place the pork hocks in the pot, skin side down, and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Stir well to coat the pork hocks in the flavorful mixture.
6. Add the water to the pot, ensuring that the pork hocks are fully submerged. Bring the liquid to a boil.
7. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the pork hocks simmer gently for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. After the pork hocks are tender and the meat is falling off the bone, remove them from the pot and set aside.
9. Increase the heat to medium-high and reduce the sauce until it thickens to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.
10. Return the pork hocks to the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
11. Serve the Chinese Stewed Pork Hock hot over steamed white rice, garnished with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
Delight in the succulent meat, rich sauce, and fragrant spices that make this dish a standout on any dinner table. The beauty of slow-cooked meals lies not just in the flavors but also in the memories they create as you savor each bite. So, gather your loved ones around, and let the comforting aroma of Chinese Stewed Pork Hock fill your home with warmth and happiness. Enjoy the simple pleasures of good food and good company with this unforgettable recipe.
