Chinese Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou): A Classic Comfort Dish Made Easy

There’s nothing more iconic in Chinese home cooking than Hong Shao Rou — tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly simmered in a glossy, caramelized soy-based sauce. Rich, savory, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic, this dish captures the heart of traditional Chinese flavors.

At 52USA, we carry the authentic ingredients you need — from star anise to soy sauce and mirin — so you can recreate restaurant-quality dishes right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender pork belly
• Deep, aromatic flavors from star anise
• Beautiful caramelized sauce
• Uses everyday pantry staples from 52USA
• Perfect with steamed rice or noodles

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 lb pork belly, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsp soy sauce 
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 2 tbsp mirin 
• 2 star anise 
• 1 small piece ginger, sliced
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup water
• Optional: green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Sear the Pork Belly

Heat a pan over medium-high. Add pork belly pieces and sear until lightly browned. This helps release the fat and builds flavor.

2. Caramelize the Sugar

Push the pork aside and sprinkle in the sugar. Let it melt and turn slightly golden — this gives Hong Shao Rou its signature gloss and sweetness.

3. Add Aromatics & Sauce

Stir in ginger, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, mirin, and star anise. Mix well until the pork is evenly coated.

4. Simmer Low & Slow

Pour in 1 cup of water. Cover and simmer for 50–60 minutes until the pork is tender and the sauce reduces.

5. Reduce Until Glossy

Uncover and let the sauce bubble until thickened and sticky. Spoon over rice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice
• Pair with stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli
• Add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness
• Garnish with sliced green onions

Key Products

Explore more essentials at 52USA and elevate your home cooking with real flavors from Asia.