Dry braised eggs with pork belly—a seemingly simple dish that explodes with rich, savory flavor. This comforting classic from Chinese cuisine is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort than you might think. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, infused with fragrant soy sauce and spices, perfectly complements the subtly sweet and firm texture of the braised eggs. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, a dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy cooking times; this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with a fraction of the fuss. The rich, flavorful sauce coats both the pork belly and the eggs, making every bite a delectable experience. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious Dry Braised Eggs with Pork Belly.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Pot
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Pork belly: 500 grams
- Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 2 tablespoons (finely pounded)
- Pepper
- Coriander root
- Unrefined granulated sugar
- Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Water
- Salty dark soy sauce: 0.5 tablespoon
- Sweet dark soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Roasted star gooseberry
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons
- Star anise: 2 pieces
- Cinnamon: 1 piece
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Eggs and Aromatics
- Boil eggs until cooked through (approximately 10 minutes).
- Peel the boiled eggs.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan. Add 2 tablespoons of pounded garlic, pepper, and coriander root; stir-fry until fragrant.
Step 2. Brown the Pork and Build Flavor
- Add unrefined granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir-fry until sugar dissolves, adding a little water if needed.
- Add 500 grams of pork belly (cut into large pieces) and stir-fry until firm.
- Add boiled eggs and stir-fry gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Add water to cover the eggs. Add 2 tablespoons of sweet soy sauce and 0.5 tablespoon of salty soy sauce.
- Add 2 tablespoons of seasoning sauce and stir-fry until well mixed.
Step 3. Simmer to Perfection
- Add about half the remaining water, 2 pieces of star anise, and 1 piece of cinnamon.
- Close the lid and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Add 2 more tablespoons of fish sauce.
- Close the lid and continue simmering for 1-1.5 hours, stirring every 15-20 minutes and adding water as needed to maintain moisture.
Step 4. Serve
- Once the pork belly is soft, turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Thai Beef Stew with Rice: A Melts-in-Your-Mouth Recipe
Tips
- The eggs should be very chewy and soft.
- Adjust the amount of fish sauce to your taste.
- The sauce should be thick and rich; it can be dry.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of pork instead of pork belly?
While pork belly provides the best melt-in-your-mouth texture, you can substitute with pork shoulder or even a fatty cut of pork loin. Keep in mind the cooking time may need adjustment.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a few slices of fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes to the braising liquid for extra heat. Alternatively, use a spicier soy sauce.
3. What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried greens, or even noodles. It's also delicious on its own!
This simple yet flavorful Dry Braised Eggs with Pork Belly recipe is a testament to the magic of Chinese cooking. Enjoy the satisfying combination of tender pork and perfectly braised eggs, a dish guaranteed to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience a taste of authentic home-style Chinese comfort food.