Lu Rou Fan (Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice)

Experience the comforting and savory flavors of Taiwanese cuisine with Lu Rou Fan, a classic dish featuring tender, slow-braised pork served over steamed rice. With its rich, aromatic sauce and slightly sweet undertones, this dish is a staple of Taiwanese home cooking and street food culture.

Ingredients

• 500 grams pork belly, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine
• 2 teaspoons sugar (preferably rock sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 star anise
• 1 cup water or light broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Steamed white rice, for serving
• Pickled mustard greens or sliced cucumbers, for garnish (optional)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatics

   Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant and lightly golden.

2. Brown the Pork

   Add the pork belly cubes to the pot. Cook until the pork is lightly browned and some fat is rendered, stirring occasionally.

3. Add Seasonings and Simmer

   Stir in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, five-spice powder, and star anise. Mix well to coat the pork evenly. Pour in water or light broth, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

4. Serve

   Spoon steamed white rice into bowls and top generously with the braised pork and sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and pickled mustard greens or cucumbers, if desired.

Serving

Lu Rou Fan is perfect as a comforting solo meal or as part of a larger Taiwanese-inspired dinner. Its rich, umami-packed pork and savory sauce pair beautifully with simple steamed vegetables or a side of soup. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of Taiwan in every bite.