Taiwanese braised minced pork, also known as "Lu Rou Fan" in Mandarin, is a quintessential Taiwanese dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. This tantalizing dish features tender minced pork braised in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, rice wine, and an array of aromatic spices. Often served over steamed rice or paired with a side of blanched vegetables, Taiwanese braised minced pork is a delectable and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned culinary enthusiast, this guide will lead you through the steps of creating an authentic and unforgettable Taiwanese braised minced pork dish that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Taiwan.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
INSTANT POT TAIWANESE BRAISED PORK
Make this Ultimate Classic Taiwanese Comfort Food - Instant Pot Taiwanese Braised Pork (Chinese: 滷肉飯; Lu Rou Fan)! Mouthful of savory-sweet-umami melt-in-the-mouth tender juicy pork belly rice is super comforting & satisfying to eat. You'll fall in love with the gorgeously flavorful Lu Rou Sauce.
Provided by Amy + Jacky
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Brown Pork Belly in Instant Pot: Heat up Instant Pot using "Sauté More" function. Wait until Instant Pot says "HOT" in order to induce a maillard reaction. Add 1 tsp (5ml) peanut oil in Instant Pot's inner pot, then ensure the whole bottom is coated with oil. Lightly season the pork belly's skin side with salt. Place pork belly's seasoned skin side down in Instant Pot. Brown pork belly for roughly 5 minutes per side. Lightly season the other side of pork belly with salt. Then, brown the pork belly's two thinner sides for 3 minutes per side. Set aside the browned pork belly.
- Optional Flavor Enhancing Step - Caramelize Sugar: Add 1.5 tbsp (22g) unsalted butter in Instant Pot, then ensure the whole bottom is coated with melted butter. Add 2 tbsp (29g) brown sugar, then stir very occasionally. *Pro Tip: Ensure the sugar reaches a deep caramelized color (see photo). This process will take ~1.5 - 2 mins.
- Saute Shallot and Garlic: Once the brown sugar has a deep brown color, add ¼ cup (60g) deep fried shallots (or minced shallot) in Instant Pot to stop the sugar from burning. Then, add in ginger slices and minced garlic. Saute for another minute.
- Deglaze: Pour 1 tbsp (15ml) Shaoxing wine and 1 cup (250ml) cold water in Instant Pot. Deglaze by scrubbing all the flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Give it a quick mix.
- Pressure Cook Pork Belly: Add in 2 - 3 (3g) star anise, 2 bay leaves, 3 tbsp (45ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) Chinese black vinegar, ½ tsp (0.8g) five-spice powder, ¼ tsp (1g) ground white pepper. Give it a quick mix, then turn off the heat. Slowly cut the pork belly into small strips (see photo), then place pork belly in Instant Pot, and give it a quick mix. *Pro Tip: Ensure the pork belly is partially submerged in the cooking liquid. Close lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 20 minutes + 10 minutes Natural Release. After 10 minutes, release the remaining pressure by turning the Venting Knob to Venting position. Carefully open the lid.
- Thicken Lu Rou Sauce: Remove & discard the star anise and bay leaves. *Pro Tip: If you want to add in soft or hard boiled eggs, add them at this stage. Bring the delicious content to a simmer with the "Saute More" function. Let the content simmer for 3 - 10 minutes to break down the meat & thicken the sauce. Stir occasionally.
- Season & Serve Taiwanese Braised Pork: Taste and season the Taiwanese Braised Pork Belly (for reference, we used 3 pinches of salt & ~1 tsp white sugar here to balance & further bring out the depths of flavors). Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, then serve on rice. Enjoy your delicious Classic Taiwanese Minced Pork!~ :)
Nutrition Facts : Calories 620 kcal, Carbohydrate 5 g, Protein 11 g, Fat 61 g, SaturatedFat 23 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Sodium 318 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving
TAIWANESE GROUND PORK AND PICKLED CUCUMBERS
This is a Taiwanese-style minced pork, usually eaten over rice with a vegetable. Can easily double or triple the recipe if needed.
Provided by CollinW
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Asian Chinese
Time 32m
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Mix rice wine, soy sauce paste, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper together in a bowl.
- Mix ground pork with brine from cucumbers together in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots; cook and stir until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add pork mixture; cook and stir until no longer pink, 3 to 4 minutes. Push pork and shallots to the sides of the skillet, making a space in the center. Add garlic, ginger, and star anise; stir.
- Pour water into the skillet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low; simmer until sauce reduces to about 1 cup. Stir in chopped cucumbers. Stir in rice wine mixture; cook until flavors combine, 4 to 6 minutes.
- Top pork mixture with sesame oil and green onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.2 calories, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 73.3 mg, Fat 23.8 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 22.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 1282 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
Tips:
- Choose the right cut of pork: Pork shoulder or pork belly are both good options for this dish, as they have a good amount of fat that will render out and flavor the pork.
- Brown the pork well: Browning the pork before braising it in the sauce will help to develop its flavor and give it a nice color.
- Use a variety of spices: The spices in this dish are essential for its flavor, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Some good options include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds.
- Let the pork braise for a long time: The longer the pork braises, the more tender and flavorful it will become. Aim for at least 2 hours, but you can braise it for up to 4 hours if you have the time.
- Serve the pork with rice: Taiwanese braised minced pork is traditionally served with rice, but it can also be served with noodles or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Taiwanese braised minced pork is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The pork is tender and flavorful, and the sauce is rich and savory. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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