Photo from pinterest.com

Lu Rou Fan, a classic Taiwanese dish, is a delightful combination of aromatic braised pork belly served over a bed of steaming rice. Its rich, savory flavors and tender meat make it a beloved comfort food in Taiwan. If you're eager to bring the taste of Taiwan to your kitchen, follow our step-by-step Lu Rou Fan recipe and embark on a culinary journey.

Ingredients:

For the Braised Pork Belly:

1 lb (450g) pork belly, skin-on, cut into small cubes

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 shallots, finely chopped

2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons light soy sauce

2 tablespoons rock sugar (or brown sugar)

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise

3-4 slices of ginger

1 cup water

For the Rice and Garnish:

2 cups of jasmine rice

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Hard-boiled eggs (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Preparing the Pork Belly:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots. Sauté until fragrant and golden brown.

Add the cubed pork belly to the skillet. Cook until the meat is lightly browned.

Pour in the Shaoxing wine and stir to deglaze the pan.

Add both dark and light soy sauce, rock sugar, cinnamon stick, star anise, and ginger slices. Stir well to evenly coat the pork.

Pour in the water, ensuring the pork is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary to keep the pork moist and tender. The pork should become melt-in-your-mouth soft.

Cooking the Rice:

While the pork is simmering, rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to the package instructions.

Assembling Lu Rou Fan:

Once the pork is tender and the sauce has thickened (it should have a glossy consistency), remove the cinnamon stick, star anise, and ginger slices.

To serve, scoop a generous portion of braised pork belly and its sauce over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice.

Garnish with chopped green onions and, if desired, sliced hard-boiled eggs.

Enjoy Your Homemade Lu Rou Fan:

Now you can savor the authentic flavors of Taiwan with your homemade Lu Rou Fan. This beloved Taiwanese dish is a culinary masterpiece that combines sweet, savory, and aromatic elements into a truly delightful meal. Share it with friends and family, and enjoy the comforting taste of Taiwan right at home.