Chinese red braised pork, also known as “hong shao rou,” is a rich and comforting dish that feels perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home. Tender cubes of pork belly are slowly simmered in a glossy sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and warm spices, creating a deep, savory-sweet flavor. The slow cooking process allows the pork to become melt-in-your-mouth soft while absorbing the aromatic sauce. This dish is traditionally served over steamed rice, making it an intimate and satisfying meal to share with someone special.
Ingredients :
1 lb of pork belly, cut into 1½-inch cubes
3 cloves of garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, sliced
2 table spoon of vegetable oil
3 table spoon of soy sauce
2 table spoon of dark soy sauce
2 table spoon of brown sugar
2 table spoon of rice wine or dry sherry
2 cups of water
2 whole star anise
1 cinnamon stick
3 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 table spoon of water (optional for thickening)
Cooking Directions:
Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the pork belly cubes and blanch for about 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain the pork and set it aside.
Step 2: In a deep pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until it melts and forms a light caramel.
Step 3: In a deep pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until it melts and forms a light caramel.
Step 4: Carefully add the blanched pork belly to the caramel. Stir well to coat each piece evenly with the sugar.
Step 5: Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and rice wine. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Add the water and spring onions. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60–75 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pork becomes tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir gently.
Step 9: (Optional)If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Step 10: Remove from heat and serve hot over steamed rice for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner.
Why This Is the Perfect Valentine’s Day Dish
Chinese red braised pork is the perfect Valentine’s Day dish because it combines deep, comforting flavors with a slow-cooked tenderness that feels luxurious and special. The rich, glossy sauce symbolizes warmth and indulgence, while the melt-in-your-mouth pork creates a truly intimate dining experience. Its balance of sweet and savory flavors mirrors the harmony of a romantic evening, making it ideal for sharing over candlelight. Best of all, this dish feels elegant and impressive without being complicated, allowing you to focus on enjoying a meaningful meal with the person you love.