Chinese Red Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

Tender Chinese red braised pork belly, or Hong Shao Rou, simmered with soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, doubanjiang, brown sugar, and rock sugar, then reduced until the pork is coated in a rich, savory-sweet, glossy sauce.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb pork belly, cut into 1–1.5 inch cubes
• 4–5 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1–2 tbsp chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
• 1–2 tbsp brown sugar (or rock sugar)
• 2–3 tbsp michiu (rice wine)
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• ~1 1/2 cups water (enough to mostly cover pork belly)
• (Optional) 1–2 dried red chili peppers
• (Optional) Chopped green onions, for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Heat a large pot or wok over medium...: Heat a large pot or wok over medium heat with a small amount of cooking oil. Add garlic, brown sugar, and dried red chili peppers if using. Cook briefly, stirring, until fragrant and the sugar begins to melt.
2. 2Add pork belly and brown on multiple sides...: Add pork belly and brown on multiple sides until lightly caramelized.
3. 3Add chili bean paste and stir to coat...: Add chili bean paste and stir to coat the pork.
4. 4Transfer to a clay pot if desired, or...: Transfer to a clay pot if desired, or continue using the same pot. Add rice wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and enough water to mostly cover the pork. Stir to combine.
5. 5Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to...: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender. For extra-soft pork belly, simmer for 75 to 90 minutes. Add a little additional water if needed during cooking.
6. 6Once the pork is tender, remove the lid...: Once the pork is tender, remove the lid and increase heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces into a thick, glossy sauce that coats the pork.
7. 7Garnish with green onions if desired and serve...: Garnish with green onions if desired and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.