Braised Pork Rice Recipe – Taiwan's Comfort Food

Name: Braised Pork Rice
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Taiwan
Ingredients: cilantro for garnish; cloves garlic; dark soy sauce; dried shiitake mushrooms soaked in warm water until soft then; g pork belly; hard eggs; mushroom soaking liquid; onion; pickled mustard greens for serving; rice wine; shaoxing wine; soy sauce; spice powder; steamed white rice for serving; sugar; vegetable oil; water

Braised Pork Rice, known as 'Lu Rou Fan' in Taiwan, is a beloved comfort dish featuring tender pork belly simmered in a savory sauce. Often enjoyed as a quick meal or during family gatherings, it's a staple in Taiwanese cuisine that embodies the island's rich culinary heritage.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~450 kcal / serving

Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) pork belly, finely diced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in warm water until soft, then chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup dark soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine or Shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon five-spice powder
1 cup water or mushroom soaking liquid
3-4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled (optional)
Steamed white rice, for serving
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Pickled mustard greens (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Pork

Finely dice the pork belly into small cubes.

Cook the Pork

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Add the diced pork belly and cook until the fat is rendered and the pork is browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and chopped shiitake mushrooms, and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Seasonings

Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, and five-spice powder. Mix well to coat the pork and aromatics evenly.

Simmer the Pork

Pour in the water or mushroom soaking liquid and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pork is tender and the flavors are well melded.

Add the Eggs (Optional)

If using, add the peeled hard-boiled eggs to the pot during the last 20 minutes of simmering. The eggs will absorb the flavors of the braising liquid.

Serve

Serve the braised pork over steamed white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with pickled mustard greens on the side, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Braised Pork Rice?

Braised Pork Rice is a Taiwanese dish made with diced pork belly braised in a flavorful sauce, served over rice.

Where does Braised Pork Rice come from?

Braised Pork Rice originates from Taiwan and is a popular street food and home-cooked meal.

What are the main ingredients in Braised Pork Rice?

Key ingredients include pork belly, soy sauce, rice wine, garlic, onion, and shiitake mushrooms.

How long does Braised Pork Rice take to make?

It takes about 80-100 minutes to prepare Braised Pork Rice.

What do you serve with Braised Pork Rice?

Serve Braised Pork Rice with pickled vegetables or a side of steamed greens for a complete meal.

Braised Pork Rice