Authentic Braised Pork Rice (卤肉饭) at Home

How to Make Authentic Braised Pork Rice (卤肉饭) at Home

Braised Pork Rice, or 卤肉饭, is a beloved comfort dish in many Asian households. Its rich, savory-sweet flavor, combined with tender pork belly and fragrant aromatics, makes it an irresistible meal. In this guide, we’ll walk through a step-by-step recipe to help you recreate this traditional dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make a delicious bowl of Braised Pork Rice, you’ll need:

500 grams pork belly (for a perfect balance of meat and fat)

Small shallots (enhances aroma and depth of flavor)

Garlic cloves (adds a rich, savory element)

Hard-boiled eggs (absorbs the flavorful braising liquid)

30 grams white sugar (balances the savory components)

Oyster sauce & soy sauce (for umami and depth)

Rice wine (adds a subtle sweetness and complexity)

500 milliliters water (for proper braising consistency)

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Start by chopping the pork belly into small cubes, finely slicing the shallots, and mincing the garlic. Hard-boil the eggs and set them aside for later use.

2. Frying the Shallots

Heat a pan over medium heat and fry the sliced shallots until golden brown. This step is crucial, as it releases natural sugars, enhancing the dish's overall umami and fragrance. Set the fried shallots aside for garnishing.

3. Rendering the Pork Fat

In the same pan, add the cubed pork belly and cook until the fat begins to render. This process ensures a rich and flavorful dish, as the fat helps to coat the ingredients and develop deeper flavors.

4. Building the Flavor Base

Once the pork is slightly browned, add the minced garlic. Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

5. Creating the Braising Liquid

Add sugar, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and rice wine to the pan. Stir well, allowing the ingredients to caramelize slightly before adding water. This balance of sweet and savory elements is what makes Braised Pork Rice so satisfying.

6. Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender and flavorful pork.

7. Final Reduction

After simmering, increase the heat slightly to reduce the sauce. This step intensifies the flavors and thickens the sauce, making it perfect for coating the pork and rice.

8. Adding the Final Touches

Place the hard-boiled eggs into the sauce and let them absorb the rich braising liquid for a few minutes. Garnish the dish with crispy fried shallots for extra texture and aroma.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the braised pork over a bowl of freshly steamed rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains. Pair it with pickled vegetables or a side of greens for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Key Cooking Tips

✔ Choose the Right Cut of Pork: Pork belly is the best choice due to its balance of fat and meat, which ensures tenderness and richness.

✔ Take Your Time with Shallots: Frying shallots properly enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the dish.

✔ Layer Your Flavors: Adding garlic after the pork prevents burning, allowing its aroma to shine through without overpowering the dish.

✔ Balance the Sweet & Savory Notes: The combination of sugar, oyster sauce, and soy sauce creates the perfect umami-packed flavor profile.

✔ Slow Cook for Best Results: Letting the pork simmer for an extended period enhances the tenderness and allows the flavors to develop fully.

Why This Dish is So Popular

Braised Pork Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a representation of comfort food across many Asian cultures. The slow-cooked, flavorful pork combined with a rich, aromatic sauce makes it an all-time favorite. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Try making it at home and experience the joy of crafting an authentic and hearty dish!